Alpha 6BRA brass

[johara1]

Push harder...

No, it doesn't even start, May set it up in the lathe where there is no chance of a screw up. May just shoot them first and see if they loosen up enough to start it. But the idea was not to have to waste components Fire forming.... So much for that....... jim

 

[JFrank]

View attachment 1225867
These are 3 shot groups at 100 yards with the 6BRA Alpha brass. This is a new barrel I just start working with. Exercising the brass I went hotter then I normally would and no problems. No heavy bolt lift, no click, and no donuts.
Bart

31.1 sure looks like the promised land.

 

[Ackman]

So tell me how you get a primer pocket uniformer in them? I used a depth mic and they need to be done. Nice brass other than that one issue.... jim

Call Alpha and talk to Tom about it. I don't use a primer pocket uniformer or a depth mike. But did measure carefully with the dial caliper. Depth was .001" less than Lapua, diameter .002" smaller. My primer seater is an old Lee and it did take both thumbs on the lever to seat primers fully. I don't mind that.

 

[RegionRat]

No, it doesn't even start, May set it up in the lathe where there is no chance of a screw up. May just shoot them first and see if they loosen up enough to start it. But the idea was not to have to waste components Fire forming.... So much for that....... jim

Jim, I'll suggest this in case it works out to be less fuss than the lathe.

The primer pocket depth cutters are typically dressed to be sharp all the way to the outer diameter so I can see how getting one started would be messy if the primer pocket diameter is tight.

If you have a primer crimp deburring cutter, try touching off with that first with just enough depth to grab the tips of the depth uniforming cutter. If the tips of the depth cutter grab the chamfer facet, they should self center once you apply some pressure.

I'm on my first batches of Alpha 6 Dasher brass and had no issues with the primer pockets. Because the shooting seasons slowed down with COVID, I have not cycled the whole batch yet but I will say that so far I am very happy with it.

 

[457ciSBC]

Push harder...

Yeah, I agree as they are snug for sure.I just tried a few with the Sinclair uniformer.

 

[BartsBullets]

31.1 sure looks like the promised land.

I agree

 

[LRPV]

No, it doesn't even start, May set it up in the lathe where there is no chance of a screw up. May just shoot them first and see if they loosen up enough to start it. But the idea was not to have to waste components Fire forming.... So much for that....... jim

I wait till after the first firing all the time and this may not help, but PMA sells one that is a little smaller than others on the market
.

PMA Lapua Small Primer Pocket Ultimate Uniformer (Complete w/ Handle and Power Adapter)

The highest quality, most innovative reloading tools and shooting supplies for precision riflemen. Unparalleled customer service. Shop Now - PMA Tool

www.pmatool.com

 

[johara1]

I have these and they are to set the depth, not open up the diameter...... jim

 

[LRPV]

I have these and they are to set the depth, not open up the diameter...... jim

I didn't mean to imply that they DID open up the diameter just that they are smaller in diameter than other uniformers on the market and thought maybe they would be a better fit is all. I haven't tried any of the Alpha yet so I didn't know.

 

[Link]

I have these and they are to set the depth, not open up the diameter...... jim

Did I read you are using CCI400s.? They seem to seat easier than some others especially Wolf.

 

[457ciSBC]

Using my K&M priming tool I just seated 5 virgin pocket cases with 450’s and they seated like butta.

 

[johara1]

Did I read you are using CCI400s.? They seem to seat easier than some others especially Wolf.

It has nothing to do with the primers it has ONLY to do with the primer pocket uniformer not starting in due to the small primer pockets. I am working on a fix right now to not cut into the diameter, only the bottom of the primer pocket..... jim

 

[Tokay444]

I wouldn’t bother cutting the primer pockets. The more I read, the more I’m finding that causes more problems than solutions.

 

[johara1]

I wouldn’t bother cutting the primer pockets. The more I read, the more I’m finding that causes more problems than solutions.

What?? trying only to uniform the depth ....... not cutting anything else...... jim

 

[Tokay444]

Yes exactly. Are the depths different from case to case? My Alpha brass never was.

 

[johara1]

Yes exactly. Are the depths different from case to case? My Alpha brass never was.

What are you measuring with? I'm using a depth mic..... they are every where , same as Lapua ...... jim

 

[Tokay444]

M

What are you measuring with? I'm using a depth mic..... they are every where , same as Lapua ...... jim

My Mitutoyo digital depth mic. I guess if you’re seeing variation,

 

[johara1]

Got the problem fixed, now the primer pocket uniforming tool fits in....... they are .122 deep ..... jim

 

[Link]

Got the problem fixed, now the primer pocket uniforming tool fits in....... they are .122 deep ..... jim

I guess this is what J.ohara and many others do, leave no stone unturned looking for perfection. ;}

 

[JFrank]

I wonder if any person can see an improvement on paper or shoot the difference .

Addendum: my question is directed towards primer pocket uniforming in general, Jim has answered that. Thx @johara1