6.5 Creedmoor brass

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BigRobb

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When I first started reloading for 6.5 Creedmoor, I bought 200 pieces of Peterson small primer cases. I ended up with 100 once fired Hornady cases from a buddy as well. I’ve gone through the Peterson brass a few times and am very happy with it. I mostly use the Hornady for sight in and fouling shots but have developed a nice load with my Peterson cases.
I’m finding 200 to be a bit low for brass on hand and am wanting to add 200 or so more.
The Peterson cases weigh 170 grains. The Hornady stuff is around 150gr. I like the smaller capacity/heavier cases. I feel like more brass=stronger. I know that’s not the case all the time, but in this case, along with the small primer pockets, it is the case.
I’m interested in what everyone is seeing in their cases. What are the available quality cases here in Canada? And the weight?
Hornady lrp 150gr
Peterson srp 170gr
Lapua srp ?
Lapua lrp ?
Starline lrp srp?
Alpha? Is it available anywhere?
Norma? Is it worth it?
I’m not against a new case and new load. The easiest is just buying more Peterson. The Hornady already shows loose primer pockets after the second firing so it’s out.
 
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I believe Lapua is only offered in SRP. I use the Lapua and Alpha (LRP) with good results, have a couple hundred pieces of Hornady from factory ammo that I have not reloaded a lot yet. The Hornady has a lot more capacity than the Lapua and Alpha. Alpha has the smallest capacity of the bunch. I get it from Bighorn Sales in Houston BC
 
This ^^^^

I picked some up Alpha from Gary at Big Horn. Shooting sub moa at 1000 yards consistently.
 
Just weighed 20 Alpha brass.

169.6-169.9 grains.

I only have 3 firings on them so not sure of how much abuse they will take.

But I do remember seeing a 6.5 Guys video testing the LP brass. I think they started getting loose pockets around 12 or 13 firings. Alpha also makes SP brass now too.
 
todbartell said:
I believe Lapua is only offered in SRP. I use the Lapua and Alpha (LRP) with good results, have a couple hundred pieces of Hornady from factory ammo that I have not reloaded a lot yet. The Hornady has a lot more capacity than the Lapua and Alpha. Alpha has the smallest capacity of the bunch. I get it from Bighorn Sales in Houston BC
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Would you choose one over the other for any reason? Looks like the Alpha is a little more expensive than Lapua. Both more than the Peterson.
 
Longboat said:
Just weighed 20 Alpha brass.

169.6-169.9 grains.

I only have 3 firings on them so not sure of how much abuse they will take.

But I do remember seeing a 6.5 Guys video testing the LP brass. I think they started getting loose pockets around 12 or 13 firings. Alpha also makes SP brass now too.
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Thanks for that!
I’d probably get away with the same charge assuming everything else is equal. I guess time will tell on the primer pockets. I’d probably go with small if available. Have you done any annealing yet?
 
Some people say SP vs LP is an accuracy thing although my gun does just fine with LP. It's not getting anymore accurate. Aslo SP is not so good in sub zero temps apparently.

But one thing that is pretty much for sure is SP brass will give you more firings because there is more brass and therefore strength in the case head. Primer pockets will stay tighter longer.

Btw I use 1 grain less in Alpha compared to Hornady. Hornady I use 41.5 of H4350. Alpha I use 40.5, both pushing 140 grain ELDM.

I anneal every reload with the AMP induction annealer.
 
SigWig said:
From a quick search on alpha brass

Bighorn Sales
Gary Eakin
#17-3960 Drive-in Road
Houston, BC Canada V0J 1Z2
(250) 845-2201
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bighorngunparts@gmail.com is his current email

BigRobb said:
Would you choose one over the other for any reason? Looks like the Alpha is a little more expensive than Lapua. Both more than the Peterson.
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I prefer the Alpha, mainly because of the large rifle primer.
 
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Longboat said:
Some people say SP vs LP is an accuracy thing although my gun does just fine with LP. It's not getting anymore accurate. Aslo SP is not so good in sub zero temps apparently.

But one thing that is pretty much for sure is SP brass will give you more firings because there is more brass and therefore strength in the case head. Primer pockets will stay tighter longer.


Btw I use 1 grain less in Alpha compared to Hornady. Hornady I use 41.5 of H4350. Alpha I use 40.5, both pushing 140 grain ELDM.

I anneal every reload with the AMP induction annealer.
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What velocities are you seeing? I’m at 41.5gr H4350 in my Peterson cases. I’m pushing the 147gr eld-m to 2720fps avg. minimal primer cratering. No other signs of pressure. 26” Bartlein. This is a near max load for me at a high accuracy/velocity node.
4 firings on some of my brass and looking to anneal now.
 
With Alpha brass I am at 2720 fps as well bit with the 140's in a 24" barrel. Much more than that is getting a bit hot. But all I care is it nails 1000 yards. I'm still running near 1500 fps at 1000 yards as measured by electronic target trackers.

I haven't used Hornady brass in a few months but was running almost 2740 fps with that extra grain. I could probobly go even a bit higher with the Hornady brass. They can take a little more velocity without pressure signs.

Hornady brass is pretty darn good to be honest. But the Alpha is definitely a bit more accurate.

Also, my numbers changed between my old lot and new lot of H4350. My new lot is a little hotter than my last batch.
 
With the popularity of the Creedmoor family, all companies making component brass, make it very well.

Give me a shout if interested in Starline SR/LR, Lapua, Peterson.

I have competed with all three brands and they work well. Starline is one of the best values and very well made. Capacity/loads are near identical between Hrn and Starline in my rifles.

Jerry
 
Longboat said:
Also, my numbers changed between my old lot and new lot of H4350. My new lot is a little hotter than my last batch.
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I'm curious as to the lot # of the H4350 that you're using now. I just started a new lot and I'm finding the same thing. Wondering if it's the same lot I have.
 
I've seen complaints about Varget here in the last couple days.
Plus word of mouth. Hodgdon says there is up to a 6% variance in burn rate from lot to lot.

Best thing to do is buy at least an 8 pound jug at a time.
 
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