A while back I was down on Federal brass precisely because I found it to be soft, and no I wasn't loading it hot. But a few years ago it, at least in the 308 Winchester I tried, got better and gave good service. The handloader must take into account it often is thicker and of smaller capacity than some other makes. For example, 46 grains of Varget under a 168 is pretty much a reference grade load in WW 308 Win. brass. The Federal brass is about 25 grains heavier and doesn't get along with that much powder.
