What "brass" is this?

[6622729]

I was given a bag of brass from the shooting range and separated the 223/5.56, large brass and all handgun. In the process I came up with about 30 of these copper colored, oversize rim, magnetic base, pieces of "brass". They're about the size of .308. The head only says 188 and 77. Does anyone know what they are for?

[reed1911]

7.62x54R

[Mica_Hiebert]

7.62x54r or 303 brit Most 303 is brass tho so my guess in nagant ammo.

[bullet maker 57]

Copper washed steel 7.62x54R.

[2wheelDuke]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62%C3%9754mmR

[6622729]

It's not 7.62 X 54 as it has an exaggerated base diameter. It's not copper washed steel because only the base is magnetic. Other ideas?

[Teddy (punchie)]

Yep Russian ; I would had to look up the size but see it has been done.

[Beaver Scout]

That looks like one I have, copper washed, aluminum. I have one in my junk pile as well, will have to look at it and get back with pics and info.

[dolfinwriter]

It's not 7.62 X 54 as it has an exaggerated base diameter. It's not copper washed steel because only the base is magnetic. Other ideas?

That exaggerated base diameter is what the "R" is for in 7.62 x 54R. It means Rimmed.

I haven't taken a magnet to any of my spent steel cases, but that looks like some of the Russian spam can surplus stuff in steel cases and Berdan primers.

[Mike Z]

Russian 7.62 X 54
http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=headstampcodes

[6622729]

Russian 7.62 X 54
http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=headstampcodes

Ok so I can believe the 188 on the headstamp means: Novosibirsk Low Voltage Equipment Plant JSC, 30A Stantsionnaya St., Novosibirsk 630031, Russia. It would make sense based on size to be 7.62 x 54 rimmed. It's wierd that only the base is magnetic. The case mouth appears annealed (unless that is a heat mark from firing) so I doubt it's copper washed aluminum.

[deepwater]

I enlarged the picture you posted. Unless there is debris, it looks like something is going on, like some joint between the head and the body. Is it possible that the head is steel (to hold the primer) and it is swaged/crimped onto a non-ferrous body?

[6622729]

I enlarged the picture you posted. Unless there is debris, it looks like something is going on, like some joint between the head and the body. Is it possible that the head is steel (to hold the primer) and it is swaged/crimped onto a non-ferrous body?

Yes I would say this is aluminum body that has been copper washed crimped to a steel base. I ran them through the tumbler yesterday and the case mouth appears to be aluminum color on the edge. I don't want to just throw them away if they are rare and someone can use them.

[GONRA]

GONRA sez its exactly as reed1911, bulletmaker57 and dolfinwriter say.
This stuff was imported by the container full from the Pease Loving Socialist Bloc.
Same fired cases, same headstamp, are all over rifle ranges.
Itsa copper washed STEEL case possibly fired in a slopper-than-usual chamber.

[6622729]

GONRA sez its exactly as reed1911, bulletmaker57 and dolfinwriter say.
This stuff was imported by the container full from the Pease Loving Socialist Bloc.
Same fired cases, same headstamp, are all over rifle ranges.
Itsa copper washed STEEL case possibly fired in a slopper-than-usual chamber.


Only the base is magnetic.

[runfiverun]

you need strength in the base for extraction.
ACTIVE done the same thing with their plastic shells.
they wrapped a steel base disc with plastic and pressure formed the rest of the hull into shape from there.

I'd take a grinder to one and see how they done it here [just for informational purposes]
grinding into it will reveal the base material and give you a good idea what the rest of the case is made from.

[Beaver Scout]

From my "secret" stash of information, this is from the Small-Caliber Ammunition Identification Guide by the Defense Intelligence Agency. If I could work my mouse better the highlighting would be better, but that's the part that you want to read.165031

[jimofaz]

+1 on Cu-washed (flash plated) steel 7.62x54R

[jimofaz]

Forgot to mention that this Russian ammo is Berdan primed. Makes it a bit harder for the comrades to reload the fired 'brass'.

[6622729]

Nope. It's non ferrous, non magnetic except for the base. It appears it is copper washed aluminum swaged to a steel base. I do think it is a version of 7.62 X 54R. As no one was all excited it must not be something anyone can use so I'll just toss them in the garbage as I have no use for them either. I just didn't want to throw something away someone here might have been able to use.

[I'll Make Mine]

Reloading aluminum cases is generally considered inadvisable. Aluminum is even more prone to case failure than steel, and can't be effectively annealed (annealing steel isn't as easy as annealing brass, but it's possible). Add to that a joint where the aluminum is swaged onto a steel head, and you've got disaster just a reload or two down the road. If you're lucky, you'll only get a head separation that leaves a case body stuck in the chamber (though in a bolt action, you're more headed for having to use a hammer to open the action).

[Nueces]

Section the case lengthwise and all will be revealed.

[GONRA]

GONRA sez - do wot Nueces suggests
and get this "Aluminum Case" nonsense over with....

[kosmos007]

Excuse me for my bad english ... I'm from Russia ...!)
It 7,62x54R made in Novosibirsk at the LVE plant.
Judging by the marking on the case is a military munition....
Shell type "GZH" (original "ГЖ") - bimetallic shell (mild steel (low carbon content) on one or both sides covered with red brass (90% Cu + 10% Zn) thickness of 4% -6% of the steel thickness).
Primer Berdan type, to increase the shelf life primer crimped and sealed with varnish... To replace such a primer is very difficult, it's easier not to use a second time...
I would not used it again ... it's not safe .... they often breaks...

[EDG]

Saw the case in two and check the chips with a magnet.
If you are using a weak magnet you will not get much attraction on the thin case wall.