Alpha 6 PPC pressure test

[Eric Leonard]

Turned the necks on 3 pieces brass and in the process of seeing how many times those 3 pieces will take 29.0 LT 32 and a 68 gr bullet. I’m through 3 cycles and the primer pockets are still like new on the 4th load. If they make it 10 times I’ll give up and call it good ,,
The 1st 3 cycles on these 3 cases avg 3457 fps which is pretty stout load I’d think with 68s.
I’ve read of people shooting them like 30+ times but I’d like to see it before I try to run it that hot repeatedly

Same 3 cases shot 3 times at 29.0

 

[TRSR8]

Speedy has a video where he shot an entire match with 31gr of 133 in Texas heat and never had one l get loose.
FWIW the base of that brass is much harder than Lapua.
I sold my gold box.

 

[Eric Leonard]

Speedy has a video where he shot an entire match with 31gr of 133 in Texas heat and never had one l get loose.
FWIW the base of that brass is much harder than Lapua.
I sold my gold box.

I’ve seen all that and I believe it but I’m not sure how that translates to a hot LT32 load,, I’ve shot 29 LT32 with Lapua brass I just want to make sure before I tune in a load with the Alpha.
I couldn’t find any Lapua for last year and shot Norma all year at 28.1 LT 32 at 3390 and won some UBR matches there but if I tried to reach the next faster tune the primer pockets would get loose quick.
I’m just making sure it’ll take 29.0 LT32 before I start in on the Alpha

 

[TRSR8]

I’ve seen all that and I believe it but I’m not sure how that translates to a hot LT32 load,, I’ve shot 29 LT32 with Lapua brass I just want to make sure before I tune in a load with the Alpha.
I couldn’t find any Lapua for last year and shot Norma all year at 28.1 LT 32 at 3390 and won some UBR matches there but if I tried to reach the next faster tune the primer pockets would get loose quick.
I’m just making sure it’ll take 29.0 LT32 before I start in on the Alpha

It will. I’ve shot 133 and both LT 32 & 30. The load density yields very similar fps for both Lapua/Alpha.
I know guys pushing 3500fps with 66 grainers with Alpha….zero issues. From everything I’ve seen, even turning necks, it’s better.
Lastly, Pat from PMA has told me, do not try and cut the pockets, they’re that hard, you want the carbon out you need a new tool.

 

[Bronsin]

Mine shoots really well with 28.8grs of LT-32 and no problems at all with it. Even tried up to 29.6 and it ran fine, but wasn't accurate there so you can reach the limits with LT and the brass will take it.

 

[Clancy]

What are y’all’s loaded neck diameters, and are you using them in old Lapua chambers?

Thanks!

 

[Eric Leonard]

What are y’all’s loaded neck diameters, and are you using them in old Lapua chambers?

Thanks!

Mines a .268 chamber and I turn the necks so a loaded round measures .265

 

[Clancy]

Mines a .268 chamber and I turn the necks so a loaded round measures .265

I meant before turning. I have a Lapua no turn Reamer and thought about trying some out.

 

[Eric Leonard]

I meant before turning. I have a Lapua no turn Reamer and thought about trying some out.

I’ll check when I get home from work. I hadn’t seated a bullet in a case that wasn’t turned but I can

 

[Eric Leonard]

I meant before turning. I have a Lapua no turn Reamer and thought about trying some out.

.2695 is best I can measure with Barts Avengers seated

 

[Clancy]

Thank you very much @Eric Leonard.

 

[Eric Leonard]

Thank you very much @Eric Leonard.

What’s the Lapua measure

 

[Bronsin]

I meant before turning. I have a Lapua no turn Reamer and thought about trying some out.

What's the neck diameter of the no-turn reamer? If I had to go off my Lapua brass, it would be .276.

 

[Clancy]

What's the neck diameter of the no-turn reamer? If I had to go off my Lapua brass, it would be .276.

.274

I normally buy brass and then the Reamer. I just bought this Reamer because it was cheap and I knew it had only cut one chamber.

 

[Bronsin]

.274

I normally buy brass and then the Reamer. I just bought this Reamer because it was cheap and I knew it had only cut one chamber.

That's going to be real tight if your loaded round is .273.

 

[Eric Leonard]

.274

I normally buy brass and then the Reamer. I just bought this Reamer because it was cheap and I knew it had only cut one chamber.

I’d think .274 would be just right for this Alpha

 

[Shooter13]

28.8grs of LT-32 and no problems

My same load, may be different lot, mine is 18 I'm pretty sure.

 

[Clancy]

That's going to be real tight if your loaded round is .273.

I won’t shoot with less than .0035, that’s why I was asking about the alpha. Thanks for the info.

 

[Shooter13]

I’d think .274 would be just right for this Alpha

Eric, the .273 works perfect for the Alpha, I use a .274 for the Lapua and still have to clean it up for a "no turn" turned neck!!

 

[Shooter13]

What's the neck diameter of the no-turn reamer? If I had to go off my Lapua brass, it would be .276.

I've got a .274 reamer but on Lapua I still have to turn! On Alpha I use a .273 and loaded round is .2695 to .270