On the CMP website they specify that some of the bulk ammo they sell attracts a magnet. I assume this means that the cases are steel?

Someone told me they specify this because the manufacturers would varnish the cases to prevent rust, and the varnish could gum up the works on a rifle.

Is the above correct? Is there any other significance to the ferrous cases? This includes the Lake City ammo, which surprised me.

Thanks,
Steve

More than likely, they're referring to the ammo being steel cased. But, if it includes LC, then they might be eluding to the ammo being steel cored.

mike

There have been steel jackets [Norma's Tri-clad], steel cases, and steel cores [AP type].The steel cases can have varnish for rust prevention.

some ranges dont allow use of steel core bullets or armour piercing bullets

quote:

On the CMP website they specify that some of the bulk ammo they sell attracts a magnet. I assume this means that the cases are steel?

Either the case or the bullet! I bought some GECO 9mm Steyr pistol ammo once that had cupronickel-clad steel jacketed bullets. It sure attracted a magnet!

Steel cases are not always varnished, quite often they are copper washed which is a method of very lightly plating the case with copper, a lot of the Chinese 7.62x39 steel casings were copper washed ,the Russians and Germans also used it extensively during ww2.

I think that they are referring to the bullet which means that it is a mild steel core with plating over it. There might be more barrel wear with this ammo that lead core which is why they mention it. Kudude