I've been using quite a bit of recent production Federal brass lately in .223 , 243, and .308.
I have not had any issues with primer pockets loosening with max & close-to-max loads in all three.
The brass is as about as easy to FL size as the Hornady brass in those calibers, and, as mentioned, is slightly thicker than WW or Rem, allowing for slightly less powder.
Ed
That one is a big change. Their 223 was the worst.
