Thread: Federal brass primer pockets??

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Apologies for this armed hijack, I have a question related to the above: When laddering up to see what velocity a new powder ( superformance) will do, should I only use previously fired and neck sized cases or will using new un-fired Norma cases for load development when getting 'up there' to pressure loads be ok - accepting that they will stretch and need a trim ??

Greetings Moa Hunter,
I think the important thing is to have cases that are all the same, not a mixture of new and fired brass. If you are neck sizing then once fired neck sized brass would be preferable when, as you suggest, you are getting to your top loads as these will be closest in capacity to what you are likely to be using in the field. One thing I suggest, and don't see mentioned often, is a robust search through the available manufacturers load data to get an understanding of what should be possible. With respect to Superformance Hodgdon states that the powder does not work with all cartridges but where it does it works very well. They offer load data for a number of cartridges on their web site but by no means all. Something to consider. Perhaps the cartridges they don't offer data for are not well suited for the powder.
Regards Grandpamac.