Bad Lapua .223 brass?

[longrange2]

I just opened a new box of Lapua .223 brass to start assembling fire forming loads for my new .223AI. A number of the cases are discolored at the base and in some cases down the case body. It almost looks like they were improperly annealed or exposed to heat. I've never had brass that looked like this before, what does everyone else thing? OK to load? Bottom row is normal looking brass from the same box.

 

[Milo 2.5]

I really don't want to be the one to tell you to shoot them, but brass is annealed up to 4 times in the making, may not have had that part polished off before the final neck job.. Get ahold of Kevin Thomas with Lapua and he will take care of it.

 

[Hawk in WY]

I returned 400 cases all same lot number to Brownells last month for the same reason. Did not record the lot number.

Not just discoloration but bright blue heat marks on the side and base of 10% of each box.

These may have been fine or would have polished off but premium brass shouldn't look like this.

Return em.

Good luck.

 

[cav has been]

Send 'em to me! My AI don't care about purdy brass.

 

[Layton]

I'd shoot it. Looks like it just didn't get cleaned enough from the mfg'ing process.

L

 

[cornhusker]

I wouldn't buy their brass any more.Had 3 new 223 brass split on the first firing.I mean a big split
not just the necks..So i'm done with their trash brass

 

[Bull81]

I'll be the first to say high end brass shouldn't look that, but I wouldn't go as far as to call Lapua brass trash brass. Lapua makes some of the finest stuff out there but they're no different than any other manufacturer, there is always going to be products that slip through that shouldn't. I'd give them a chance to make it right first.

 

[Supersubes]

I wouldn't buy their brass any more.Had 3 new 223 brass split on the first firing.I mean a big split
not just the necks..So i'm done with their trash brass

Lol!

 

[ar223]

send it back get lc I like it much better

 

[longrange2]

I've been in correspondence with Lapua and they are having issues with the foam placed in the box to minimize the brass rattling around causing this tarnishing. They assured me their annealing process can never reach below the shoulder area. They are aware of the discoloration issue and trying to resolve it. I elected to keep the brass, once I fire and tumble it the discoloration will go away.