Does brand of brass matter?

ZeroJunk · July 10, 2007, 02:07 PM

I think I am going to go buy a couple of boxes of factory ammo to fireform some new 280 AI brass.Do you think it matters what brand it is,or is it all about the same?

Mike40-11 · July 10, 2007, 02:56 PM

I don't reload much rifle ammo but I can tell you I have definitely seen differences in various manufacturer's pistol brass. Haven't noticed any significant differences in the 'name brand' stuff though. Winchester, Remington, Federal and the like, it's all good from what I've seen. It's when you get into some of the oddball (read: cheap) makers that they can get strange. For fireforming I'd definitely want good stuff since you're going to intentionally deform it.

Midway does sell 280AI brass from Norma. Good stuff there, but kinda pricey.

If you happen to run across any AMERC .45, pitch it! After smashing it to uselessness. (Actually, it's already worse than useless, you need to make it unusable.

)

Scorch · July 10, 2007, 03:18 PM

WW brass seems to be the best for forming and loading, in my experience. Then R-P, then Federal.

ZeroJunk · July 10, 2007, 04:56 PM

Thanks guys.I went ahead and ordered the brass although it was Nosler as the Norma was out of stock.No more than I shoot this rifle 50 will last me a long time.And it will save me wear on the barrel.I didn't know they offered it.A lot has changed since I was really in to this.Shouldn't have gone to Midway's site .Cost me a couple of hundred bucks before I got away from it.

45Marlin carbine · July 10, 2007, 05:16 PM

You did well with Nosler brass. There are poor grades and good grades of brass. Laua is a good one also. Remember you will have to 'anneal' your cases about every 5th reload for maximum life, important with good brass.

**Shane Tuttle** · July 10, 2007, 06:28 PM

I think it depends on your application:

If you reload to hunt then my answer is no. Stay with common name brands such as Remington, Federal, etc. and you'll be fine.

If you reload for pure accuracy such as rifle competition, then yes, it does. IMO there are minute inconsistencies in your lower end but still useable brass that your higher end stuff such as Lapua and Norma outclasses...

**Shane Tuttle** · July 10, 2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Shouldn't have gone to Midway's site .Cost me a couple of hundred bucks before I got away from it.

Only $200?

If that's my order amount, I'd be calling it good self-discipline!

Every time I order, they always have other stuff that I "need". Can't resist...

crowbeaner · July 10, 2007, 08:36 PM

You got away for only $200? Man, I admire your discipline. I have to ask SWMBO before I even THINK of ordering! HEHE. They sure do have lotsa neat stuff, don't they? Anyway, I have just about all I need for now. I have to order a sizing die for the 45/70 later this month. Already got permission.

July 10, 2007, 02:07 PM	#1
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	Does brand of brass matter? I think I am going to go buy a couple of boxes of factory ammo to fireform some new 280 AI brass.Do you think it matters what brand it is,or is it all about the same?

July 10, 2007, 03:18 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	WW brass seems to be the best for forming and loading, in my experience. Then R-P, then Federal. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 10, 2007, 06:28 PM	#6
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	I think it depends on your application: If you reload to hunt then my answer is no. Stay with common name brands such as Remington, Federal, etc. and you'll be fine. If you reload for pure accuracy such as rifle competition, then yes, it does. IMO there are minute inconsistencies in your lower end but still useable brass that your higher end stuff such as Lapua and Norma outclasses... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

July 10, 2007, 02:56 PM	#2
Mike40-11 Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 842	I don't reload much rifle ammo but I can tell you I have definitely seen differences in various manufacturer's pistol brass. Haven't noticed any significant differences in the 'name brand' stuff though. Winchester, Remington, Federal and the like, it's all good from what I've seen. It's when you get into some of the oddball (read: cheap) makers that they can get strange. For fireforming I'd definitely want good stuff since you're going to intentionally deform it. Midway does sell 280AI brass from Norma. Good stuff there, but kinda pricey. If you happen to run across any AMERC .45, pitch it! After smashing it to uselessness. (Actually, it's already worse than useless, you need to make it unusable. )

July 10, 2007, 04:56 PM	#4
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	Thanks guys.I went ahead and ordered the brass although it was Nosler as the Norma was out of stock.No more than I shoot this rifle 50 will last me a long time.And it will save me wear on the barrel.I didn't know they offered it.A lot has changed since I was really in to this.Shouldn't have gone to Midway's site .Cost me a couple of hundred bucks before I got away from it.

July 10, 2007, 05:16 PM	#5
45Marlin carbine Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 1,124	You did well with Nosler brass. There are poor grades and good grades of brass. Laua is a good one also. Remember you will have to 'anneal' your cases about every 5th reload for maximum life, important with good brass.

July 10, 2007, 08:36 PM	#8
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	You got away for only $200? Man, I admire your discipline. I have to ask SWMBO before I even THINK of ordering! HEHE. They sure do have lotsa neat stuff, don't they? Anyway, I have just about all I need for now. I have to order a sizing die for the 45/70 later this month. Already got permission.