A Guide to Steel vs. Brass Ammo

When it comes to choosing the right ammo, the debate between steel and brass often pops up. Which one is better for your firearm, and what’s the difference? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about steel vs. brass ammo so you can make the best choice for your next trip to the range.

Steel and brass ammo differ mainly in the materials used for the cartridge casing. A cartridge casing is the part of ammunition that holds everything together — the primer, gunpowder, and the bullet itself.

When you fire a round, the casing stays in the gun's chamber while the bullet is propelled out of the barrel. Afterward, the casing is ejected. Let’s take a closer look at how steel and brass ammo characteristics differ.

Steel ammo first gained popularity during World War II when brass shortages pushed military forces to seek alternative materials. Steel was more abundant and cheaper to produce, making it a practical choice for manufacturing large quantities of ammunition quickly. Today, it remains a popular, budget-friendly option for civilian shooters, especially in countries where affordability is a priority.

Steel ammo can be less reliable in feeding and extraction than brass because its harder, less flexible casing doesn't provide the same level of expansion and contraction during firing. This can lead to potential jams or failures to eject.

Steel-cased ammunition is typically less accurate than its brass counterpart. This is because steel casings don’t expand as consistently in the chamber, which can affect the overall performance and stability of the round as it’s fired.

One significant drawback of steel-cased ammo is that it cannot be reloaded. Unlike brass, which is easy to resize and reuse, steel is much more difficult to work with, limiting its longevity and reusability for shooters who prefer reloading their own rounds.

Steel ammo is highly durable and less prone to physical damage than softer metals. However, it’s more susceptible to rust if not stored correctly. Without proper care and moisture control, steel casings can corrode over time, which can impact functionality.

Steel doesn’t expand or contract smoothly when fired. his lack of malleability can negatively affect the ammo’s performance and your firearm’s lifespan because the inconsistent fit may cause increased wear and tear on critical components.

Brass ammo has been the standard for ammunition casings since the 19th century. It was first used in military and hunting ammunition and became the gold standard as firearms technology advanced. Today, brass ammo remains the top choice for shooters who prioritize quality and consistent performance.

Brass ammo is known for its reliable feeding and extraction because it is more flexible than steel. This smooth operation significantly reduces the chances of jams or misfires, making brass-cased ammo a preferred choice for many shooters.

Brass behaves consistently under pressure, meaning each round performs similarly. This consistency in casing expansion and contraction leads to more predictable trajectories, making brass ammo more accurate than steel-cased rounds.

One of the main advantages of brass ammo is that it can be reloaded if you know how to do so safely. Brass is easier to resize and reuse, making it a popular choice for reloaders who want to save money or customize their ammunition for specific purposes.

Brass has natural corrosion-resistant properties that help it perform well in various environmental conditions. They’re more likely to withstand wear and tear and maintain their reliability and accuracy.

Brass is more flexible than steel, which means it can expand and contract more smoothly when fired. This flexibility results in a better seal in the chamber, enhanced firearm operation, and reduced weapon strain, ultimately improving firearm performance and lifespan.

Wondering whether steel or brass ammo is the better choice for your firearm? It’s a question a lot of shooters have, and the answer depends on what characteristics you prefer. To help you decide, we’ve put together a quick comparison table covering the key factors to consider.

Choosing between brass-cased and steel-cased ammo really comes down to what you're using it for and what matters most to you: cost or performance. If you’re looking to save money and want something for casual target practice, steel ammo can be a great budget-friendly option. It gets the job done, especially if you’re not too worried about the long-term effects on your gun or pinpoint accuracy.

If you’re after reliability, smoother performance, and more accuracy, brass ammo is the way to go. It’s gentler on your firearm, reduces the chances of jams, and is reloadable, which can save you money in the long run.

At the end of the day, choosing between steel and brass ammo comes down to preference. Both have their place on the range, so don’t hesitate to test them out and see what works best for you and your firearm. If you’ve made your decision and are ready to stock up, check out the ammunition available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!