What brass in the 353 for top loads?

[WL44]

This is a reloading question, I know, but it's specifically FA related, so I thought I'd post here, if it needs to be moderated out of here, my apologies! I may post in the silhouette forum too if I don't get any replies.

I shoot a FA 353 and utilise some of the extra fps available, although not the whole lot I could probably squeeze out of the gun.

I'm really limited as to brass alternatives here in South Africa, so I generally bring in what I WANT from elsewhere. A few years back I brought in some .357 Mag Starline brass and I've been quite happy with it.

I'm in the market to buy brass again and wanted a bit of input. This may seem like a strange question as to many pistol shots (unlike rifle shots), brass is brass is brass, but I corresponded with a top silhouette shot (also shooting a 353) a while ago, who told me that he could achieve top velocities and accuracy only with Winchester brass and not Starline. Whilst he said it may be batch dependant and conceded that many shooters seemed happy with Starline, it seemed to him that the neck tension he achieved with the Winnies was different. He was using virgin brass for the testing.

Literally like 2" - 4" groups at 100m and, if I recall, 80-100 fps difference.

We also know that Federal has been favoured by many for use in the 5 shot 45's, maybe the question isn't totally nuts.

I'd welcome any comments on what brass you use for your top loads, and why.

Wim

[Ken ONeill]

In my experience, I have achieved excellent accuracy and velocity with Winchester, Starline, aand Federal ( no longer offered as a reloading component in the U.S.) cases in my FA 353. In every case, best results have been achieved with new brass, or that which has been fired only once or twice. Presumably this is because of  the more consistent neck tension. As an aside, the Hornady XTP 180 gr. bullets have produced outstanding accuracy...several times reaching 1 moa at 100 yds. with a 4X Leupold .

[WL44]

Thanks Ken.

I find the XTP and CL Sil from Hornady great as well, by the way.

[mugs]

Look at www.lasc.us check info on loading 353. Rick really liked Starline.
Mugs

[mugs]

I double checked the article and it was IMI brass. Sorry.
Mugs

[FAStevo]

I have had equal luck with WW as well as Starline, all of Cor-Bon's 353 loads were loaded in WW.
I don't think that brass strength is really an issue, all makes will show enlarged primer pockets after 1-2 firings of Max 353 loads. I would go with the cheapest and most easily available.JMNSHO
Regards, Steve

[WL44]

Thanks.

It's a neck tension thing from what I can gather, less than "absolute strength" I think (I'm not expressing myself that well).

I suppose it really depends on the lot as brass could vary in "springiness" from lot to lot.

I'll choose between Win and Starline. I just wanted a bit of guidance, but it seems either should be fine. Thanks for the input.

Wim