Brass?

[wildlifedesigner]

Does it matter what make of brass you use to reload, I have always heard to use Federal, and then sometimes to use remengton. Is this just a matter of opinion? or is there something to it. Thanks in advance.

[songdog]

It's more important to stay consistent between brands than to go with one brand in particular. ###The case capacities between Norma, Winchester, Remington, Federal, etc. will all be slightly (and sometimes not so slightly) different. ###Mixing lots can impact your accuracy. ###We're not talking moving the point of impact 2" @ 100 yds. but if you're trying to get something down in the .25-.50" range you'd do well to keep your brand consistent.

[wildlifedesigner]

Is there a difference in reload life with a specific brand?

[Passthru]

###Not that i know of,but there is a difference in reload life depending on how much of a charge you are useing and wether you use a crimp.
###Im with SongDog on useing the same lot #'s ###be sure to get plenty of the same since it is all run at the same time and it will be more consistant in wall thickness, length, and tensil strength.

[songdog]

Brass life is most significantly influenced by full length sizing vs. neck sizing. ###Depending on which round it can be quite substantial. ###This is one of the primary reasons, along with reduced bolt thrust and case capacity, for the Ackley or Improved series of cartridges.

Something like a .22 Hornet that's only neck sized will last 2-3x as long, from my experience, as those that are full length sized. ###The difference is smaller when you get into larger calibers where there is more brass to work with (.270, etc.).

Neck sizing almost always increases accuracy to some degree ot another as well.

What caliber(s) are you looking at?

[wildlifedesigner]

30-06

[mustystubs]

Wild:

I like Remington brass for centerfire rifle cartridges. ###It is softer than Winchester or Federal. ###Also, stay away from nickel plated brass. ###Doesn't load worth a darn. ###Too hard.

If you are shooting a bolt action rifle, try neck-sizing only. ###You avoid the mess of applying and removing die lube and your brass will last longer. ###Also reduces the need to trim cases and the loads will be more accurate.