New Brass

Of these two which do you consider the best? Norma or Nosler

Norma

Same same. It is my understanding that one makes the other's brass. same same.

There may be some Nosler brass made by Norma, but not all the Nosler brass is. From what I've read, Federal makes some Nosler brass, and the brass going to Nosler is specially selected, weighed, and prepped. I like Nosler brass, but it seems softer than Norma brass, case life seems less, and primer pockets loosen sooner.

Both makes of brass are excellent, but I prefer Norma.

I load both in my 6.5 Weatherby, have no preference

just FWIW, I just prepped some Hornady 6.5 creedmoor brass and it was all very uniform, necks, flash holes and primer pockets all very nice.

once fired... Why buy new brass?

But if I want the good stuff, I'll run Norma.

Norma for me.

jdk 1985, I am looking for brass to make 7x57 AI. No such animal as once fired 7 AI. Hard enough to find 7x57 Mauser, other than S&G loaded ammo then the brass is not standard & doesn't even fit the shell holders.

There's Norma, Nosler, and Prvi brass available in the 7x57 to form from.

Fair enough! Happy shooting

Okay I need the Gurus to step in with some expert info. When fire forming do you use a fast powder or slow powder? I have been shooting for hunting loads 50 gr of RL-19 with a 150 gr flat base bullet in the 7AI. What would you use for a fire forming load? Thanks

Fast for caliber middle of the road charge with the bullet jammed or if not jammed a false shoulder.

dee got it. Faster burning powder and a light load with the bullet touching the lands (or close enough to not allow the round to move around when chambering.) When fire forming, I want to use the lightest powder charge and the cheapest bullet available to form the cases.

Chad, will there be issues if using a max load while fireforming?

No. A max load for 7x57 will be a medium load in the AI chamber once it expands. I know guys that shoot matches as they are fire forming brass to a wildcat.

Also depending on your sizing process I would recommend nk sizing for the first couple of firing after forming before setting a fl die up. Doing this assures the case has fully expanded to the dimension of the AI chamber to prevent over sizing the brass causing case head issues.

I load mild loads in mine with a decent bullet and practice with them and like Chad said I know a few that run forming loads in local matches in Dasher and AI chambers with no issues.

I go hunting and kill stuff with my fireforming loads. They shoot great and the critters never notice any difference.