Federal vs Indian vs Lupa 308 Brass

[Bitswap]

I'm reloading 308's these days. Nothing special, just some dependable rounds. I want to maximize the number of reloads for each brass, taking anealing into consideration.

First is Federal, the empties you get form a sporting goods store. Weight is low and neck sizes are between 0.0115 and 0.0120 so turning them to 0.011. How many reloads do you think I'll get out of these bras cases. Cost about 48 cents each.

Inda, haven't read one good post about these, but the brass is good. Weight is much higer the federal and necks average 0.015. Buy them loaded but don't plan to shoot them. Cost about 45 cents each.

Lupa: haven't tried these yet, but they look expensive. I'm not match reloading these.

Any ideas on this?

Thanks,
Bit

 

[45ACPUSER]

You can buy Lapua 308 for 48 cents a pop, and they need nothing done to the cases. Federal brass is notorious for being soft, thus a short case life!
I have 16 reloading on one lot of lapua, and it looks darn near new!

 

[Dave R]

I have reloaded some milsurp .38 brass (IVI) but only have one loading through it so far, so I can't commend on case life.

The stuff is pretty thick, though.

 

[Bitswap]

Thanks 45, I'm sold. That should have been Winchester instead of Federal.

Now to find a source for Laqua brass... to the search functions!

 

[byf43]

Federal brass, IMNSHO is VERY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooddddd brass!!!!
In fact, I'd rate it EXCELLENT!!!!!!
I've loaded various calibers from .223 to .308 to .30-'06 (and have some .45/70 that hasn't been loaded yet) using Federal brass and have incredible results.
Just don't go too hot on the loads.
Winchester brass is also verrrrry good.

The '70s variety of the Indian .308 is decent ammo, according to the guys 'across the street'. I wouldn't rule it out as plinking ammo, and then using the brass.
(In this day and time. . . . ammo is ammo!)

Lapua. . . I've never used it. I've heard that it is verrrrrrrry good ammo and brass.


Don't rule out military surplus (Lake City aka LC) brass.

 

[NuJudge]

You'll have to register to read it, but here's a lengthy thread on Federal brass (all Federal brass, but .223 in particular) on another Board:

http://www.nationalmatch.us/forums/index.php?showtopic=6071

I shot .308 brass in M1A and M1 rifles for many years. Lake City was excellent (except when it had been fired in machineguns with loose headspace). Winchester and Remington was very good. Lapua has an excellent reputation with everyone, but it's not domestic and I'm too cheap to buy it.

 

[Bitswap]

I heard Winchester was good once, but now they've jobbed it out and the quality seems to have suffered. Much lighter and thinner necks then gold match I've fired. If they were up to their 'gold' standard, I wouldn't hesitate.

Anyway, I found a source for Lapuq for 0.41 each. Actually less than Winchester. Hope it's ok, got 1000 cases. If I can reload these 16 times, it will probably be the last I'll need to buy.

 

[byf43]

NuJudge,

Thanks for the link.


I've read that 3 or 4 loadings is decent, before primer pockets start to open.

??????????????

In my experience, there are so many variables that 3 to 4 loads are (to me) a little on the short side of case life.

Now, I've never said that I can get 16 loadings out of ANY brass, nor will I try it.
Brass is CHEAP compared to a decent rifle.

I will say that careful inspection of my cases (or anyone loading their own) is or SHOULD be a part of their normal routine.

In my experience, I have not had any problems (to speak of) with Federal brass.
I've got literally thousands of pieces of .223, .308, '06 and .45/70 Federal brass. Probably tens of thousands, combined.


One question in closing, regarding Federal brass. . . . . . .
(And I'm by no means being argumentive when I ask)


IF Federal brass is so inconsistent and 'not reloader friendly'. . . why is Federal Gold Medal Match ammo the ammo that all others are judged by???



Again. . . thanks for the link.





Keith