Is their a difference (other than the headstamp) between +P brass and non-+P brass. My dad just got a new Dillon and I'm going to take some .38 Special brass out to him to get filled up as soon as I have time. My suspicion is that the "+P" on the case is the only difference.

Thanks,
John

in theory,the +P is thicker brass,in truth,I can't tell the difference.would guess the only difference is the headstamp as a liability issue.if you blow up your RG 38spec. with +P ammo,it's your fault. jwr

It depends on the cartridge as well as each manufacturer of the brass.

Example: Starline Brass on their website there is an area "about our Products"

It has an explanation for some but not all of Starline's brass case offerings:

.38 SPecial and .9MM Luger they specifically state the only difference is the head stamp for case segregation so a reloader can separate the +P that may have been loaded hotter.

.45 ACP +P brass cases, both the rear and the sides at the base are thicker and it
holds approx. 2 grams less (space where the powder goes. ) and this means differences in
pressure given the same type and amount of powder.

ANy other manufactuere? Call them and ask.

i have weighed Rem, Win, Fed brass in 38 spcl trying to find a difference and have found none

Thanks!

I remember reading somewhere that the case is rated for +P only for one firing.

quote:

Originally posted by Drail:
I remember reading somewhere that the case is rated for +P only for one firing.

No brass manufacturer "rates" or guarantees its brass for more than the initial firing.
When you load your own, you are on your own.
If you blow it up, it's your problem.

I don't know about other brands of brass cases but on the STarline website, under "about
our Products" It lists any thing out of the ordinary or perhaps Frequently Asked Questions

FOr STarline Brass:
9MM x 19 ( aka 9mm Luger/Parrabellum)
& .38 SPecial - these two cases if stamped
+P differ in no way and are headstamped only for the purpose of case segregation.

.45 ACP +P - it sez that the base and side for a short distance along it's length towards the mouth of the case, is thicker for the higher pressure and the case capacity is approx. 2 grams less than .45 ACP Starline brass

YbrassMV

It's a fact that .38 Special and .38 Special +P brass is exactly the same.

To prove this to yourself take a .38 Spl case and a .38 Spl +p case from the same manufacturer and check them with water. You will find they both will hold the same exact amount of water. (NOTE: I said to use the same manufacturer's brass for each because there can and will be differences between cases from different companies.)