Federal Premium Brass
- Thread starter Bush Man
- Start date
gushulak
CGN frequent flyer
I think the majority with agree that Federal brass is okay, a bit on the soft side, with primer pockets that loosen quicker than Winchester or Lapua brass. I am talking about Federal Gold Medal brass in .308Win. Its great loaded ammo, but I think Lapua, Norma and Winchester are better in the long run.
The Federal stuff seems to only last as few loadings before it experiences loose primer pockets and other issues, after a couple of loadings I toss it. I prefer Lapua brass for my match brass but have no issues with using Fed GMM loads.
The Federal stuff seems to only last as few loadings before it experiences loose primer pockets and other issues, after a couple of loadings I toss it. I prefer Lapua brass for my match brass but have no issues with using Fed GMM loads.
I agree. However, probably the majority of the brass that I use is Federal, and I've used a ton of it in competition loads. My BSA actually prefers Federal brass over other brands. I can't figure it out, but perhaps it has something to do with the thickness of the rim on the Federal case as compared to other brands. It might just work better with this particular claw extractor on the BSA, I don't know.
On the other hand, I use Winchester cases exclusively in my main target rifle based on a CIL 950T (Savage) action. In my opinion, the Winchester brass is clearly superior.
On the other hand, I use Winchester cases exclusively in my main target rifle based on a CIL 950T (Savage) action. In my opinion, the Winchester brass is clearly superior.
Funny thing is everyone says that Federal Match gets loose primer pockets after a couple of loadings....not disputing because lots of people say it, but I have yet to experience this. I have loaded some of mine 6 times with no issues at all, nothing notta. Mind you I don`t load it hot, usually a little below or just at max recommended loads.
It`s all I use in my .308 so I can`t compare it to anything else.
Federal Premium is nickel plated isn`t it....not my favourite. I find it a little harder than regular brass, but haven`t used it enough to say if it is any less desirable in the long run.
It`s all I use in my .308 so I can`t compare it to anything else.
Federal Premium is nickel plated isn`t it....not my favourite. I find it a little harder than regular brass, but haven`t used it enough to say if it is any less desirable in the long run.
If you are getting a decent deal on the Federal, go for it. If you are relatively new to reloading, I've always thought Federal brass was a little easier to make shoot accurately even though it doesn't last quite as long. Learn and make mistakes on the cheaper stuff, save the Lapua/norma/nosler brass for when you've gained some experience.
No brass lasts forever anyway.
No brass lasts forever anyway.
