NOS vs Nosler head stamp brass

[alpinespider]

I recently bought some new Nosler 280ai brass and some once fired Nosler 280ai brass. All the new brass is stamped “Nosler” and the once fired brass is stamped “NOS”. Weighing the new brass it comes in right about 190gr while the once fired brass is all weighing about 182gr, and that is with the spent primer still in it. Does Nosler put out two different levels of brass quality i.e. NOS and Nosler? I contacted them and they said there is no difference other than the head stamp, but based on weight, I am questioning that. Anyone have experience or information on this? Thinking I will work up a varmint load with the light brass and use the heavy brass for my deer/elk load.

 

[Texas10mm]

Why would you think they would lie to ya?

 

[alpinespider]

Call me less than trusting in the human race....I was more interested if anyone else online here has seen this with nosler brass. I have a follow up email to nosler asking about the weight difference. Just seems like a big discrepancy to me that’s all...maybe it is a quality issue????

 

[joneb]

I have some older .308 win. Nosler brass factory 2nds fully prepped from 10-15 yrs ago, it was trimmed to 2.005".
I have not seen the Nos head stamp, I would resize and trim the cases and then weigh them.
Early rumors say Norma made their brass, then Nosler teamed up with a brass manufacture in Washington state to make up their SSA line. Some say that Federal makes their brass? Who knows, but I do know that Nosler is tight lipped on the subject. This concerns me because when a company is unwilling to share information about their product it may be because they are hiding something

 

[alpinespider]

Thought it might just be the “once fired” brass that I bought, so I grabbed some new in box Nosler factory ammo that is stamped NOS and pulled the bullet and powder. Weighs in exactly the same 182 grains Like the once fired brass. Will give an update when I hear back from Nosler.

 

[old heeler]

I think there may be little difference on Nolser brass. My Nolser 280AI average 188gr new and I got few boxes same run #. I've never fired factory in my 280AI. I've also have 280AI that wildcat and I use Rem 280 brass and fire form that.

I measure case vol also. I'm not concerned on who's making there brass and if I have problem I'll call Nolser same as I would on bullets they make.

 

[alpinespider]

Update: response from Nosler is that the “Nosler” head stamp is all older brass manufactured years ago and all their newer brass is stamped “NOS”. They are taking care of my discrepancy . Very pleased with the customer service.

 

[ATLDave]

As someone who sorts by headstamp for most of my reloading, I really appreciate the manufacturers who either: 1) stick with one weight/weight range for their brass or at least 2) change their headstamp in some easily-discernable manner when they change the amount of brass they use.

Drives me bonkers when a headstamp's weight is all over the place and you finally realize, "oh, the ones that are 3.5 grains heavier all have 2.1 point font rather than 1.9 point font. I guess I'll need the jeweler's loupe to sort brass, now. Wonderful."

Federal, Remington - I'm looking right at you guys.