Hornady brass - soft?

[bodywerks]

I have heard that Hornady brass is soft, like among the softest. Is this true? Any advantages to it? I assume there are obvious disadvantages, like don't load it hot or else?
I have about 150 cases in .308. I started buying Hornady match ammo and saving the brass. It's quality is FAR superior to the PMC stuff I was saving, but if it's soft is it junk, or do I just have to be careful about how much powder I use?
I am currently reloading with Varget at various charge values and COAL's, for 168 and 175 SMK's for an accuracy load in my Savage FCP-K. Are there values that I should not exceed in Hornady brass for those bullets, that I might be able to get away with more successfully in my Lapua brass??
And on the Lapua brass, factory new - do I just load and go or do I need to neck size it first?
Thanks in advance for helping a newby reloader!

 

[jawa]

Re: Hornady brass - soft?

I have hornady brass that I have reloaded for the fourth time without having to trim the cases. I'd say it does the job. And my loads are maxed out, plus a lil more...

 

[desertHK]

Re: Hornady brass - soft?

First, Hornady brass are much better than Fed brass. It's a toss up between Winchester and Hornady, although Hornady may have a slight edge in my book.

IMHO, Lapua brass is the way to go. I have up to 15+ load with my 308 (stopped counting after that). They are very uniform for the most part. Although you don't have to, some people recommend at least neck size them before loading. I have done that way as well as just load them and shoot. The results are about the same in my hands.

 

[jawa]

Re: Hornady brass - soft?

HK knows his stuff man, I agree with him about the Lapua brass, but Horn and Win is cheaper...

 

[desertHK]

Re: Hornady brass - soft?

Thanks for the kind words Jawa. I am still learning the process.

 

[bodywerks]

Re: Hornady brass - soft?

Yeah, no question Lapua brass is top notch, and it's good to know it can be reloaded countless times. I will continue to enjoy the hornady stuff for 4-5 reloads and start weening it out in favor of lapua from now on.
Am I doing lapua brass a disjustice using a Lee neck sizer? I mean, it's doing the job fine but is leaving tooling marks on my other brass. Not sure if I should invest in a better die or just go with it?

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Hornady brass - soft?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First, Hornady brass are much better than Fed brass. It's a toss up between Winchester and Hornady, although Hornady may have a slight edge in my book.
</div></div>

Hornady is all I have fired in my current 300 WinMag. It has served me well... so far.