Alpha 6BRA brass

[urbanrifleman]

Since I have been laid up for the last 6 months after rotator cuff repair, I decided to at least put a few Alpha rounds to the test. Went to a local range with not much more than the rifle and some rounds to compare powder loads with my regular Lapua load.

Unfortunately I did not get to Chrono them. I dropped a full grain due to some suggestions with the larger flash hole. A couple things I observed:
- There was a little heavier bolt lift than with the Lapua. Not sure why. It was noticeable but not troubling.
- I think I found a mid-range? node by dropping down. (will know once I check speeds)
- There were zero pressure signs.
- I believe that what others have said about using the same powder charge as used in the smaller .006 flash hole is likely fine. I will test that next time.
- Alpha brass neck turns clean at .012 and on down to where I ended up turning to.

3 shot groups at 100yds, Pic. 1 is Lapua brass and 2-4 are with Alpha:
Picture 1 is my go to charge of 30.46gr of H4895. Outside to outside edge = .3135"
Picture 2 is 1 grain less (29.50 - possible mid node? or an odd pocket node) Outside to outside edge = .2515"
Picture 3 is 29.70
Picture 4 is 29.90

The way everything felt it seems like it will come back around as I increase powder to my go to load. I will chrono the 29.50 to see if it is reproducible and then see what the speeds are and where I can go from there. My barrel likes the 3009-3015fps range. I will not use the Alpha brass in matches until more testing is done, but I think it will end up being fine.

I keep saying that 29.5 node is still the best one. Do you have a velocity for that node for you?

 

[urbanrifleman]

Not with the Alpha @ 29.5. I am going to retest and chrono it. I definitely need to find out.

With my 30.46 load it ranges between 3009-3015fps in my setup. I'm going to try a load with the Lapua at 29.50 as well just to see how it does.

Should be 2880 ish

 

[johara1]

Do you really think so Jim I have a new tape measure too. I'll break that out to make sure my caliper is correct.

You make speed BS. on here with a .2425 bullets and you are measuring with a caliper that is at best capable of a.0005 +- and what do you measure you necks with ?? a caliper?You need some mics. that measure in .0001 and a tubing mic. that measures the same. ...... jim

 

[urbanrifleman]

The condescension is palpable.

 

[tom]

Will be fire forming in the upcoming match! Lol



Tom

 

[Hoodoo]

Will be fire forming in the upcoming match! Lol

View attachment 1243637

Tom

I'd offer to pull your target, but I'm sure Milo will be fireforming as well so...

 

[Northridge]

I'd offer to pull your target, but I'm sure Milo will be fireforming as well so...

milo really will be "forming" brass Tom on the other had will really be "setting" brass.. either way I expect good things.. I have signed Tom up to shoot ladders next to Milo this go around, I will be just a tick further down this go around friday.

Shawn Williams

 

[G Liles]

I shot my smallest group at 600 yards with Alpha brass. 6 BRA
105 Berger Hybrid
31.1 Varget
CCI 450
5 thou jam @ 2940 FPS

 

[Mulligan]

I shot my smallest group at 600 yards with Alpha brass. 6 BRA
105 Berger Hybrid
31.1 Varget
CCI 450
5 thou jam @ 2940 FPS

That's a Dandy!!
Great shooting!
CW

 

[tom]

I had good results fire forming today, but of course kulzer had to rain on my parade. He was shooting alpha as well though!

Tom

 

[rhovee]

Some small groups shot today.

 

[GlennK]

I had good results fire forming today, but of course kulzer had to rain on my parade. He was shooting alpha as well though!

TomView attachment 1245080

I will take luck everytime lol.

 

[FTRinTexas]

Just back from the range. Tested fired-form Lapua and brand new Alpha. Measured the same lot of Varget with a FX-123i and all seated the same. Velocity measurement was with a Labradar set on trigger. Each Alpha brass load was 4 shots. And yes the 30.5 & 30.6 gave me the same velocity reading - read all 4 shots per load.

Powder	Weight	Bullet	Bullet	Primer	Brass	Jam/Jump	Average	SD:	ES:
Varget	30.12	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2893.5	25	58
Varget	30.40	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2928.7	8	14
Varget	30.50	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2941.3	1	1
Varget	30.60	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2941.3	1	1
Varget	30.70	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2945.7	17	33
Varget	30.80	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2965.7	6	10
Varget	30.90	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2983.7	6	10
Varget	31.00	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	2990.0	10	18
Varget	31.10	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Alpha	jump .010	3001.7	5	9
Varget	31.10	105	Berger Hybrids	CCI BR-4	Lapua	jump .010	2976.0	1	2

 

[tom]

@GlennK had a heck of a weekend running alpha. Let's see pictures of those targets Glenn!

Tom

 

[GlennK]

@GlennK had a heck of a weekend running alpha. Let's see pictures of those targets Glenn!

Tom

 

[Hoodoo]

And I suddenly find myself browsing the internet for more alpha br-ai brass.

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

And I suddenly find myself browsing the internet for more alpha br-ai brass.

Good Luck with your quest young man.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The .080"s did well

 

[22DASHER]

I’m afraid Alpha has significantly enhanced and simplified the accuracy game!

 

[sdbob]

Is 29g of h4895 at 2890 FPS a good load to set my Alpha bra. It shot great with Roy’s jammed .009. Just a little worried I’m pushing the first firing a little hard.