F/TR Brass Choice

[bench]

Can you use both the 308 Winchester standard case with the large primer and the Palma case with the small primer in F/TR. Need to order some Lupua brass and want to make sure I can use one or both.
Also is one better than the other for long range shooting.
Just starting to get supplies and new build going for next season and need your advise.

Thanks
Bench

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Both are allowed under the rules, if that is what you are asking.

There is anecdotal evidence that the small primer brass might be better for long range. Most users report that it holds up well, has a lower ES and SD possible compared to large primer, and makes LESS velocity.

On the other hand, some very knowledgeable users also point out that, with some powders, they can be a problem below about 50F

To answer your question, I and several other F/TR shooters (including some notable shooters) use Winchester large primer brass to good effect.

In the end analysis, if you think small primers help, they will. Just keep in mind that the original intent of those cases was to give shooters launching 155's with Varget a better ignition system.

 

[Taildrag15X]

Just wish they would put the small flash hole in the Lapua .223 Rem brass!!!!

I've tried Lapua .308 Win. brass but got better numbers with both Win. & Fed..

 

[bench]

Thanks Guys for the info

In the 308 win do you think that lapua brass is worth the cost or would you just use standard win or rem brass.
It is not the cost I am worried about just want to get an inventory that I wont have to second quess at a later date and have to reorder more brass later.

 

[jbpmidas]

The Lapua was not worth the extra cost to me. I use prepped Win brass and love it! I tried Lapua and did not get the results on paper. Winchester performed better for accuracy and cost!

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Depends on the neck diameter of your chamber. If you have a 341-342 neck, Lapua would be worth the cost. If you are able to have a smaller neck diameter (.335 works for me), then Win works really well.

Don't get me wrong, Win brass shoots well in a larger neck diameter chamber, I just find that I can't neck size (too much runout) and I end up having to beat the snot out of the brass full length sizing it. In the end analysis, the Winchester lasts long enough to be worth abusing it.

YMMV,
Keith

 

[Dgd6mm]

Still putting together my first FTR rifle on .308. Just about got my mind made up on Winchester brass. I've shot it and Remington brass in my other .308. I've shot Winchester & Lapua in my 6CM - Competition Match and don't see any difference in accuracy down range. My first set of Winchester brass for my 6CM has 18 firings on it.

 

[XTR]

Thanks Guys for the info

In the 308 win do you think that lapua brass is worth the cost or would you just use standard win or rem brass.
It is not the cost I am worried about just want to get an inventory that I wont have to second quess at a later date and have to reorder more brass later.

Your original post just talked about Lapua. I had an answer written then deleted it because i was talking about WW and not Lapua.

Personally I shoot WW, the prep is a pain in the ass but it's only once. General consensus is that no matter what brass you use as hot as we load them for F class you get loose primer pockets in less than 10 reloadings. I don't think Lapua is worth the extra $$ and I like the extra capacity that WW gives. (more room for powder)

You have to prep WW. I uniform the flash holes and the primer pockets and trim after the first firing.

I have 3 cases that didn't have the flash hole punched all the way through, and about 8 or 10 that the extractor groove was not cut deep enough and won't fit in a shell holder. Which is worth noting. I don't bother weighing WW, the differences in the extractor groove cuts send the weights all over the place.

I got my latest chambers at .342 and I'm getting good to great accuracy.

My answer, I buy WW and deal with the prep and spend the few hundred I saved on other reloading components.