224 Valkyrie brass

reynolds357 · March 10, 2019, 03:41 PM

I bought a bunch of Federal 224 Valkyrie Ammo because it was dirt cheap. Shot it up. Reloaded it one time. Next time I reloaded it, I had 25% case neck splits. I assume it needs annealing. Has Federal brass become this sorry? I must admit all I use if available is Norma or Lapua.

**Unclenick** · March 10, 2019, 03:47 PM

It seems to be too soft some of the time an not other times. No idea why the inconsistency. I seen complaints of belted magnums having their primers fall out after firing Federal's factory load. But yes, in general, case neck splits are a sign of need for annealing. Shouldn't happen that soon. I would call Federal and make sure there's not an issue with it. Another option is to buy the brass new and unloaded from Starline. They have that chambering now. I've always had good luck with their brass.

RC20 · March 10, 2019, 03:59 PM

Technically that would be the perfect processing, does its job and then fails if used again!

Brass clearly is overdone when we can use it off the shelf for reloading and get 10 or more firings out of it without annealing.

On the other hand, that is a really interesting result you go and will be interested to see what you dig up.

FC is off my list of brass to even anneal, I will shoot it 5x for mil surp and then throw away. I always find more of it!

reynolds357 · March 10, 2019, 09:04 PM

I ordered some Starline. Has to be better than the Federal.

**Unclenick** · March 11, 2019, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC20

Brass clearly is overdone when we can use it off the shelf for reloading and get 10 or more firings out of it without annealing.

Interestingly, the 2013 Second Edition (current) Norma manual says that as part of their QC process they regularly pull sample cases from production to test how many times they can reload it. If it doesn't go 10 times, they stop the line and find out what the problem is.

ed308 · March 11, 2019, 09:47 AM

Split necks is usually the reason for failure with Federal brass. I use a lot of their Lake City brass. Just toss when it splits. It's cheap to buy so no worries.

**Unclenick** · March 12, 2019, 05:15 PM

Reynolds357,

I forgot to add that I think you will like the Starline. Let us know how it compares for you.

reynolds357 · March 12, 2019, 06:42 PM

Unclenick, I will give a report. I have never heard anything bad about their brass.

ed308 · March 12, 2019, 09:28 PM

I'm using Starline brass for my .224 Valk. Stagpanther has mentioned Hornady Valkyrie brass will allow higher case capacity than compared to Starline brass.

**Unclenick** · March 13, 2019, 08:28 AM

I've noticed that in several chamberings Hornady has taken over from Winchester when it comes to providing the lightest cases.

March 10, 2019, 03:41 PM	#1
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	224 Valkyrie brass I bought a bunch of Federal 224 Valkyrie Ammo because it was dirt cheap. Shot it up. Reloaded it one time. Next time I reloaded it, I had 25% case neck splits. I assume it needs annealing. Has Federal brass become this sorry? I must admit all I use if available is Norma or Lapua.

March 10, 2019, 03:47 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	It seems to be too soft some of the time an not other times. No idea why the inconsistency. I seen complaints of belted magnums having their primers fall out after firing Federal's factory load. But yes, in general, case neck splits are a sign of need for annealing. Shouldn't happen that soon. I would call Federal and make sure there's not an issue with it. Another option is to buy the brass new and unloaded from Starline. They have that chambering now. I've always had good luck with their brass. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 10, 2019, 03:59 PM	#3
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	Technically that would be the perfect processing, does its job and then fails if used again! Brass clearly is overdone when we can use it off the shelf for reloading and get 10 or more firings out of it without annealing. On the other hand, that is a really interesting result you go and will be interested to see what you dig up. FC is off my list of brass to even anneal, I will shoot it 5x for mil surp and then throw away. I always find more of it! __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

March 12, 2019, 05:15 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	Reynolds357, I forgot to add that I think you will like the Starline. Let us know how it compares for you. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 13, 2019, 08:28 AM	#10
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	I've noticed that in several chamberings Hornady has taken over from Winchester when it comes to providing the lightest cases. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 10, 2019, 09:04 PM	#4
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	I ordered some Starline. Has to be better than the Federal.

March 11, 2019, 09:47 AM	#6
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	Split necks is usually the reason for failure with Federal brass. I use a lot of their Lake City brass. Just toss when it splits. It's cheap to buy so no worries.

March 12, 2019, 06:42 PM	#8
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	Unclenick, I will give a report. I have never heard anything bad about their brass.

March 12, 2019, 09:28 PM	#9
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	I'm using Starline brass for my .224 Valk. Stagpanther has mentioned Hornady Valkyrie brass will allow higher case capacity than compared to Starline brass.

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