I am getting ready to order some 308 brass, and my source gives me two choices : Federal premium brass for $20.99 per 50 and Hornaday 308 match for $32.99/50. I just target shoot and hunt, and I don't compete, but I do strive for 1 moa and am happy with that. Any compelling reason to buy the more expensive brass for what I am doing? I am planning on getting 500 rds, so that is a big price difference. Using 168gr Hornady amax bullets
I am pretty new to reloading but if your not competing I don't see why you would need to use that crazy expensive hornady match brass... I use whatever remington or Win brass or just what i pick up at the range and it all performs fine for at least a few loads.
I have heard good things about the Hornady Match brass. I have an AR 10 SASS and I have used Lapua with good results, Lake City Match with good results ( both sub MOA on a consistent basis) Lake City 92 and Federal Military brass, that will also shoot sub MOA, just not quite as tight. I can not get WW brass to shoot well in my AR. I have 5 reloads on the Lapua and it is still shooting well, more on some of the Lake City stuff. I am a little picky about brass but will shoot it if it performs. Good luck and have fun shooting.
I've been loading over 30 years, and did quite a bit of 100 yard shooting ( no longer ranges near me) with many calibers. What "I" found works for me when trying to squeeze the most from a rifle:
1. Use ONE head stamp from the same lot if possible
2. Size and trim to uniform spec length.
3. Clean and deburr the primer pocket
4. Weigh all of the cases and keep those for accuracy testing within a range (depending on caliber) of say 3 grains.
5. Weigh all charges
6. Seat and crimp in separate processes
Really anal (no insult meant there) people also weigh all bullets, only use single stage presses, turn necks etc. etc.
On .223' and 308's the first time I size I use a small base die, after they are shot I can use a neck size die or standard die.
Once I know the accuracy "potential" of a rifle without going through herculean measures I switch over to my Dillon 450 and throw what the powder measure likes, seat and crimp in one stage and see what happens.
I believe that "match brass" is likely nothing more than sorted weighed brass that has had the primer punch burr removed. I can't say for sure but it's unlikely they do any more.
Ok Gents. I've received enough emails to prompt me to divulge a source. I now have 4,000 of them and see no realistic future need to add to the stock.
These are the epitome of a .308 auto-loader case. The "LR" (Long Range) designated brass, once fired from USMC and USA training fcilities for designated marksmen/sniper schools.
Looks like this.... and all headstamped LR 04.
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This brass performs right alongside Lapua for consistency. We've run the comparative half a dozen times, and the statement is true.
Go here............ and ask for Jeff.
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