I have been shooting Lapua, but I am thinking of trying something else. I don't really see a lot of good choices though. I think Alpha is the preferred. What are your choices, Alpha or something else?
Which do you like better? Alpha or Lapua
- Thread starter Remington243
- Start date
6.5 forever
Silver $$ Contributor
I'm out here in Utah. Home to Alpha. But I have a hard time changing from Lapua just because I know it works.
Bill Norris
Back in the Day
I tried Alpha in my 260AI and could not get anywhere close to the load I have with my Lapua brass without over-pressure. Did not like it at all. Peterson is my second choice if Lapua is not available.
Bill Norris
Back in the Day
Peterson is pretty good brass but I won't compare it to Lapua.
Last edited by a moderator:
Lapua is the standard and a safe choice. I have no issue buying others. Trying starline in my Palma rifle this winter. Peterson, Alpha, and others can measure better that Lapua out of the box.
My preferences change based on volume and use. When buying 200 for a fun rifle I use what I can find. It is a great opportunity to learn.
Case to case and year to year Lapua has been quite consistent. I don't have the volume of experience with the others.
My preferences change based on volume and use. When buying 200 for a fun rifle I use what I can find. It is a great opportunity to learn.
Case to case and year to year Lapua has been quite consistent. I don't have the volume of experience with the others.
Bill....I had the exact same thing happen with my 6BRA.
I am so glad I started with a lower load.
Bill Norris
Back in the Day
I tried Alpha in 6.5 Creedmoor, I ended up with notable donuts after about 8x firings, that's probably a reflection on my skillset at the time. I moved to Lapua and after the last two years have no reason to backtrack.
Ned Ludd
Silver $$ Contributor
I started shooting Alpha .308 Win SRP brass a couple years ago after using Lapua exclusively. It's every bit as good as Lapua. Having said that, it is not exactly the same as Lapua. There are subtle differences such as case volume, a slight bevel in the bottom corner of the primer pocket in the Alpha brass, etc. Like any new component, these subtle differences may take some getting used to. As any reloader knows, we are all creatures of habit and usually don't like it when our stuff changes. I am currently using both Alpha and Lapua .308 Win SRP brass in different F-TR rifles and I cannot tell any difference whatsoever in performance, which is all I really care about. Neither one will ever be the limiting factor in my shooting.
Last edited:
Lol. Lapua all day. It’s far more consistent in terms of overall weight and internal volume. Also, in our 6 dashers, the alpha brass primer pockets start to get loose after the 7th or 8th firings.
Were you necking this down/reforming to a different caliber? How were you getting donuts?
I wish I knew the answer. It was quite some time ago, I'll see if I can dig up my records.
There was no necking up/down, just straight up 6.5 Creedmoor reloading.
Larry Koch
Silver $$ Contributor
If you dont fall in love with your brass, Starline is hard to beat for the price. I've tested 6mm arc brass in my ppc off and on all summer. I have gotten 4 plus firing at 3450 fps. and the primer pocket still holds primers.
You can put more power in the cases as well even with a shorter neck. Haven't had the need to go pass 30.2 grains cause its been Hot in Texas. Accuracy might be the weakness, and I think it has more to do with the larger primer hole than the standard 1.5mm for ppc. Another nice thing is you size it, neck turn, and size it again, load and shoot. No fire forming is necessary. The target is the same.
Your Mileage may vary.
You can put more power in the cases as well even with a shorter neck. Haven't had the need to go pass 30.2 grains cause its been Hot in Texas. Accuracy might be the weakness, and I think it has more to do with the larger primer hole than the standard 1.5mm for ppc. Another nice thing is you size it, neck turn, and size it again, load and shoot. No fire forming is necessary. The target is the same.
Your Mileage may vary.
....... and a rather less subtle change in SRP brass. Alpha (Starline too) retain the Large Rifle primer 2mm flash-hole diameter whilst Lapua and Peterson use the smaller ca. 1.5mm version as per the BR and 6.5X47L. This makes a more than subtle change to ignition/burn behaviours and pressures, the large-diameter version increasing them. Alpha says it tested both versions and found the large flash-hole 'better', but doesn't specify in what way(s).
Clancy
Silver $$ Contributor
Lapua, period.
But alpha is dang tough, well made brass if you don’t mind turning necks. They’re also super accommodating of shooters’ needs for the non-standard cartridges and that’s appreciated.
PETERSON has been really good for me in 6BR and 6x47 but it does have a little softer case head that can be problematic when running hot or even just fireforming without a bullet jammed.
All 3 are good, great even, but ole blue is still the boss.
But alpha is dang tough, well made brass if you don’t mind turning necks. They’re also super accommodating of shooters’ needs for the non-standard cartridges and that’s appreciated.
PETERSON has been really good for me in 6BR and 6x47 but it does have a little softer case head that can be problematic when running hot or even just fireforming without a bullet jammed.
All 3 are good, great even, but ole blue is still the boss.
They responded to me when I asked that question that a larger flash hole showed no difference other than better ignition in cold temperatures.
I thought that might be the case (no pun intended!).
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.