Years ago I ran batches of Fed Gold Medal 308 yellow brass and nickel plated to see how many reloads each gave using moderate charge weights before split necks occurred. Bottom line with primarily neck size only - no split necks with the nickel plated before 13 reloads. Yellow brass lasted a few reloads longer.
Worst .308 brass?
- Thread starter Slowbalt
- Start date
jmichelin84
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Big Land, nL
I've had federal either corroded to the point I cannot use, or the primer popped when fired and Remington case seperation in hunts, all were factory in box
From what you've stated, I would say the issue is with your particular rifle, not the cartridges.
The really nice thing about Fiocci and Privi, is that they make otherwise impossible to find brass and factory cartridges.
As far as flash holes go, I usually run the appropriate drill through the flash holes that will make them all the same size. If I've run a batch of their cases previously, I check my notes to see which drill bit diameter I used on that batch.
The other issues I've had with both manufacturers is different rim diameters, different rim thicknesses and different depth/diameter primer pockets.
Fiocci primer pockets handle all Fiocci primer very well, without issue. Not so much for standard North American brands.
Privi primer pockets can be hit of miss
Unless they offer a cartridge case I can't get anywhere else, I avoid their products and that includes Privi match bullets.
As far as flash holes go, I usually run the appropriate drill through the flash holes that will make them all the same size. If I've run a batch of their cases previously, I check my notes to see which drill bit diameter I used on that batch.
The other issues I've had with both manufacturers is different rim diameters, different rim thicknesses and different depth/diameter primer pockets.
Fiocci primer pockets handle all Fiocci primer very well, without issue. Not so much for standard North American brands.
Privi primer pockets can be hit of miss
Unless they offer a cartridge case I can't get anywhere else, I avoid their products and that includes Privi match bullets.
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billbmcleod
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Back very close to Bruce County
Use em till they split.
Of the brass companies, I've used and tested, I'm a F-Class competition. YMMV and my 2cents.
On my worst list, Federal, PRVI, RP, Winchester (inconsistent primer pockets, rough flash holds, inconsistent bass cases within same lot, varying neck thickness, and various brass consistency)
Mid Tier ok in a pinch. Hornady Match, (can be prep to match quality, shoot consistently, but primer pockets loosen very quickly in my experience around 6-7 reloads)
Upper mid-tier Norma, Nosler (Consistent brass, can easily be match prepped)
Best list Lapua, Petersons, Alpha & ADG. (last a long time, can be match prep consistently, very consistent case volume withing same lot#, perfect brass composition for reloading and annealing) If I had to choose I would pick Peterson with a slight edge over Lapua in value and consistency.
On my worst list, Federal, PRVI, RP, Winchester (inconsistent primer pockets, rough flash holds, inconsistent bass cases within same lot, varying neck thickness, and various brass consistency)
Mid Tier ok in a pinch. Hornady Match, (can be prep to match quality, shoot consistently, but primer pockets loosen very quickly in my experience around 6-7 reloads)
Upper mid-tier Norma, Nosler (Consistent brass, can easily be match prepped)
Best list Lapua, Petersons, Alpha & ADG. (last a long time, can be match prep consistently, very consistent case volume withing same lot#, perfect brass composition for reloading and annealing) If I had to choose I would pick Peterson with a slight edge over Lapua in value and consistency.
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I've had the worst luck with Imperial brass. Lots of neck cracks. It seems to wear out quick even after being annealed.
Next on the list is Norinco .223 for pinhole leaks that pit chambers. (not .308 but still so bad it needs mention)
Third worst is recent Federal brass. Old (~20yr+) is good stuff but there seems to be no way of telling the difference.
Next on the list is Norinco .223 for pinhole leaks that pit chambers. (not .308 but still so bad it needs mention)
Third worst is recent Federal brass. Old (~20yr+) is good stuff but there seems to be no way of telling the difference.
WHO makes BARNES brass ? themselves or ? what do any of you who have used it - think of it ? RJ
