First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case Review

First Impressions of First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case

The allure of crafting the perfect load is strong for any serious reloader, and First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case promises to be the cornerstone of that endeavor. I was searching for consistent, high-quality brass to create accurate and reliable ammunition for my AR-15, primarily for range practice and some potential varmint hunting. The promise of First Breach’s rigorous quality control, including their MOCs and MLTs, convinced me this brass could provide the consistency I was seeking.

Years of handloading have taught me the importance of starting with good components. I’ve used brass from various manufacturers, some with disappointing results concerning weight consistency and dimensional accuracy. I chose First Breach over brands like Starline or Hornady because of the claimed precision and the fact they manufacture their own brass cups in the USA, signaling a commitment to quality control from the very beginning. My initial hope was to find brass that would minimize sorting and preparation time, allowing me to focus on the actual loading process.

Upon receiving the brass, I was impressed by the packaging: a secure, resealable pouch. Visually, the brass looked clean and uniform. The cases had a consistent color and appeared free of obvious defects. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. However, the rubber met the road once I began weighing and measuring the cases.

Real-World Testing: Putting First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my reloading bench. I planned to measure a sample of 100 cases for weight and overall length to assess consistency. The testing took place in my well-lit reloading room, allowing for meticulous examination.

The first issue I encountered was the variance in weight. As the user feedback I had read mentioned, I quickly found that the cases did not meet my expectations for consistency. The weight varied significantly, more than I’d consider acceptable for “match-grade” brass. This required me to spend a significant amount of time sorting the brass into different weight categories.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case has proven to be a mixed bag. The brass itself seems to hold up well through multiple firings when loaded to moderate pressures. I haven’t noticed any significant signs of excessive wear or case head separation, which is a testament to the quality of the brass alloy itself.

Maintaining the brass is straightforward; standard tumbling and cleaning methods work effectively. However, the initial weight sorting process continues to be a hurdle. While the brass is reloadable and durable, the inconsistencies necessitate meticulous preparation, extending the reloading process significantly. This brass does not outperform other brands; it performs similarly once the tedious sorting is completed, but at a higher price point due to the “match-grade” claim.

Breaking Down the Features of First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case

Specifications

Here are the key specifications for the First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case:

• Caliber: .223 Remington. This is a common and versatile caliber suitable for a wide range of AR-15 applications.
• Material: Brass. High-quality brass is essential for reloadability and durability.
• Gun Type: Rifle. Specifically designed for .223 Remington rifles.
• Casings: New, unprimed. Offers the reloader complete control over the components used.
• Packaging: Secure pouch with a velcro seal and bottom gusset. This helps maintain the integrity of the brass during storage.

These specifications are important because they dictate the suitability of the brass for specific reloading needs. The quality of the brass directly affects accuracy, consistency, and the number of times a case can be reloaded.

Performance & Functionality

The First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case, once properly sorted and loaded, performs adequately. The brass holds up well under typical .223 Remington pressures, providing reliable ignition and consistent extraction. The issue lies in the initial inconsistency.

The greatest strength of this brass should be its consistency, based on the manufacturer’s claims, but that’s where it falls short. The most significant weakness is the wide range of case weights, requiring extensive sorting. It meets expectations only after significant preparation, not straight out of the bag as one would expect from “match-grade” brass.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case is standard for .223 Remington brass. The brass feels solid and well-formed. While there’s no “ergonomics” per se, the consistent dimensions (after sorting) make it easy to work with during the reloading process.

There’s no learning curve associated with using this brass, as it’s handled like any other .223 Remington case. However, the sorting process introduces an extra step that experienced reloaders might find unnecessary with higher-quality, more consistent brass.

Durability & Maintenance

The First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case appears durable and capable of multiple reloads, assuming proper loading practices. Standard cleaning methods, such as tumbling or ultrasonic cleaning, are effective in maintaining the brass. With proper care and moderate loads, these cases should last for several reloading cycles.

The cases are relatively easy to maintain, requiring only standard cleaning and lubrication during the reloading process. Ensuring proper sizing and annealing (if needed) will further extend their lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case doesn’t come with any accessories since it’s simply unprimed brass. It’s compatible with any standard .223 Remington reloading dies and components. Reloaders can customize their loads with various primers, powders, and bullets to achieve their desired performance characteristics.

The First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case is designed to work with standard .223 reloading equipment, making it readily adaptable to existing reloading setups. There are no specific accessories required beyond the usual reloading tools and components.

Pros and Cons of First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case

Who Should Buy First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case?

This brass might be suitable for reloaders who are willing to invest the time and effort to sort the cases by weight and are primarily focused on high-volume practice ammunition. If consistency isn’t a top priority and you’re willing to accept a wider range of velocities and pressures, it could serve its purpose.

Reloaders seeking truly “match-grade” brass with minimal sorting required should skip this product and consider other brands known for tighter tolerances. This brass is not ideal for those who value their time and want to streamline their reloading process. Necessary accessories include a high-precision scale for accurate weight measurements and sorting trays to organize the cases.

Conclusion on First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case

The First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case promises match-grade performance, but the reality falls short of expectations. The inconsistent weight of the cases undermines the claim of meticulous manufacturing and requires significant effort to sort before reloading. While the brass itself is durable and reloadable, the extra time and effort required outweigh the benefits, especially considering the higher price point.

The value proposition is questionable. The price isn’t justified given the inconsistency issues. I would not personally recommend this product to reloaders seeking truly high-quality, consistent brass.

My final thought is that the First Breach .223 REM New Brass Case has potential, but needs significant improvement in quality control to live up to its “match-grade” billing. Until then, save your money and invest in brass from a manufacturer with proven consistency.