Starline Rifle Brass Question

[Wsamus]

Good evening,

I'm currently reloading .243 Win for my RPR. I have been reloading for about a year new and I'm currently using Winchester brass.
At this time I'm using components I trust, not necessarily the top shelf stuff, as I'm enjoying learning and developing loads and seeing how different components interact. I'm also conscientious about cost, as the rifle I'm using serves my purpose of learning and enjoying PR shooting, but is not a 'Match' grade custom rifle with tight chamber, so I don't see the value in ultra high end components and equipment at this stage of my shooting and reloading skills.

Now with that said, I have about 3 to 4 reloads on my 250pc of Winchester brass, and I'm noticing I'm splitting case necks. I have a local supplier where I can get new Starline Rifle Brass for around $150 for 250pc's.

I've read online, in CGN posts, and on YouTube videos that their pistol brass is second-to-none. There is some stuff about their rifle brass, but not a lot of long-term testing or use.

I'd like to ask if anybody has been using Starline bottleneck rifle cases and how they have held up? What prep was required, etc?

Also, where you'd say their quality falls in with the mass mfr. brass like Winchester, R-P, Hornady, etc?

Thank you for your time, and insight.

Matthew.

 

[bigedp51]

What make and type die are you using for your .243, I never had any split neck problems with any the .243 rifles I have owned.

You could buy a Forster full length benchrest die and Forster will hone the dies neck to your desired diameter for $12.00. "IF" honing is even needed, Winchester brass is thinner than other brands and I have never needed to have a Forster die neck honed.

Are Your Sizing Dies Overworking Your Rifle Brass?
http://www.massreloading.com/dies_overworking_brass.html

243 Win Cartridge Guide
http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/243win/

.243 Win For Tactical Comps
We asked GA Precision’s George Gardner why he chose .243 Winchester for his Tactical Comp Gun. He replied, “Why would I run anything else? Think about it. I’m sending a .585 BC 115 at 3150 fps–that’ll shoot inside the 6XC and .260 Rem with ease. I’m pretty sure I have found the Holy Grail of Comp Rifles. There are no brass issues like you can get forming .260 brass. I don’t have to worry about doughnuts, reaming necks–none of that. And the choice in brass is great too–run Lapua if you want max reloads and great accuracy. Run Winchester if you’re on a budget, and so you won’t cry if you lose some cases in a match. I can get 10-round mags, and feeding is 100% reliable, since the case is identical to a .308 except for the neck. Accuracy-wise, I don’t think I’m giving up anything to the .260 Rem or the 6XC.” We then asked George if he’d considered using a .243 AI instead: “Yeah, the cases look cool with that 40° shoulder, but I think the standard .243 feeds a little better. And I don’t think I really need the extra performance of an improved case. Run the ballistics for my load–115 moly DTAC at 3150 fps. You’ve got less windage than a 2950 fps 6.5-284, with cheaper brass, cheaper dies, cheaper bullets, and less recoil.”

 

[Wsamus]

Thanks bigedp51 for this information.

I have a Forster FL STD Die and BR Seating Die coming for some Nosler RDF's I recently purchased to try.
I have not done any case neck work on my Winchester brass at this time, as I don't own a neck trimmer yet.
The measurements of my cases and chamber are as follows (Measurements With Calipers Not Mic.):

Chamber Neck (Based Upon Average Fired Case): OD: 0.276", ID: 0.242"-0.244"
Case Neck Resized In Hornady Custom FL Die (Without Expander Installed): OD: 0.2605"-0.262", ID: 0.231"-0.233"
Case Neck Resized In Hornady Custom FL Die (With Expander Installed): OD: 0.269", ID: 0.240"
Case Neck With Bullet Seated: OD: 0.272"

The Winchester brass neck thickness is between 0.0125"-0.015" (Mixed Brass Lots)

Yes, I know my current setup is overworking my brass as it is being worked 0.007" on bullet seating and firing, and then another 0.0155" on resizing.
I did not order a customer neck setup on the Forster Die as I don't know its base line neck resize diameter is. I will likely order a 2nd die with a custom neck size once I see how the new die (still in the mail) resizes.
I did consider a bushing die, but chose not too, as I read a lot of information, and some from the die manufactures where excessive run-out is created on the case neck with a bushing die with resizing over 0.004" (this is my case due to my chambers neck dimensions)

My plan was to get some new Starling Brass, hence the original question of its quality & reliability, to neck turn (looking at Hornady L-N-L Neck Turner), and develop a load for it with the RDF bullets. Uniform the lot of necks and then acquire another die specific to this brass and its turned measurement.

I hope this information is of use.
Also, I was wondering if you have any experience with Starline Rifle Brass?

Thanks