6.5x55 imp brass

[mshelton]

Getting a 6.5x55i rifle built and I need to order some brass.

I know a few people that shoot this and they all use the old Lapua cardboard box brass which is no longer available. I've never had a problem with the blue box BR or .220 brass but I've heard and seen some issues with the blue box brass in other chamberings. Since 100 pieces will last me the life of the rifle I'd like to get it right the first time so I'm looking at the Nosler brass as an option also, RWS would be a nice alternative too but from what I understand that's a rare bird nowadays.

If anyone has any comparative experiences between the blue box Laupa and the Nosler in the 6.5x55 I'd like to hear from you.

Thanks.

 

[JRS]

The reamer used to chamber your barrel might dictate your choice of brass. There is dimensional differences between the brands you have listed. RWS brass is readily available from HDS.

 

[mshelton]

Thanks, noticed I had this in the wrong forum.

 

[jonbearman]

The nosler is ok but I would use lapua or winchester myself as that was my choice.I feel the nosler is to soft.

 

[mikegaiz]

If you are hunting use Winchester, for target use lapua. You won't be sorry.

 

[2644ever]

Like JRS said, it will depend on your reamer, Winchester brass has a lower case head diameter than the one on Lapua brass. Lapua and Norma brass are what I would recommand for a slightly oversized chamber in order to avoid the unsightly bulge you would most likely obtain at the case head location withUS brass. Otherwise Lapua's quality is outstanding re brass consistency and durability.

 

[Flouncer]

Re: 6.5x55 Lapua brass

Just thought I would toss this in here, as I purchased the cardboard box of Lapua 6.5x55 back in about 2001 or so. It sat for many years. The first firing went fine, but when I went to reload, about half, or fifty of the primers seated high. The loaded rounds with 85 gr HP wouldn't even chamber. The weapon is a Carl Gustafs and it has fired every brand of ammo and bullet type and including my reloads ranging from 85 to 160g bullets. Only problem ever was with this one and only box of Lapua. The primer pockets were OK, the case base was irregular making the primer seating off. Those were the old cases, as I mentioned.