I'm new to metallic rifle cartridge reloading. I'm working on a load for 7mm Rem. Mag. I started with a box of Remington factory brass, once fired and they performed well. I have also tried a box of Federal premium, once fired, but they seem to be a bit thicker in case dimensions. Accuracy and energy are paramount for long range shooting. I purchased the Redding "S" die set with the competiton shell holders for precise sizing and headspace. I'm told that Remington and Federal brass are very good, but many fellow shooters are recommending Hornady brass. What's your experience with different manufacturers brass? Is Hornady a premium brass?
Thanks..

Hornady brass is one of the better, but it has to say hornady on the base most hornady brass says frontier on the base which is actually brass made by winchester for hornady. I personally would stick with remington they tend to last longer then federal or winchester. If you are into pushing hot loads then you better go with winchester , winchester has a higher volume more case capacity which gives you a little more slack when workin up hot loads. I hear the premium of the premium brass is Lapua or norma brass but that stuff is to expensive in my opinion and I'm doing plenty fine in the accuracy department with remington and winchester brass.

Norma brass is top of the line but it can bankrupt you paying for it. Remington brass has been problematic for many loaders so I personally aviod it. I use Winchester and have for thousands and thousands of loads without any major problems. Besy buy for the buck in my opinion.

I went thru this dilemma a few months ago. And I decided for hunting and target, the norma wasn't worth it. I hate remington brass. I find frontier pretty uniform. I like federal, but they dont' sell it new. So of your choices, frontier seems the best.

When did Norma brass become premium brass, and a cut above the others?????? I've reloaded many thousands of rounds of Norma brass over the years, and i've never really liked it all that much. To me it's too soft, it's NOT top of the line in my book!!

All WBY brass was made by Norma, (it may still be??????) yes it held more powder, but how many times could you reload it???? WBY brass is soft too too!

I've had pretty good luck with Remington, Federal, and also Winchester brass. I also have quite a bit of RWS brass, and it's good stuff too. I've also worked a LOT with BELL brass, as i designed a few cartridges useing that case, and i mfg'd and sold the ammo for it.

For me, what is most important is to make sure all your "lots" of brass are the same and don't mix types or brands. If your real picky, deprime, and clean your brass, and weigh each of them. Then put the different weights in different boxes, and use them as groups.

Hope this helps,

Drilling Man

Actually from what I and others have seen is you can't get as much powder in Norma brass cause it was much thicker than say Remington. Also compensates by building pressure quicker than say remington and winchester. But yes its softer and more malible. They say this gives it the ability to be loaded more before split necks and being brittle.

What I have seen is. You don't have to sort Norma brass period. I know for a fact you should sort Remington Brass.

As far as whe it was the premium, think its always been that way for over 20 years. Where you been? Hiding in Alaska somewhere?

LOL

I've been having pretty good luck with remington brass, haven't had any reason to sort it yet.
I have a bunch of nickel plated winchester 308 cases, has any of you had good luck with winchester nickle plated cases? whats your guys opinions?

I use R-P brass, and have never had to look else where for another brand. Good luck.

Drilling Man I weigh all my bullets before reloading, but I never gave it a thought to weigh the empty brass. Will this make a substantial difference? Thanks for all the opinions. It IS appreciated.