How about a brass rating scheme??

[klausg]

Hey gang-

I did very well on the brass-scounging recently and got too thinking that I don't know enough about the various makers out there. So, I figured I'd start this one and get a little input. I'll start out with what I've already gleaned from here, and personal experience.

Winchester- top-notch

Remington- not great, not bad, I've never had any problems with it

A Merc-not worth picking up, sadly you have to pick it up to find that out

PMC- personally no difficulties unless the flashhole is off center, (broke a few de-capping pins), I'll use their handgun as I can eyeball the flashhole before I break another.

Aguila- I have some .357 that is on reload number 5, jury is still out

Federal- much the same as the Aguila, except that I have some .375 H&H also

@#%&*! Commie steel cases- good way to break an ankle

I'm looking for other opinions and any other brass I've forgotten, I've also come across some weird ones, are there any out there with collector value? Thanks in advance & take care.

-Klaus

[Baldy]

I don't know of any I would call collector value. The only thing I pick up is the 45acp's. Steel,aluminium, or AMERC are junk. Anything else that I can stick a 45 in I shoot.

[Canuck44]

I have to go with what Baldy said. I won't shoot steel cases in my guns, period. I reload so buying factory ammo is not on anyway. The only good thing Amerc brass is good for is filling up space in your brass recycle pail. Just "CRAP".

I haven't found any significant difference in shooting anything and everything I find. All lasts forever.

I shoot a lot of 9MM and reload for this caliber. Winchester and Remington brass is what I use all the time. The local RCMP use these makes to practice with so I get a ton of brass for free at the range. Brass from both companies shoots and lasts the same.

Take Care

Bob

[The Flemish]

Sellier & bellot works well
no problems in .38 & .357, some ones are reloadet for the 6 time.

Chris

[Explorer1]

Precision shooters rave over Norma and Lapua brass, but it is far from cheap or available in all cartridges. Remington is generally the next brand preference, Win tends to be a little softer.

Federal seems to be more willing to make specialty runs than the others, such as IHSMA cartridges.

Star brass has earned a great following, as has the new Nosler line.

So many options, what's a guy to do? (commonly I buy what's on sale unless it has a special purpose...)

[BluesBear]

I've never had any problem with Speer/CCI, Fiocchi (GFI) Mag-Tech (CBC) or Starline brass either.

I believe Black Hills and Cor-Bon brass is produced by Starline.

I've discovered that it's more how important how the brass is worked during reloading and firing than who produced it.

But I will agree that A-MREC is JUNK.

[Bullshop Junior]

I had a box of mixed brand 223 that I have had since I got the rifle (2 years ago). they where geting close to 50 shots, and what made me thow them away was I cept lossing them hunting, and there was only about 10 left. I do not really like remington, my they have a thiner neck,and when using cast bullets the bullets will some times fall into the case. winchesters are ok, but When I load up hot for L.C . militery, and then use the winchester cases, I usly have to get them out with a hammer. they have a thicker web.
DANIEL/BS JR.

[Jammer Six]

I'm new to reloading, and brand new to this board.

Not much experience to draw on, only a few thousand loads so far.

Don't like cleaning Federal, Winchester or Remington.

Whatever those companies use for powder, it doesn't like to come out.

I clean brass like I mean it:
http://www.oz.net/~jammer/Brass/index.html



But those three brands don't come clean after 24 hours sometimes.

I like Armscor, (headstamp AP) because it cleans right up.

I like nice, shiny brass, because everyone knows shiny brass shoots straighter, and I like the inside as shiny as the outside, so if I decide to weigh a charge, I can look inside and see at a glance that I got all of the powder onto the scale.

Probably too picky.

But that's one of my favorite things about reloading- I can be as picky as I want to be.

Looking forward to chattering with all of you here.

[rocklock]

I reload for quite a few oddball calibers (11x59R Gras, 8x50R Siamese, 8x58RD, etc.) and have been quite pleased with Buffalo Arms brass.

I have had some serious problems with Bertram brass, however.

[OLD RSM]

I use .45 APC, 9mm,.38, 30-06 and .303 British
I like in order Federal, Winchester,R-P and pickups.
Cheers Gerry