Shell Shock Technologies Cases-308

[SippyCup]

Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.

 

[mollerdan]

I wonder how these compare with the new Federal “Plus Peak” steel cases? I hear some companies plan on making dies for their cases

 

[sdupontjr]

One way around the Varget crunch is try 8208xbr. I was able to get a good bit more velo out of my 20" CTR with it compared to Varget without the crunch. As mentioned, H4895 also.

 

[Kjc103]

I wonder how these compare with the new Federal “Plus Peak” steel cases? I hear some companies plan on making dies for their cases

Probably about the same. They operate on the same premise.

Whoever figures out the reloading part of this is going to get my business.

Right now I’m using Alpha brass in various calibers at around 72k psi, multiple reloading, no issues.. The steel cases work better. With the Alpha cases you get that sharp, snappy recoil of an over pressure case. The steel cases don’t do that at all. Even at 80k psi. In fact, the recoil feels essentially the same even though you’re 300fps faster. Alpha also doesn’t give you that extra 10 percent volume.

But, I can reload the Alpha cases. They’re also available in a lot of calibers. 6 BR specifically which I shoot the most of.

 

[Kjc103]

Just received my order for the brass. Did you just use the mandrel to evenly size the necks? If so did you just add sizing lube inside the neck and run the mandrel through it?

I loaded up a 10 round ladder from 44.5 gr to 49 gr of varget to pressure test. Seating the bullets felt a little crunchy, wondering if sizing the necks would help. Also, did you chamfer and deburr? I felt like these cases didn't chamfer and deburr as nicely as normal brass does.

I literally just ran the case dry into the mandrel.

No chamfering or deburring.

Worked out fine.

 

[Andouille]

Probably about the same. They operate on the same premise.

Not completely true. Shell Shocl Technologies states that NAS3 are not intended for higher pressure loading, rather they achieve higher velocities through increased powder capacity (~11% for 308). That means reloading at higher pressures is at your own risk.
From their website:

Increased Internal Volume and Ballistic Efficiency​

One of the most meaningful engineering advantages of NAS³ cases is their increased internal case volume compared to traditional brass. This optimized geometry allows for more efficient energy utilization when the powder is ignited.

When properly loaded within SAAMI pressure limits, NAS³ ammunition can achieve higher velocities than comparable brass-cased ammunition at standard SAAMI pressures. While NAS³ cases are engineered to withstand demanding operating conditions, they are not intended to be loaded beyond SAAMI specifications. Over-pressurizing any cartridge case can result in firearm damage or personal injury.

 

[Kjc103]

Not completely true. Shell Shocl Technologies states that NAS3 are not intended for higher pressure loading, rather they achieve higher velocities through increased powder capacity (~11% for 308). That means reloading at higher pressures is at your own risk.
From their website:

Increased Internal Volume and Ballistic Efficiency​

One of the most meaningful engineering advantages of NAS³ cases is their increased internal case volume compared to traditional brass. This optimized geometry allows for more efficient energy utilization when the powder is ignited.

When properly loaded within SAAMI pressure limits, NAS³ ammunition can achieve higher velocities than comparable brass-cased ammunition at standard SAAMI pressures. While NAS³ cases are engineered to withstand demanding operating conditions, they are not intended to be loaded beyond SAAMI specifications. Over-pressurizing any cartridge case can result in firearm damage or personal injury.

I think what you’ve uncovered here is that a small company has less legal risk tolerance than a big one.

Feel free to call the owner and see what he says.

 

[Luke S]

This is interesting. I had my 308 loaded up a bit over book to get 2400 fps with 200 gr bullets. That was my "bear safety " load in my 308 while I was guiding. I prefer my 308 to my 375 for a number if reasons but I could see a traditional hunter being a bit leery of that as backup. Adding enough case capacity to make a 308 a bit more like a 30-06 would be good PR (I doubt it would kill things much better but you never know).

 

[Andouille]

I think what you’ve uncovered here is that a small company has less legal risk tolerance than a big one.

Feel free to call the owner and see what he says.

I have no skin in this game, just making an important clarification so folks reading this thread don't assume that NAS3 are as tested and vetted for high pressure as are +Peak cases. Feel free to share factual information or load data to enlighten us.

Here's a thread with 308 load testing using Varget (308 class powder) and pressure discussion. It appears that most of the velocity gain is from the larger powder charge.

Thread 'NAS3 Shell Shock .308 Pressure Test Input'

Apr 1, 2026

I'm messing around with the NAS3 cases for my .308 to see how much more FPS I can squeeze out of it. Did a pressure test yesterday running 168gr Barnes TTSX out of a 21" barrel. My old load was 44gr of Varget out of Hornady brass, I was getting about 2670 FPS.

I did a ladder test from 44.5 - 49gr of Varget. Below is a picture of the brass. I don't notice any pressure signs and didn't have a difficult bolt lift either. Do you guys see any signs of pressure? Velocities for each shot are below, as is the order (I believe) of impacts and my POA. With increasing velocity it seemed to shift up...

• AM_Hunter
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Reloading

Pressure signs are difficult to see on steel cases and blanket assumptions can lead to dangerous loads when working at high pressures. Reload according to your personal risk tolerance.

 

[Kjc103]

I have no skin in this game, just making an important clarification so folks reading this thread don't assume that NAS3 are as tested and vetted for high pressure as are +Peak cases. Feel free to share factual information or load data to enlighten us.

Here's a thread with 308 load testing using Varget (308 class powder) and pressure discussion. It appears that most of the velocity gain is from the larger powder charge.

Thread 'NAS3 Shell Shock .308 Pressure Test Input'

Apr 1, 2026

I'm messing around with the NAS3 cases for my .308 to see how much more FPS I can squeeze out of it. Did a pressure test yesterday running 168gr Barnes TTSX out of a 21" barrel. My old load was 44gr of Varget out of Hornady brass, I was getting about 2670 FPS.

I did a ladder test from 44.5 - 49gr of Varget. Below is a picture of the brass. I don't notice any pressure signs and didn't have a difficult bolt lift either. Do you guys see any signs of pressure? Velocities for each shot are below, as is the order (I believe) of impacts and my POA. With increasing velocity it seemed to shift up...

• AM_Hunter
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Reloading

Pressure signs are difficult to see on steel cases and blanket assumptions can lead to dangerous loads when working at high pressures. Reload according to your personal risk tolerance.

Load data and testing is in the thread. In fact, it is the entire point of the thread.

Help me understand what you mean by “factual information” to “enlighten you”.

Please also share your experience, if any, with these cases. That might move the “factual” ball forward here.

Let’s also apply some logic to what you yourself posted from the SS website. Hodgdon load data for 308 states that 46 grains of varget is the max for a 168 grain lead core bullet.

SS states that they have an increase in case capacity of roughly 11 percent. That would mean 51 grains of Varget. The load that was tested here.

So, please go buy some of this stuff. Talk to the owner yourself. Test it yourself. Then, please, bring something to the table that moves the ball forward.