6BRA Alpha Brass question

[LVLAaron]

JGS had a Wheeler #1 in stock.... as well as the PRCW reamer I wanted. I'm off to buy some lottery tickets if you guys need me.

 

[dgeesaman]

The JGS Wheeler #1 is .4714/.4719 dia at the .200 line. The Manson is .4710/4.720 at the .200.

If it's true that the Alpha can't handle the diameter of the Wheeler pattern, then I don't seeing the Manson being better unless it's on the low side of the tolerance zone.

What neck dia is the default Wheeler #1?

 

[LVLAaron]

I don’t plan on using Alpha. Unless the regular BR brass works.

 

[LVLAaron]

The JGS Wheeler #1 is .4714/.4719 dia at the .200 line. The Manson is .4710/4.720 at the .200.

If it's true that the Alpha can't handle the diameter of the Wheeler pattern, then I don't seeing the Manson being better unless it's on the low side of the tolerance zone.

What neck dia is the default Wheeler #1?

.268 I think - don’t quote me.

 

[xr650rRider]

 

[LVLAaron]

"Uses standard BR headspace gauges" - Does that mean this design should close a bolt on a standard BR gauge? Or does it need to be 4 thou short or a BR GO?

 

[xr650rRider]

BR GO becomes BRA NOGO. BRA GO is .004" shorter than BR GO.

 

[sdbob]

Anyone have the reamer print for Wheeler #2

 

[Clancy]

"Uses standard BR headspace gauges" - Does that mean this design should close a bolt on a standard BR gauge? Or does it need to be 4 thou short or a BR GO?

.004 short

 

[LVLAaron]

Anyone have the reamer print for Wheeler #2

That one isn’t released.

 

[inkballedtarget]

Any new information on this? Is the conclusion Alpha Brass = Alpha Reamer?

 

[LVLAaron]

Any new information on this? Is the conclusion Alpha Brass = Alpha Reamer?

If you want to use Alpha BRA brass, that's my understanding.

I'm using the wheeler BRA reamer, and Alpha BR brass just fine.

 

[64Rambler]

Any new information on this? Is the conclusion Alpha Brass = Alpha Reamer?

Not sure what the specs of the Alpha reamer are, but I'm using a Criterion shouldered pre-fit with their 272 no turn, 0.120" FB reamer and use both Alpha and Lapua brass. I had some fit issues sizing with a Wilson 6BRA die, but switched to a Harrell's #2 and both size identically. There is ~0.2 gn difference in powder charge between the two, more needed in the Lapua, for the same velocity, but otherwise interchangeable.
EDIT: Now that I'm home, I can share the reamer print that I was given.

 

[Fire Dog]

I’m using Alpha OCD. Reamer was Wheeler #1 which I was under impression was good for Alpha brass. And I’ve never used or shot Lapua brass so I don’t know any different other than the bolt lift on this disturbs the rifle. I know Alpha was less capacity than Lapua from my research.

Thought I did it right and sent brass to die maker to get custom die for it

Thanks

Let Peterson be your new friend…. Worked just great in my JGS reamer chamber.
Sold off all my Lapua now and use it exclusively…

 

[gmr4]

I have found alot of forum voodo on this thread. Actually found that sizing more than .0015 - .002 (max) at the .200 from chamber dimension is not conducive to great brass life nor reducing clickers. So for folks trying to size smaller with Alpha brass.. go the other way. My Whidden die gets me to .4693 - .4695 and I have smooth as butter extraction.. my Harrels takes it to .468 and the bolt almost needs to be hammered open.

 

[gmr4]

I have found alot of forum voodo on this thread. Actually found that sizing more than .0015 - .002 (max) at the .200 from chamber dimension is not conducive to great brass life nor reducing clickers. So for folks trying to size smaller with Alpha brass.. go the other way. My Whidden die gets me to .4693 - .4695 and I have smooth as butter extraction.. my Harrels takes it to .468 and the bolt almost needs to be hammered open.

I am responsible to edit now.. I have more firings and heavy bolt lift… trying and testing different sizing dies, Harrels #3 and Whidden.. as well as roll sizing to a little smaller than the Harrels. Re-cut the neck / shoulder junction with turning tool in case I have a donut issue.. my chamber has been roughed with 320 lightly.. called DJ at DJs brass service for advise and things to check….. did shoot a 598 last weekend and took second but struggled with bolt lift… not clickers… tough bolt lift.. brass shoots low SDs under 6 on 70 shots…. It is awesome. But this pressure issue at 2920.. with a .471 .200 reamer is no good. I’ve asked for a refund on my 400 untouched peices purchased direct… we will see. Tom has been nice.

 

[LVLAaron]

To summarize the lore you're experiencing (without any drama)

Don't use Alpha BRA brass in Wheelers chamber.
Alpha BR is ok.
Alpha BRA with an Alpha BRA reamer is OK.

 

[Ackman]

I have 2 6BRAI's.....one from urbanrifleman with no-turn neck, and another chambered with a different reamer - no turn neck. Both of them only see Alpha 6BRAI brass and the stuff works beautifully. Any problem ain't with the brass.

 

[gmr4]

I have 2 6BRAI's.....one from urbanrifleman with no-turn neck, and another chambered with a different reamer - no turn neck. Both of them only see Alpha 6BRAI brass and the stuff works beautifully. Any problem ain't with the brass.

I have 400 pieces for 425, untouched, shipped to your door. I am glad you have good experience with it… it is the most consistent brass I’ve ever documented. I also shot some of the smallest groups ever for me with SDs below 6 across 50 shots, The reamer my smith uses is not a Wheeler.. it is a 6mm BR - Improved he had JGS make in 2018.. it is carbide, .471 at the .200 so I thought I’d be fine… for what its worth the reamer has many wins on it long range benchrest.

 

[gmr4]

To summarize the lore you're experiencing (without any drama)

Don't use Alpha BRA brass in Wheelers chamber.
Alpha BR is ok.
Alpha BRA with an Alpha BRA reamer is OK.

Not a Wheeler reamer. My Smith had it made in 2018 by JGS. .471 according to the print. Man I tried everything.. 3rd firing heavy bolt lift and not shooting too hot, 2920. After the issue arose I went through many attempts to make it work wit about 30 pieces.