308 Brass Question - Federal and Black Hills

mathman · July 20, 2007, 12:43 AM

I have fairly substantial amounts of Federal (American Eagle) and Black Hills New Factory ammo. After these are all once fired, I plan to start reloading for my 308 (A Remington 700P LTR). If I am loading match type ammo (168 grain, normal velocities, etc...), how many loadings can I expect to get out of these once fired cases?

Also, how does the quality of Federal and Black Hills brass compare? Is one considered significantly better than the other?

I'm considering getting into reloading with the cost of ammo going up so much. I'll probably buy a Rock Chucker Press pretty soon...I think the single stage presses are the way to go for me...I'm not in any big hurry.

Any input is greatly appreciated...thanks.

Linear Thinker · July 20, 2007, 03:16 AM

I've reloaded Federal 308 GM brass 5-6 times so far, no separations or cracks as yet. Federal brass is top-notch. I will probably re-anneal the necks before the next reloading cycle, and would probably get another 5 loadings.
Federal American Eagle brass, being of the low-cost variery, might be different than the Gold Medal.

I don't believe Black Hills makes their own brass, and cannot comment on quality.
LT

Ifishsum · July 20, 2007, 12:48 PM

What is the headstamp on the Black Hills brass? I know with their reman-ed ammo they use a lot of LC (Lake City) military brass, at least in .223 they do.

I've had good luck with Federal brass in .30-06, at least 6 loadings so far with only normal trimming.

TATER · July 20, 2007, 12:54 PM

You can push the number of reload farther if you fire form and then
neck size only.
Winchester Is the supplier for Black Hills (top notch).
For loading match quality ammo, single stage press is the ticket....
In Making 2600fps with 168 in that 20” barrel I would use the Black Hills brass.
Fed Brass is a little softer and will have to be trimmed often.

I prefer Lapua and Winchester

Wildalaska · July 20, 2007, 02:11 PM

lapua man here

WildfinnboyAlaska

rn22723 · July 20, 2007, 04:00 PM

Federal brass sucks! It is soft, and so your case life will be short because of enlarged primer pockets. So, the BHA (red box) is WW, and it will give you better case life then the Federal brass hands down, and twice on Sunday.

mathman · July 20, 2007, 04:16 PM

Thanks for the info...and that's good news since I have more BHA than Federal.

July 20, 2007, 12:43 AM	#1
mathman Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,531	308 Brass Question - Federal and Black Hills I have fairly substantial amounts of Federal (American Eagle) and Black Hills New Factory ammo. After these are all once fired, I plan to start reloading for my 308 (A Remington 700P LTR). If I am loading match type ammo (168 grain, normal velocities, etc...), how many loadings can I expect to get out of these once fired cases? Also, how does the quality of Federal and Black Hills brass compare? Is one considered significantly better than the other? I'm considering getting into reloading with the cost of ammo going up so much. I'll probably buy a Rock Chucker Press pretty soon...I think the single stage presses are the way to go for me...I'm not in any big hurry. Any input is greatly appreciated...thanks.

July 20, 2007, 03:16 AM	#2
Linear Thinker Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2007 Location: Blue State, NE US Posts: 202	I've reloaded Federal 308 GM brass 5-6 times so far, no separations or cracks as yet. Federal brass is top-notch. I will probably re-anneal the necks before the next reloading cycle, and would probably get another 5 loadings. Federal American Eagle brass, being of the low-cost variery, might be different than the Gold Medal. I don't believe Black Hills makes their own brass, and cannot comment on quality. LT

July 20, 2007, 12:48 PM	#3
Ifishsum Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,035	What is the headstamp on the Black Hills brass? I know with their reman-ed ammo they use a lot of LC (Lake City) military brass, at least in .223 they do. I've had good luck with Federal brass in .30-06, at least 6 loadings so far with only normal trimming.

July 20, 2007, 12:54 PM	#4
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	You can push the number of reload farther if you fire form and then neck size only. Winchester Is the supplier for Black Hills (top notch). For loading match quality ammo, single stage press is the ticket.... In Making 2600fps with 168 in that 20” barrel I would use the Black Hills brass. Fed Brass is a little softer and will have to be trimmed often. I prefer Lapua and Winchester

July 20, 2007, 02:11 PM	#5
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,171	lapua man here WildfinnboyAlaska

July 20, 2007, 04:00 PM	#6
rn22723 Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2001 Location: Burbs of Minneapolis Posts: 676	Federal brass sucks! It is soft, and so your case life will be short because of enlarged primer pockets. So, the BHA (red box) is WW, and it will give you better case life then the Federal brass hands down, and twice on Sunday.

July 20, 2007, 04:16 PM	#7
mathman Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,531	Thanks for the info...and that's good news since I have more BHA than Federal.