6 BR vs. 6 BRA

[INTJ]

So what’s the point? Same powder charge in a larger case would be less velocity, no?

The point of the BRA was to run Dasher velocity nodes with about a grain less powder, which it does. The BRA, using less powder, has a slightly lower chance of eroding the throat and putting the barrel out of tune at a match.

The Dasher is capable of higher velocities than the BRA, but best accuracy is usually achieved at the same velocity nodes as the BRA. So the BRA is an advantage for LR BR, especially at 1000 yds.

The straight 6BR doesn't usually get to the BRAs high node, which is what usually shoots best at 1000 yds.

As to what'a the point of chambering a BRA but only using BR powder charges? I do not do it this way, but I guess the rationale would be to have the BRA capacity when needed but to save the barrel the rest of the time.

 

[Kimber.204]

I do not do it this way, but I guess the rationale would be to have the BRA capacity when needed but to save the barrel the rest of the time.

I've been thinking I'll be using my BRA this way. I'm planning to use it for NRA Highpower Matches and half the match is at 200yds. Only one quarter of the match is at 600yards. And when I practice it is usually at 100 or 200 yards. So, I've got a load for 112 Barnes Match Burners that is almost the same speed as my 6XC (but 10 grs less powder). But most of the time I'll be shooting 95gr SMK's with a powder puff charge - it will still be fast enough for stand/sitting/prone rapid at 200 and 300yds.

 

[Sumtoc]

New to the 6BRA, pretty easily tuned to the lower node, about 2930-2940 fps with Berger 105 VLDs and N140. I've seen passing references to the "high node" being about 100 fps faster. Is that a reasonable starting point?

I have the opportunity to shoot it once per month at 1K and would like to get that load tuned for this barrel.

Thanks

 

[Sniper338]

Id just like to get a 6BRA barrel spun up...

 

[Sumtoc]

Id just like to get a 6BRA barrel spun up...

Check with Alex Wheeler, he did mine and I'm very happy with it.

 

[KenOath]

I have a 6 BR shooting really good with Varget, CCI-450, Lapua brass and 107 SMks. Average velocity out of my 28" barrel is 2912 with no pressure signs.
I have a new 6 BRA. It is looking good with H4895, CCI-450, Lapua brass and 107 SMKs. Average velocity is 2917. Both barrels have 1-8 twist and .104 free bore. Please explain what makes the BRA a better cartridge?

At 500m the BRA at 2990fps gave me a few more points at the end of the day over the straight shooting 2885fps.. in very average conditions. Not sure if it was the extra speed or Lady Luck? I’d like to see some of the guys shooting 1k Benchrest that haven’t shot a straight BR against an improved compare the two, I know of atleast one guy that hasn’t shot a straight who’s set many records with Dashers and BRA……..

 

[JEFFPPC]

At 500m the BRA at 2990fps gave me a few more points at the end of the day over the straight shooting 2885fps.. in very average conditions. Not sure if it was the extra speed or Lady Luck? I’d like to see some of the guys shooting 1k Benchrest that haven’t shot a straight BR against an improved compare the two, I know of atleast one guy that hasn’t shot a straight who’s set many records with Dashers and BRA……..

Much bigger difference in the Indians than in the tomahawks.

 

[KenOath]

Much bigger difference in the Indians than in the tomahawks.

Agree.

 

[urbanrifleman]

New to the 6BRA, pretty easily tuned to the lower node, about 2930-2940 fps with Berger 105 VLDs and N140. I've seen passing references to the "high node" being about 100 fps faster. Is that a reasonable starting point?

I have the opportunity to shoot it once per month at 1K and would like to get that load tuned for this barrel.

Thanks

That is the high node.

Anyone claiming to get 3040 out of a 6bra is into some crazy pressures and is probably shooting a very long freebore.

I never saw anyone claiming 3000 plus until recently. Most of them were using 160-180ish freebore.

If anyone doesn't think freebore doesn't add case capacity, I would invite you to shoot 104 freebore loads in a zero freebore and watch your primer melt into your bolt.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

That is the high node.

Anyone claiming to get 3040 out of a 6bra is into some crazy pressures and is probably shooting a very long freebore.

I never saw anyone claiming 3000 plus until recently. Most of them were using 160-180ish freebore.

If anyone doesn't think freebore doesn't add case capacity, I would invite you to shoot 104 freebore loads in a zero freebore and watch your primer melt into your bolt.

