Author Topic: Who makes the best brass? (Read 1624 times)

Zachary · « **on:** December 18, 2002, 05:30:34 AM »

I am seriously considering getting into reloading - not necessarily because it would be less expensive, because I think that, although the cost per round might be less in the long run, it wouldn't be in the begining with start-up costs, AND I think that I would shoot more often. Rather, I want to get into reloading for two primary reasons:
1) I do not like some of the factory selections in the cartridges I have.
2) I think that it would make for a very relaxing, and satisfying, hobby.

I have read all of these posts and have become "somewhat" familiarlized with the terminology and basic necessariy items. For example, I think that I will get an RCBS Rock Chucker kit.

Anyway, more relevant to this post, I was wondering who makes the best brass and why? Is there really such a thing as "best" brass? Money is no object. I just want the best. Thanks guys.

Zachary

jhm · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2002, 06:34:02 AM »

Zacary thats another one of those questions where there is no good answer, they all make good brass rem, win, norma. etc. the key is to find the brass/bullet/powder/primer/combination for a particular load and rifle I personally like rem. brass and before the ink dries on this post and it dont use any ink so its going to be fast someone will come in saying they like something else. Its like fords/and chevys it will always go on and on. And for your reason #2 yes it is relaxing and vary satisfying, but it can be one of the most pain in the rear ends you got into also but I enjoy doing it I wont post any loads I use, I usually tell someone to refere to several of the quality reloading manuals out there. I have the full set of sierra from back in 1971 to present plus speer/ nosler/etc.

JIM

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2002, 07:37:59 AM »

Advocate,

What would you recommend for a good turret reloading press? I just want to buy the best quality and keep it for a long time. Do serious competition shooters generally use presses better than the Rockchucker?

On another note, I have noticed that you are a guest, but that you post on a consistent basis and your posts are quite valuable. Is there any particular reason that you have not registered?

Zachary

Snout · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2002, 07:49:20 AM »

Two lawyers went hunting and were arguing about the tracks they had come across. One was insistent that what they were looking at was deer tracks and the other was insistent that what they were looking at was in fact elk tracks. While they were arguing they were hit by the train.
Good luck reloading! :eek:

Old Syko · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2002, 08:13:50 AM »

I use Winchester for the simple reason it's more readily available from the component suppliers I normally use. I honestly don't think brand makes that much difference for the majority of shooters as long as you don't mix brands or even lots for a given load. This is especially critical if you're pushing the envelope with velocity and therefore pressure. If changing brands of brass or lot numbers in this case, back off the load and rebuild it.

Zachary, I've helped teach a lot of folks learn to load over the years and agree completely with your choice of equipment and your comment that money is no object. The guys that use the old excuse of saving money are usually b.s.ing themselves and moreso their wives. Face it, youre going to spend some jack as you would with any other hobby or sport. The time you spend both learning and loading can be as relaxing as a short vacation yet much more productive.

Best of luck getting started. Would be happy to help in the future as would many others here if needed. Shoot, some of us may try to help even if you don't want it.

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2002, 08:18:45 AM »

Snout,

Railroad tracks are designed and constructed in such a manner that certain portions of the ground are exposed. It appears that the animals crossed onto the railroad tracks and stepped onto those potions of the ground that were exposed. As such, we have two individuals analyzing animals tracks that were located within railroad tracks, and these two individuals get run over by a train? What is so funny about that? :wink:

Zachary

Snout · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2002, 09:25:00 AM »

Quote from: Zachary

Snout,

Railroad tracks are designed and constructed in such a manner that certain portions of the ground are exposed. It appears that the animals crossed onto the railroad tracks and stepped onto those potions of the ground that were exposed. As such, we have two individuals analyzing animals tracks that were located within railroad tracks, and these two individuals get run over by a train? What is so funny about that? :wink:

Zachary

You just proved the point, even if your scenario were correct the two lawyers should have been be able to get out of the way of a train. No one ever said it was funny, but it is getting funny. :-)

jhm · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2002, 09:30:16 AM »

Zachary along with the equipment a clean quiet place with more room than you think you will need is helpful, well lighted also I tend to do mine in the evenings so as not to be bothered by phone calls, dinner bells, and such to stop me. It isnt all that difficult, and one of the biggest thrills you will get is your first clean kill with YOUR homemade ammo.

JIM

Zachary · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2002, 09:40:57 AM »

jhm,

I am thinking about moving into a new home. If I do, then I can assure you that I will be looking for a house that has a room just for my "hunting and fishing" gear. I agree with you. In order to make this pleasurable, I need to have some quite time all to myself. :grin:

Zachary

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2002, 04:32:09 PM »

I use the brass I have the most of, mostly, thats Winchester. Remington doesn't last as long in some of my guns. Others, while good, are not worth the extra dough. In my opinion. If I had to pick one brand for consistency, and value, it would be Winchester.

swede7 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 20, 2002, 07:54:48 AM »

Zachary, the real reason to do it is because you HAVE to shoot more to test your loads! A little fiddling here, a tweak there, next thing you know, you have to buy more stuff! :wink: I use and vote for the Rock Chucker, use only RCBS Competition dies( mostly because I have large fingers and love the seating die with the little door to drop bullets into ) would also advise you to get a Lee hand held priming tool and forego messing with seating primers with the press. Easier and more consistent pressure with the hand held. Faster too. I recently packed away the beam scale and got the auto dispenser and scale combo... where's that been the last 10 yrs??? You won't need it to start, but it's something to think about later... small bore brass, my nod goes to Winchester, just seems to last longer and be made more uniformly than Remington, but for my 7 Rem mag I like the Remington brass, same argument there. Go figure, eh? Dive in w/both feet and have fun!

Dand · « **Reply #11 on:** December 20, 2002, 12:32:59 PM »

When possible I prefer Remington brass - It gives me very long life in every cartridge I load for. But other US manufacturers are good too. Quality can depend on the particular cartridge too I found Winchester brass to be good in 223, 38, 357, and 41 but had some 30-06 brass that just didn't hold up well compared to Rem. I DON'T pick up fired brass unless I KNOW it is once fired. I've decided its better to start with fresh brass of known use.

I don't like mixing brass even for mild 38s - case thickness varies among brands and lots and it can affect die adjustment - especially crimping. For a while I tried mixed bands of 9mm but thisis where I really saw a difference in brass and the effects on the die settings - not to mention ammo performance in this high pressure round. I still mix 38 brass some times but don't like it. If starting from scratch I'd highly recommend going with one brand.

Some times I use different brands of brass to help me keep my loads straight. for my 41 most mild loads are in Win cases I was given and hot loads in new Rem or Federal cases.

I like my Lyman turret but the Redding looks nice and really sturdy. But the auto prime feed didn't work that well. The RCBS turret looks like it has an excellent primer feed - possibly the best feed of all the turrets - but can't say for sure since I haven't used it.
I recommend the Lee Auto hand priming tool if you load lots of 100 or less - my thumb gets tired after couple hundred. If you load much more I think the RCBS APS might be a good way to go - but haven't used it either.

I like my cheap Midway case tumbler for cleaning cases - helps case and die life a bit.

Yes reloading is a very enjoyable hobby in itself. Check Graybeard's Classifieds regularly - I've gotten some great deals on stuff.