6 Dasher Alpha Brass Neck Diameter

[jfvhpilot]

There are varying comments about people having problems with Alpha brass. So, I wrote to Alpha and asked them what the brass neck diameter is. I have a criterion barrel with a .272 neck. Here is their return comment:

"Yes, it will function fine. The loaded diameter of the newest lot is .2685”.

Hopefully this will help individuals in deciding what will fit in their chamber.

 

[Mastershot]

New brass or loaded brass? I used to run lapua brass, but got so hard to get. I switched to alpha brass and had to lower my powder a half of grain to reduce pressure.
My loaded ammo with berger 105 is .2680 if that is what your looking for. I also run a .272 neck.

 

[Cfshooter]

My loaded Alpha dasher brass with Berger 105 VLD is .270

 

[Texas Solo]

My loaded Alpha is .269/ Berger 105's. My neck is .272. FB is .104.

No issues.

 

[jfvhpilot]

Just for clarification, I was asking Alpha about their reloading brass, not their loaded ammunition. But, after reading their comment, it does seem like they referenced their loaded ammo. Barrel should be here next week, so I will find my answer then.

 

[Ryan66]

My Alpha brass that has not been worked with yet have necks that measure .267. With a 105 hybrid they are measuring .269.
Hope this helps!

 

[Clancy]

I don’t care who makes brass, don’t count on every batch to be the same.

Buy your brass first, then buy or borrow an appropriate reamer.

 

[FeMan]

My latest lot of Alpha measures between .2700 and .2704. I had a lot that was 0.272 with a couple cases in that batch that measured 0.274.

 

[Clancy]

My latest lot of Alpha measures between .2700 and .2704. I had a lot that was 0.272 with a couple cases in that batch that measured 0.274.

Now here’s a guy that gets it

 

[Old Navy]

I don’t care who makes brass, don’t count on every batch to be the same.

Buy your brass first, then buy or borrow an appropriate reamer.

My son did exactly that when the 6 Dasher brass came out.

 

[Ed kof]

I just got some of this brass for a buddy. The shoulders were so blown out on some of the cases they wouldn’t chamber. Very visible to the naked eye. Ya I know run them all thru the die first. The point is that quality control really sucked on this brand. Sample of one. Edk

 

[padom]

I just received 100pc of Alpha OCD 6 Dasher brass. Looks great, chambers in my new barrel without issue and the necks measure 0.267"

https://imgur.com/qcCumP7

 

[JFrank]

I’ve just started working with Alpha but so far I really like it. My loaded round neck OD measures 0.2685 using 105 Carpenter VLD, I’ve also heard that the primer pockets tend to be very tight so with that in mind I measured a few different brands and found that Fed 205 and Fiocchi both at .1745 seated quite easily using a 21st century hand primer seater.
So far So good.

 

[Keith Hansley in NC]

Help with info ---please
on non neck turned Alpha brass---what size bushing(used to just ppc with very tight bushings)and a good starting point with 105 berger on 104 freebore---how close to the lans(sp)
all help is much appreciated
Keith in NC

 

[Garrett Watkins]

Help with info ---please
on non neck turned Alpha brass---what size bushing(used to just ppc with very tight bushings)and a good starting point with 105 berger on 104 freebore---how close to the lans(sp)
all help is much appreciated
Keith in NC

My alpha brass measures .270 with a 105 hybrid so I am currently using a .267 bushing but I also have a .266 and .268

 

[SS GO DEVIL]

Tip: The primer pockets are tight! To remedy this use a 21st century primer pocket uniform tool. Once you do this they will be the same dimensions as lapua. Beware when cutting as the pocket is so tight it will spin the brass in hand, I start with a small shallow slow speed cut then remove brass shavings, then proceed with normal cut. I believe the pockets to be tapered at the bottom toward flash hole.

 

[JFrank]

Help with info ---please
on non neck turned Alpha brass---what size bushing to start with

I would start .002-.003 under a loaded round OD

)and a good starting point with 105 berger on 104 freebore---how close to the lans(sp)
all help is much appreciated
Keith in NC

I’m going to start by jamming 0.010 in mine.
YMMV

 

[JFrank]

I would start .002-.003 under a loaded round OD

I’m going to start by jamming 0.010 in mine.
YMMV

Reporting back on my first range experience with Alpha Dasher brass, as mentioned above I too hit early pressure as bolt lift resistance reared its ugly head @ 32.4 grains of N140 the cases stretched forward an additional .002 from the previous 32.2 gr.
Load data
6 Dasher .104 freebore
Alpha brass
N140
Fed 205
105 VLD
Seated at +0.010 from touch
32.4 - 2844 fps
The case sizes are on above the target, to say I’m a bit puzzled /disappointed would be an accurate statement.

Jim

 

[Bill Norris]

Reporting back on my first range experience with Alpha Dasher brass, as mentioned above I too hit early pressure as bolt lift resistance reared its ugly head @ 32.4 grains of N140 the cases stretched forward an additional .002 from the previous 32.2 gr.
Load data
6 Dasher .104 freebore
Alpha brass
N140
Fed 205
105 VLD
Seated at +0.010 from touch
32.4 - 2844 fps
The case sizes are on above the target, to say I’m a bit puzzled /disappointed would be an accurate statement.

Jim

Alpha brass did the same for me with my 260AI sometime back. Simply was a disaster.

 

[JFrank]

Thanks for the chat @ Bill Norris
I dug out some old Lapua br brass with a zillion firings and made my own Dasher brass.
There not perfect but maybe good enough to run a comparison pressure ladder.