Between Federal Nickel, Hornady, and Norma, who's 416 Rigby brass is the best? How about listing your opinion on all three best to worst, and why. Thanks.

I'd avoid nickel.

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
I'd avoid nickel.

Why?

It's typically more brittle and prone to cracking and it can flake and jam dies.

I agree avoid the nickel for the reason listed. I have both Norma and Hornaday 416 Rigby brass and they are both quality products. I bought a bunch of Norma brass prior to Hornaday production of 416 Rigby. I think the Hornaday is cheaper.....if I was starting over that's what I would buy.

I, too, avoid nickel plated brass for the reasons stated. I had a nickel plated brass shed a flake and score a very accurate .338-06 Shilen barrel years ago. I use mostly Hornady in my .416 Rigby and like it, I have some Norma brass but it is noticeably harder to size so I assume it is a bit harder and I don't like it much (though I can't tell any difference in the accuracy dept).

I have used the same 100 pieces of Nickel plated federal 222 brass for 20 years.

I have used Nickel plated brass in my 280 Ack (Winchester brass fire formed) and this is the second lot of 50 cases. No problems. No splitting, flaking etc. Cannot vouch for other makes of nickel brass.

Regarding 416 Rigby, I used Norma brass and was very happy.

Remember that this is a low pressure round and even if you move from the traditional 2,350 fps for 410 gr bullets to the "modern" 2650 fps load, you are still below 62,000 psi.

Even after 5 reloads, my Norma cases did not stretch at all. All cases became shorter at firing & came back to length after sizing. I probably loaded them twice at 2650 fps for 400 gr Hornady bullets (or 2825 fps for 350 TSX or 340 gr Woodleigh) & thrice at 2550 fps (or 2700 fps for 350 gr).

quote:

Originally posted by MHC_TX:
I agree avoid the nickel for the reason listed. I have both Norma and Hornaday 416 Rigby brass and they are both quality products. I bought a bunch of Norma brass prior to Hornaday production of 416 Rigby. I think the Hornaday is cheaper.....if I was starting over that's what I would buy.

That is my story too, and I am sticking to it.

I do reload some Federal nickel-plated stuff, but have seen some flaking in the neck areas.
Not confidence inspiring. Cannot recommend any nickel-plated brass for reloading.
Makes for beauteous, new, factory ammo, aye.

I have had excellent results with Hornady and would have more of it if I did not have so much Norma.


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No problems with nickel brass here either, but will keep a closer eye on them when I reload. I have been buying new Hornady cases along the way as I have had no problems with this brand.

So far, most of my Rigby brass came from factory ammo from federal. With load work ups, some has been shot 10-11 times, and I have had no issues with the brass, despite the nickel plating. I brought some Norma as empty brass and some Hornady (also originally as factory ammo) but neither lots of those have been shot anywhere near as much as the federal... Have one lucky case that has dropped 3 buffalo in the federal lot.

Needless to say, I am happy with the Federal brass...although admittedly I should probably not use 10x fired on hunting trips anymore.

quote:

Originally posted by crbutler:
...although admittedly I should probably not use 10x fired on hunting trips anymore.

Well, where's the adventure in not doing so?

To be honest, I had read somewhere that Norma made the brass for Federal that is used in the .416 Rigby ammo.

Not sure if that is the truth.

As a low pressure case, with good inspection and occasional annealing, I have been told that the case life should be incredibly long. My experience seems to verify that. The .375 H&H does not seem to have the same durability.

Oh well, maybe I will have to make a trip with factory ammo again in a year or two if I want to keep using federal.

Thanks for all the opinions fellas!

Mine are Norma. No nickle for me either.

Re the 416 Rigby brass, If you are going to a wet
climate and are there over 10-20 days like a jungle
safari, or a coastal bear hunt in Alaska consider the nickle brass, it won't turn
green or corrode in your belt, change your ammo in
your magazine every day (rotate) and inspect.. Otherwise for U.S. use and all practice I suggest
the brass from Hornady as the Norma is usually a little more expensive but also very good. Shooters choice or whatever you can get at the time. I try to keep at least 200 cases on hand
in case of production interruptions. Even though
a low pressure cartridge, I limit my reloads to
10 times max and then discard. Hope this is of some help.

Tetonka
DRSS

I like Jamison brass better than all of them. Very consistent

NOt sure if RWS makes 416 Brass these days, and have not owned a 416 in 40 years, but they do make the best brass in the world IMO..otherwise Id use Hornady or Norma, both suit me in all calibers. NOrma is bloody expensive..RWS, Lapua, and PPU is the brass I use these days, in some bigger calibers but none in the Rigby, but caliber has little to do with a companys brass production, they either produce good brass or bad brass...

I won't use nickel brass either, mostly because it so damn hard to resize and never was very springie! I know its a good idea to outside neck ream it..and a very knowledgable gun smith tells me the nickel flakes off in the rifle chamber?? Dunno???