Lapua Brass

Sniffer

Sniffer

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I picked up some Lapua brass for my 6.5CM and was wondering what others have found when using it compared to other brands of brass.

I have been using Hornady to this point and while it has served me well its in need of annealing as I cant get correct neck tension anymore so it has been parked until I come up with a plan for that, ultimately I will use the annealed Hornady for plinking loads out to 500 and Lapua for everything else.

I'm wondering what folks who have made a similar switch found with regard to loads? Does Lapua have more or less case volume? Did the powder quantity in your loads go up or down?

I had a load I was very happy with but as well as the change in brass I'm also moving to new bullets so I'll pretty much be starting from scratch again anyways, just curious what others experiences have been so I have an idea of what to expect.
 
ht tps://www.6mmbr.com/223rem.HTML
Scroll down to the case capacity vs weight chart
Roughly speaking, there is a correlation between weight and case capacity. But due to variation by brand and lot, you'll have to measure the actual capacity to get a reliable answer.
 
Since the OP is starting with a new bullet, a brand new load development would be recommended.

For me, I started with Lapua in my CM. But, I acquired some Hornady (LRP) brass that I do barrel fouling and plinking with. My charge weights stayed the same as the Lapua with no change in performance (same bullet).

YMMV

Andy 6MT
 
6MT said:
Since the OP is starting with a new bullet, a brand new load development would be recommended.

For me, I started with Lapua in my CM. But, I acquired some Hornady (LRP) brass that I do barrel fouling and plinking with. My charge weights stayed the same as the Lapua with no change in performance (same bullet).

YMMV

Andy 6MT
Click to expand...

Thanks Andy.

That is the kind of info I was looking for. I had a load that worked well but moving to Lapua and new bullets will have me starting from pretty much scratch.

Previously I had found a load that was very accurate but was running lower powder / speed than most seem to report so I suspect I was on the lower node. As I see it the only difference is needing a few extra clicks on the scope for drop when reaching out, the upside is slightly longer barrel life.

I'm thinking of making up two or three rounds and initially firing them over the chrono to see what shows promise for accuracy and check there isn't excessive pressure. Then based on the results make up some more rounds and fire again without the chrono strapped to the barrel for true accuracy (Magnetospeed).
 
Sniffer said:
I picked up some Lapua brass for my 6.5CM and was wondering what others have found when using it compared to other brands of brass.

I have been using Hornady to this point and while it has served me well its in need of annealing as I cant get correct neck tension anymore so it has been parked until I come up with a plan for that, ultimately I will use the annealed Hornady for plinking loads out to 500 and Lapua for everything else.

I'm wondering what folks who have made a similar switch found with regard to loads? Does Lapua have more or less case volume? Did the powder quantity in your loads go up or down?

I had a load I was very happy with but as well as the change in brass I'm also moving to new bullets so I'll pretty much be starting from scratch again anyways, just curious what others experiences have been so I have an idea of what to expect.
Click to expand...

Lapua brass is more consistent and probably will give you more consistent groups. Weigh 10 cases of each and average their weight. If their av. weight is within 2 grains, I don't think you need to change your powder charge. As for anealing your Hornady cases, it's really easy. I use this method successfully:


Depending on case size, I heat the case for about 5-7 sec (5 sec for .223 size cases and 7 sec for 30-06 size cases). For 6.5 Creedmoor I would heat for about 6 sec.
 
I watched this video from Primal Rights when I first got started annealing my brass, it gave me an idea of what to look for during the process.

h ttps://youtu.be/fiIrLvAUh6o

Remove the space in https to enable the link.
 
Chilly807 said:
I watched this video from Primal Rights when I first got started annealing my brass, it gave me an idea of what to look for during the process.

h ttps://youtu.be/fiIrLvAUh6o

Remove the space in https to enable the link.
Click to expand...


 
Last edited:
Chilly807 said:
That's because you also trimmed the last two characters from the link.
I add a space in the "https" so it doesn't hot link, which many forums frown upon.

h ttps://youtu.be/fiIrLvAUh6o
Click to expand...

I notice most people don’t hot link but I don’t get the issue with it? Can someone explain?

Sorry for the derail.
 
Most hot links go to a competing website, or any other website for that matter. That takes forum readers away from a site that has paid advertisers, often for quite a while, sometimes they're gone for good.
It's hard to attract advertisers when your site gets limited traffic.
 
Chilly807 said:
That's because you also trimmed the last two characters from the link.
I add a space in the "https" so it doesn't hot link, which many forums frown upon.

h ttps://youtu.be/fiIrLvAUh6o
Click to expand...

When I input that link (with the space removed) I get redirected to this h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiIrLvAUh6o&feature=youtu.be which works
 
I haven't measured case capacity but I have weighed my brass... The Lapua is pretty consistent, more so than compared to hornady brass. You're going to enjoy your results once you develop a load
 
It's definitely good brass. I'm on my 8th to 10th loading on most of my Lapua 6.5 cases, and have only had 1 cracked neck out of 100 cases.
Nice evenly drilled flash holes, no burrs, etc.
It's pricey and the quality reflects that.
 
I am also using the salt bath. Better than a torch for temp consistency.
As for doing it after each firing, some top benchrest shooter do it and some only after 20 + firings...
So hard to tell if it make a difference at the end, but it also depend on your accuracy expectation and more important, the shooter and rifle capability to benefit from it.

I am also shooing the 6.5 CM and use both Lapua and Hornady brass. I prefer Lapua but my reload with either are shooting with the same excellent accuracy. The Hornady 6.5 CM is good brass.
 
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Janeau said:
I am also using the salt bath. Better than a torch for temp consistency.
As for doing it after each firing, some top benchrest shooter do it and some only after 20 + firings...
So hard to tell if it make a difference at the end, but it also depend on your accuracy expectation and more important, the shooter and rifle capability to benefit from it.

I am also shooing the 6.5 CM and use both Lapua and Hornady brass. I prefer Lapua but my reload with either are shooting with the same excellent accuracy. The Hornady 6.5 CM is good brass.
Click to expand...

Are you running the same loads for both? Or is there a difference due to the brass?
 
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