Cartridge cases

[Dawes]

Most cartridge cases used by the US militarey today are made from brass, with some medium calibers (25mm, 30mm) using aluminum. Russia and most of the former East Bloc nations use steel. Steel would probably be a bit cheaper than brass, but is more susceptible to corrosion.

Since steel seems to work well for the Russians in terms of cost and performance, why hasn't more use of this material been made in the US for ammo casings? Is it too hard on the internal mechanisms of weapons? Also, I don't think it lends itself to reloading.

 

[Carburize]

I don't think the military are worried about re-loading ammunition!

 

[arunmrao]

Brass is a candidate material for this application as it is easily formed and can be stored for longer periods of time without it reacting with the internal constituents. Also the ballistic tests performed are consistent and satisfactory. A few years ago I had an opportunity to be associated with one such unit in India. To my knowledge, the former East European companies also manufacture machines suitable for brass . There were some problems in adapting these machines to brass of Indian origin. Cracks were noticed and they were not getting stress relieved easily.

The weaponry is also designed for brass as steel will be harder and has a lower density.

 

[EdStainless]

Very large cases (5" guns) are Al also to save weight. One other advantage of brass is that you don't need lubricants. The lubricants and rust preventives on the steel cases tend to collect dirt and dust making jamming an issue. That is one reason that AK's are built 'loose'.

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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[steelmaking]

Steel cartriges are produced from steel grades similar to SAE 1006, 1008 or 1010 ( suitable for deep drawing ) with copper or other cover for rust protection.