Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

[USAF]

I've started loading for the .308 Winchester cartridge and have a large amount of both Winchester brand and F.C. (I presume Federal Cartridge) once fired brass.

Question. When reloading these two brands of brass, should I expect to be able to use the same charge weight of a given powder and obtain the same/similar external ballistics. I know Lake City brass is military and is of thicker construction thereby requiring a reduced powder charge weight to obtain the same/similar pressure and external ballistics.

Please help.

Regards,

USAF

 

[nesikabay]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

Winchester will hold more powder. Primer pockets will also last longer.

 

[RottenII]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nesikabay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Winchester will hold more powder. Primer pockets will also last longer. </div></div>

+1 My experience also.

 

[USAF]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

Thank you for prompt response. Would you suggest I load 1 grain less for the F.C. brass than I would the Winchester brand?

 

[adam3999]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

Try weighing a few of each headstamp dry, then each full of water, and take the difference for the average internal case capacity.

 

[nesikabay]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USAF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for prompt response. Would you suggest I load 1 grain less for the F.C. brass than I would the Winchester brand?

</div></div>

Some shooters might not agree with what i am about to say. Get rid of the Federal and get Winchester or Lapua. Dont waist bullets and powder and barrel life. Also having to use 2 loads and 2 different types on brass wont have a good outcome i promise.

 

[USAF]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

Thank you. I'll take your advice and stick with the Winchester brand. I've done the same with other calibers (sticking with one case brand) and will do the same with the .308 Winchester.

USAF

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nesikabay</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USAF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for prompt response. Would you suggest I load 1 grain less for the F.C. brass than I would the Winchester brand?

</div></div>

Some shooters might not agree with what i am about to say. Get rid of the Federal and get Winchester or Lapua. Dont waist bullets and powder and barrel life. Also having to use 2 loads and 2 different types on brass wont have a good outcome i promise. </div></div>

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

When I load slow burning powders (RL-17) I use Win Cases as they seem to be the lightest w/the most capacity. When I load subsonic loads I use Fed or Lake City cases as they seem to have the least amount of case capacity.

 

[Griffin4590]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

I'm not at all a fan on FC brass. Stay with win or lapua and you will be much happier in the long run

 

[tomme boy]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

I have better luck with FC in 308. The weight on the 500 I have vary about 4-5grs. The Win were about 15 gr spread. I have also never had a problem with loose pockets. The Win seemed to be all under sized from the factory. All have the ring on the base. Every Win I have seen has this Same ring. They are not .470 at the base like they are supposed to be.

 

[USAF]

Re: Winchester vs. F.C. Brass

Ooooh! The F.C. brass I have has various headstamps from F.C. Does this matter? Thank you for the help tomme boy. I will look at and develop loads initially in both Winchester and F.C. to see which is best for my new gun thanks to your input.

Best Regards,