We have been shooting over 3000 fps since the first BRA I chambered in 2016. .104 freebores. 28" Kriegers and H4895. If you cant get there, try some different barrels. The groove has way more effect on pressure than the freebore length.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I am still shooting my own .269 neck 6BR, .060 throat. With my own 103 grn bullet built on 1.140 Sierra Jackets, I shot this 200 yard group a couple of week ends ago. Barrel is a 26 inch 1-8 Krieger. We were using a LabRadar.

I really want to go to a BRA, but there just isn’t enough long range matches in my area to mess with this.

By all of the usual indicators, this is not that hot of a load. Ed’s Rifle shoots identical To it.

 

[Okumacaptain]

you are at the very high node with the 6BR and the lowest node with the BRA. Load the BRA to its high node and shoot both at distance. That extra 100 f/s will answer your question.

Doesn’t accuracy trump speed ?

 

[jackieschmidt]

Doesn’t accuracy trump speed ?

Opinions vary on that subject. It really depends on the Discipline you are competing in.

In short range Group and Score, accuracy, or precision, trumps everything. When you hear of Benchrest Shooters shooting 68 grn bullets at 3400+ FPS out of a case that only holds a little over 30 grns of powder, you might ask why? The answer is that is not to try to beat the conditions with speed, but where the best Agging capability lies.

Long range is another game entirely. From 600 yards out, I suppose you want to keep the down range velocity as high as possible. If the extra 100 FPS accomplishes what you need, then the extra effort involved in making the BRA is warranted.

I am not a long range shooter. I make a pretty nice 103 grn 6mm bullet, and I have several good 1-8 twist barrels that I screw on to one of my Heavy Varmint Rifles that shoot quite well. But there simply are not many matches in my area at this time.

in short range, I do shoot the most accurate load I can as fast as I can. I shoot my 6PPC at around 3420 FPS, my 30BR at around 3050 FPS. That is the upper node, but that is also where the best agging capability lies.

 

[Maxden]

What freebore and neck are you guys running with the BRA, if you don’t mind sharing ?

 

[Okumacaptain]

Opinions vary on that subject. It really depends on the Discipline you are competing in.

In short range Group and Score, accuracy, or precision, trumps everything. When you hear of Benchrest Shooters shooting 68 grn bullets at 3400+ FPS out of a case that only holds a little over 30 grns of powder, you might ask why? The answer is that is not to try to beat the conditions with speed, but where the best Agging capability lies.

Long range is another game entirely. From 600 yards out, I suppose you want to keep the down range velocity as high as possible. If the extra 100 FPS accomplishes what you need, then the extra effort involved in making the BRA is warranted.

I am not a long range shooter. I make a pretty nice 103 grn 6mm bullet, and I have several good 1-8 twist barrels that I screw on to one of my Heavy Varmint Rifles that shoot quite well. But there simply are not many matches in my area at this time.

in short range, I do shoot the most accurate load I can as fast as I can. I shoot my 6PPC at around 3420 FPS, my 30BR at around 3050 FPS. That is the upper node, but that is also where the best agging capability lies.

I only shoot 300 yds. The difference between 6BR and 6BRA , if I remember right, is about 1/4 in in windage .

 

[KenOath]

What freebore and neck are you guys running with the BRA, if you don’t mind sharing ?

.104” - .135”, .272” no turn.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I only shoot 300 yds. The difference between 6BR and 6BRA , if I remember right, is about 1/4 in in windage .

300 yards is well within the ability to read flags and judge conditions.

Shoot the most accurate one you have between the two.

We are once again going to have a lesson in accuracy in the upcoming TackDriver, which is 300 meters.

I predict that once again a well tuned 6PPC will come out on top.

 

[Okumacaptain]

300 yards is well within the ability to read flags and judge conditions.

Shoot the most accurate one you have between the two.

We are once again going to have a lesson in accuracy in the upcoming TackDriver, which is 300 meters.

I predict that once again a well tuned 6PPC will come out on top.

I only have 6BRs. My point was I don’t think a 6BRA would be beneficial to me when I’m only shooting 300 yds.

 

[KenOath]

I only have 6BRs. My point was I don’t think a 6BRA would be beneficial to me when I’m only shooting 300 yds.

Maybe not even 600..

 

[Okumacaptain]

Maybe not even 600..

I agree