Thread: Best brass for relaoding

Originally Posted by gimp

For how many shots how frequently

Two rounds anytime your out. Eg it's consistant that capable....

Originally Posted by Tahr

I mainly use mixed brass in .223.
You quickly learn what brass to avoid with a given load cos you will get the odd popped primer or high pressure sign. They will be the thicker/lower capacity brands. I take those brands out of the mix. ADI does it with my pet load in one rifle (.223).

My accuracy is I seldom miss a deer or wallabies kill zone out to as far as I want to shoot.

I just drop a few tenths with thick brass like ADI to get the same speed so I don't have to adjust ballistics. I only use one headstamp at a time though. The brass cupboard is pretty full with .223. Not 10 headstamps maybe. At least 9.


I don't see any precision difference between different headstamps. I just adjust the charge for the same speed. If your barrel shoots a bullet well it will do it from any brass within reason. If it doesn't shoot a bullet well, changing brass headstamp won't make it any better.

Originally Posted by gimp

What difference on target can you see?

Never have wasted ammo on paper. The only target is the head or neck of a deer. If I can get it there thats sufficent for my purposes. A Forum member shot an amazing group using some of my 65gr Sierra reloads. I do not think I could replicate it in a month of Sundays. Each to their own. A noted AR15 builder said the key to extreme accuracy is the best barrel. Gotta say Kiwi Greg's annealer is the bizo.

Originally Posted by TeRei

Never have wasted ammo on paper. The only target is the head or neck of a deer. If I can get it there thats sufficent for my purposes. A Forum member shot an amazing group using some of my 65gr Sierra reloads. I do not think I could replicate it in a month of Sundays. Each to their own. A noted AR15 builder said the key to extreme accuracy is the best barrel. Gotta say Kiwi Greg's annealer is the bizo.

So what leads you to say annealing is consistency?

Not at this stage yet. Out of interest how popular is annealing? Is it mainly done by people doing long range/ competition shooting?

Originally Posted by JoshBadger

Not at this stage yet. Out of interest how popular is annealing? Is it mainly done by people doing long range/ competition shooting?

It’s a fettish. Right up there with pinching nickers off clothes lines.

Originally Posted by JoshBadger

Not at this stage yet. Out of interest how popular is annealing? Is it mainly done by people doing long range/ competition shooting?

The most compelling evidence available suggests that annealing is good for your brass life and makes no difference detectable on target for precision or velocity consistency. The guy selling a $3000 induction annealer swears it makes a difference, but I have yet to see any actual demonstration of an effect on velocity consistency or precision

Originally Posted by gimp

So what leads you to say annealing is consistency?

When you squeeze that lever and the die is smooth as butter. Out tomorrow night running 110gr TTSX [308]and if my mate misses its a long walk home. Put a SS and 2 extra baffles on his suppressor. The projectile glides in when seating and releases evenly and silky as Lady Gaga on the vocals. We hunt for meat. Love and produce the old favourite...robot reliable ammo. Annealing removes so many imperfections and only adds goodness. 2C.

Originally Posted by JoshBadger

I have been reloading for just over a year and I am hooked, love developing a load and seeing how it performs. I have been reloading 7mm08 and 308 using Norma brass which I have been happy with. The brass is coming to the end of its life and I am wanting to buy some new brass. My question is what brands would you recommend? Is there a massive difference between brands? What should I be looking for and avoiding?

Are you looking for brass life as “best quality” ?
I got at least half a dozen loads from 303 Norma brass and it was still going strong. In the 7mm08 it did a good dozen before any failures at all. One key thing is to size the brass only just enough (0.003”) to fit easliy back into the chamber.

Originally Posted by Tahr

It’s a fettish. Right up there with pinching nickers off clothes lines.

Bella do this? Crack up.

Originally Posted by gimp

For how many shots how frequently

I treat all my ammo the same. Make all it as consistant as I can. Hunting ammo or target. Purely for the hobby value and to improve the tinkering skills

Originally Posted by gimp

The most compelling evidence available suggests that annealing is good for your brass life and makes no difference detectable on target for precision or velocity consistency. The guy selling a $3000 induction annealer swears it makes a difference, but I have yet to see any actual demonstration of an effect on velocity consistency or precision

Aww themselves fightin words!!!

I would deffinately take a bunch of your worst most random cases and get them shooting better. 100% non scientifically sure of it.

I have an annealing machine coming. I expect it to improve my brass life. I'll also get some evidence for whether it actually improves results on target.

Originally Posted by gimp

I have an annealing machine coming. I expect it to improve my brass life. I'll also get some evidence for whether it actually improves results on target.

Do you have trouble with brass life?
I do it (manually) for insurance with large rifle expensive brass, but my 223 stuff disappears into the undergrowth or becomes loose in the primer pocket well before any splits and brass failure. I guess some of my .223 brass gets 6 or so reloads and a split neck is a rarity.

AMP Annealer is the easy-button for sure if anyone wants to get into annealing! Obviously not cheap, but get 2-3 mates together and share the costs of purchase.

Once you have the machine, there’s really no reason not to anneal after every firing, takes about 10-12 minutes per 100 pieces. Good quality brass isn’t cheap these days, so you want to get the most out of it.

And no more frustrations of inconsistent shoulder bump. That alone makes the investment worth it in terms of avoiding more gray hairs!!