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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,189
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,189 |
I can get a deal on some new unfired Federal brass. How is the quality these days? It was excellent brass up until a handful of years ago, then it went soft. What say you, gents?
I belong on eroding granite, among the pines.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,801
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,801 |
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.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 19,822
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 19,822 |
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
"Not in an open forum, where truth has less value than opinions, where all opinions are equally welcome regardless of their origins, rationale, inanity, or truth, where opinions are neither of equal value nor decisive." Ken Howell
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,801
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,801 |
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.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 946
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 946 |
I can't speak for newly manufactured Federal brass but I've got several hundred pieces of new Federal 280 Rem brass from 8-10 yrs ago. Some of the most consistent brass I've owned.
"Pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick except the one that has it"
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,348
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,348 |
I prefer my brass on the soft side. As such, have never been a fan of FC.
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