7mm08 R-P vs Federal brass

[Gunner46]

My R-P brass has reached it's useful life. I'm starting to get some split necks either after being shot, or during resizing. I can't complain, I've gotten 5-6 loads out of each, with full size dies.

I ran across a sweeeeeet deal on Federal 140 TSX factory ammo, with the idea that A) $15 a box to too good to pass up, regardless. B) If it shots outta my rifle, I'm set for many moons (300rds), and C) If it doesn't, I'm set with brass for many more moons!

Question is, does R-P, or Federal brass have more case capacity? I'll probably need to adjust my reloads because of changing brass, but which direction ?

For that matter, will I need to do a new complete work up & ladder tests with my assortments of powders?

 

[PJGunner]

Have you tried annealing that brass? Could give you a few more loads from it.
Paul B.

 

[Gunner46]

I'm down in numbers to where I really need to restock anyway. Some of that brass has been pushed pretty hard. If I were only out on the range and a case failed, no biggie. Out in the field, I want reliability. Time to let those Vets retire.....

 

[DrMike]

Have you tried annealing that brass? Could give you a few more loads from it.
Paul B.

Paul is absolutely correct. It may be worthwhile to anneal your brass to extend the life. As an aside, for hunting loads, I never use brass that has been loaded more than twice. After that, all brass is relegated to load development.

 

[Gunner46]

Dr. It's all on the 4th-6th goround. That's why I'm bring in 300 new recruits!

When my last 40 R-P loaded rounds go down range, it's Bye-Bye.

 

[Guy Miner]

The only trouble I've had with Federal brass is that sometimes the primer pockets open up pretty quickly, making the brass useless.

That's with .308 Federal Gold Medal match brass. Other than that primer pocket issue though, it worked very well, producing excellent, match-grade ammo. Was actually a little thicker than the Winchester brass I also use.

Guy

 

[jimbires]

Gunner , if I was switching from RP to Fed brass , I would measure the case capacity of both brands . then I would try to adjust the powder charge to get the Fed brass velocity to match the RP velocity , quickload is your friend here . I think this will work for a hunting rifle . your brass will be fired . don't resize or punch the primer , do nothing . just weigh the fired empty case , then fill it with water and weigh it again . subtract the two numbers and you have your case capacity .

I have a 7mm-08 Tikka , that I hunt with . it doesn't seem to matter what brand of brass I use , it shoots well enough for hunting .

 

[Wis65x55]

Midwayusa has 7mm-08 Nosler brass on clearance price now. I would encourage you to get 6 boxes from the same lot. I believe that Nosler brass is superior to the other choices that you listed.
Keith

 

[JD338]

Midwayusa has 7mm-08 Nosler brass on clearance price now. I would encourage you to get 6 boxes from the same lot. I believe that Nosler brass is superior to the other choices that you listed.
Keith

Good idea. :idea:

JD338

 

[Blkram]

I have reloaded Federal brass from factory ammunition fired in my rifle chambers and have never had any problems.

Now, I did not go to lengths that have been described above re: case capacity, just used the same load, primers, bullets, powder, neck sized Federal brass and oacl as with other brass, and did not see any significant difference in the results for the 6.5 x 55, 280 Rem and 7 MM Rem Mag. I usually got 5 reloads out of the brass before discarding, but did not see any split necks, just loosening of the primer pockets. But I do not push my loads either. Usually close or at max of the recommended loads in the manuals, with accuracy being more important than velocity. These loads were always used for target practice, except for the 6.5 x 55, which were also used for hunting, as they exceeded velocity and accuracy over the factory fodder. In the 7MM Rem Mag with the 165 gr SKG, the factory load was more consistently accurate than my reload with the 160 gr PT's 2nds (1/2" vs 3/4-7/8"), but the reload was less expensive to target practice with.

 

[SJB358]

Gunner, I think Jim has given you sound advice here. I'd likely just run your favorite loads over the chrono and see what it reads. Adjust as necessary. Seems like you made a great score on that 7-08 ammo.

 

[Gunner46]

Yeah, SJB, if the Fed TSX shoots worth a d@mn, I' golden for some time to come. If not, I think I'll do as you suggest, then ask some generous soul to run some QL numbers for me.

Using Varget now, but if I can score some RL-16, or Big Game.....we'll see ! I'm truly a BT/AB man at heart, but the price was sooooooo right on the TSX!

 

[jimbires]

Gunner , I thought you might be interested in this . I've never used nosler brass in anything , but at this price I'll give it a try . I just ordered 2 boxes . in my 7-08's I've used norma , rem, and win brass . I find the 7-08 to be easy on brass .


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/119405 ... -box-of-50

 

[longrangehunter]

I used Federal and Winchester Brass in my 7mm-08, either worked great, and I had no issues with them lasting a long time annealed every other time.

 

[jimbires]

Midwayusa has 7mm-08 Nosler brass on clearance price now. I would encourage you to get 6 boxes from the same lot. I believe that Nosler brass is superior to the other choices that you listed.
Keith

Good idea. :idea:

JD338

sorry guys , I just realized it was already mentioned .