So do I, KP. My buddy gave me a thousand or so once fired federal cases about 15 years ago. I've reloaded the same couple hundred cases a number of times with no issues and good accuracy.
No dis, but I"ve seen folks happy wiht 80s at 2500 fps or less, and at those mild loads even FC brass would likely survive. You won't win a match with those loads though.
I don't shoot service rifle but do compete in DMM using an AR15. I shoot 77gn bullets at 2566fps and am pretty competitive unless guys show up with fast 6mm or 6.5mm rifles (you know since every unit fields their designated marksman a 6/6.5mm GAP or JP) since there is not always a MIL division or Open division. I don't load anything to the gills anymore and I am quick to retire brass when problems present. I usually get 4-5 firings in .223 Wylde gas guns.
I load Federal in .30-30 Improved,.308 Win, and 7mm Rem Mag also; used to load it in .280 Improved too. I find it similar to Nosler brass that needs extra prep. I discard Federal and Nosler at 8-10 firings from bolt guns.
If I don't stress it, Federal brass serves me well; kinda like your heart lasts longer when it isn't run at high RPM from nicotine and energy drinks.
Carry on. If it works for you, good enough. Thats always the case.
My goal was that my equipment was never the weak link, and my goal was to win the nationals at Perry, not just play around.
Thats why my comment of slow ammo just wont' cut it. And it won't. Not on a national level, it'll leave you an x or a point short at some point.
Heck 77s at 600 slow fire prone will leave you in the wake... especially slow ones...
We can keep Larry Root and all his idiotic blabber and user names on here, but we can't get Ralph back..... Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over....
