Brass Life and Performance

[Mark Z]

I am full size reloading cases for a .270 Win and 7 mm Rem Mag. I have been using both Winchester and Remington Brass; how many reloads should I expect before I discard the brass?

I have been working up loads for both the .270 Win and 7 mm Rem Mag using RL 22 and IMR 4831 with Ballistic Tip and Partition bullets using Winchester and Remington Brass. I always work up to the same powder and bullet with each brass, but notice only minimal changes in performance. Typically the Remington brass yields a velocity increase of 50 fps on average with a little larger group size; is this common? Are there any conclusions already drawn on brass performance? Is it necessary to work up each brass load separately?

Also, I have some factory brass from Speer and Federal that I have shot but am hesitant to reload since I am unable to easily find Speer or Federal brass in the event that I find a good load for the brass; any suggestions?


Thanks,
Mark

 

[RemmyTim]

As long as you are not "hotloading" your rounds,you should be able to get 6-8 loadings out of them.I, however, only load each piece 5 times and then discard them.

As long as you are not getting blown out necks or primer pockets getting elongated,you will be OK.Also,it really helps if you just "neck size" after you fire the brass for the first time from your rifle.Helps from stretching the brass out even more.

Hope this helps-Tim

 

[matts318]

Out of my 270 I have got about 10 reloads, but untill last year I didnt load them real hot either, farthest shot I could have was 150 yards or so and I figured why load them hotter if I didnt have to reach way out there. Typically mine cracked in the neck and I just checked them each time before I reloaded.

 

[JD338]

Mark Z.

Its hard to say. Too many variables such as quality of brass, load, chamber of your rifle, and neck/full length resizing. You should get between 5-10 reloads. Could be more or less depending on above.

JD338

 

[Mark Z]

Thanks for the answers. Has anyone experienced significant changes in performance (for hunting loads) between brass and should I work up each load for each brass or are they interchanable?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[JD338]

Mark Z,

Any time you change components, you need to start low and work up.
I always felt that W-W brass was harder than R-P and lasted longer.
I bought some Nosler 280AI brass, very nice stuff!

JD338

 

[Mark Z]

Thank you JD338.