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Best Brass for Reloading .308??

perazzisc3

Sergeant
Banned !
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 16, 2011
304
47
58
Sunrise, Fl
I have tried many brands of brass while tring to find my pet load and found pros and con for most. For example Nosler is as close to perefect as I have seen in .308 brass but can't get the S.O.B. to shoot to my expectations.Lapua is also very good brass but lacking in my expectations for accuracy from such pricey brass.I have more accurate groups with Remington and Winchester brass but they do not hold up like the Nosler and The Lapua.
Any intel on why it is so hard to find the optimal loads for the so call better brass??
 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

As you know, brass is only one part of the equation. First thing, you should decide what your goals are for the rifle you are shooting.

I have been down the path of brass, bullets, powder and primers in an effort to find that magic mix. At that time it was all about groups at 100. I finally found a combo that worked, 168 Noscc, RP brass, WLR Primer, 2.825, 44.8 Varget. Real world was .5-1 moa.

Now that is great in a sterile 100Y indoor range, shooting from a bench.

I later decided that my rifles will serve more than a paper punching service. Steel at various ranges, in the field with wind and all of the other environmental. This is all to find a load that is effective to harvest deer and antelope at max ethical ranges(with a 308).

My point, sometimes folks get wrapped around the axle trying to get benchrest accuracy from a long range/ "tactical type" rifle. Dont get me wrong, case variance, bullet weight, neck tension and all that is important as you move out to 700-1000. Just that setting realistic goals for your rig and you will be much happier. I am much happier hitting a 6" gong at 550, 10mph wind 15 degree incline first shot, then a .5 moa group at 100. Well that is just me.

Of all the cases you listed, I found that RP, and Lapua have the longest case life. If you pic up a RCBS precision mic you can ensure you are bumping the shoulder the correct amount and check off one more variable in the mix.

Choose one case, work a OCW, then change seating depth and primer to your satisfaction.



 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

I asked this of a record holding Palma Shooter. He merely stated that "Lapua is the standard in the High Power Rifle world".

I have several hundred pieces of Lapua brass that perform very well once I found the correct load. The case capacity for Lapua .308 brass is smaller than Winchester. When measured, they hold an average of 1 grain of H20. They are, however, much more uniform in weight, thus capacity. I also have many hundreds of pieces of Winchester brass that I've segregated by weight. Took me over 500 pieces to get 100 that are within .5 grains of weight variance. The Lapua I just shoot as is, no sorting. Still give me better accuracy than the Windchester.
 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

At least for me, after I weight sort and prep, most brass is very similar in accuracy but differ in how many reloads they last.

You may want to look at your bullet concentricity.
 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

I get the most speed with winchester but brass prep is a pain, the most accurate out the box is lapua but cost is pretty high on those so winchester it is for me, I don't know what your expectations are but win fills up my bill.
hope this helps.
 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

How one preps their brass, if one loads hot, etc....will have a great deal to do with brass life. I use inexpensive Win brass and many have 10+ reloads on them. $ for $, Win & Rem are hard to beat. Yes Lapua is considered the gold std for benchrest ppl.
 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

Lapua for some reason just groups better in mine.

I bought some Nosler while waiting for my back-ordered Lapua to come in and I have to say Its just as good or better imo.
 
Re: Best Brass for Reloading .308??

+1 on Lapua.
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