C26000 (UNS C26000) Cartridge Brass
70/30 Copper-Zinc Alloy
What Is C26000?
C26000, commonly known as Cartridge Brass, is a 70/30 copper-zinc alloy widely regarded as the most ductile and formable of the standard brasses. It is the industry benchmark for deep drawing, cold heading, and severe forming operations.
The alloy combines excellent cold workability with good strength after work hardening, strong corrosion resistance for general industrial environments, and consistent forming behavior across a wide range of tempers. It is supplied in tightly controlled coil and strip products engineered for high-volume stamping and drawing operations.
Beyond its namesake ammunition application, C26000 is used extensively in electrical, hardware, and decorative manufacturing where deep drawing or severe forming is required.
Standards & Designations
Common Names & Cross-References
Designation | Value |
|---|---|
Common Names | Cartridge Brass, 70/30 Brass, Yellow Brass, C260 |
UNS | C26000 |
CDA | 260 |
British Standard | CZ106 |
EN (Europe) | CuZn30 / CW505L |
JIS (Japan) | C2600 |
DIN (Germany) | 2.0265 |
Properties of C26000
C26000 Chemical Composition
|
Element |
Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 68.5 – 71.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Balance |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.07 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.05 max |
Typical Mechanical Properties
|
Property |
Annealed (O60) |
Hard (H02) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 47 ksi (324 MPa) | 76 ksi (524 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 15 ksi (103 MPa) | 63 ksi (434 MPa) |
| Elongation (in 2 in.) | 65% | 8% |
| Hardness | Rockwell F 64 | Rockwell B 70 |
About C26000
Key Features & Advantages
- Outstanding ductility and deep-drawing performance
- Excellent cold-forming and stamping characteristics
- Good corrosion resistance in general industrial environments
- Good strength after cold work
- Consistent, predictable forming behavior across tempers
- Excellent surface finish and platability
Common Applications of C26000
- Deep drawn parts and severe formed components
- Cartridge cases and ammunition components
- Electrical terminals, sockets, and lamp fittings
- Plumbing fittings and hardware
- Decorative trim, architectural components, and giftware
- Heat exchanger and radiator core components
Primary Markets Served
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Electrical & Electronic
- Hardware & Fasteners
- Defense & Ammunition
When to Specify C26000
- C26000 vs. C22000 (90/10 commercial bronze) — C26000 has higher strength and better deep-draw performance. C22000 has a richer gold-bronze color and better corrosion resistance.
- C26000 vs. C36000 free-cutting brass — C26000 is for forming and drawing; C36000 is for machining. They are not interchangeable.
- C26000 vs. C24000 (80/20 low brass) — C24000 has higher copper content for slightly better corrosion resistance and a redder color, but lower strength.
Why Source 21?
- ISO 9001-certified quality system with full chemistry and mechanical traceability on every shipment
- Multi-million dollar national inventory across stainless, nickel alloys, copper, and brass
- Strong domestic and international mill relationships, including premium specialty mill partnerships
- In-house slitting, edging, leveling, and cut-to-length capabilities
- Contract programs, blanket orders, and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) for production accounts
- Responsive technical support for tight-tolerance and certification-driven work
request A Quote
Contact Source 21 today for C26000 Cartridge Brass pricing, availability, and processing options. Our team responds quickly, asks the right questions, and gets you accurate quotes on real material — not vague placeholders.
Call 631-821-1101 or request a quote online to get started.