First batch of Lapua 223 brass

[squirrelsnpr]

I just recieved my first batch of Lapua 223 brass and had some questions.

I had been using Hornady and LC brass in the past with good results. Anyways, I just got my Lapua brass. Out of curiosity I took some measurments: new Hornady brass vs. new Lapua brass. The biggest difference I noticed was outside and inside neck diameter. The Hornady was measuring .244 outside and .219 inside. The Lapua was measuring .250 outside and .222 inside. Am I going to need to use a different neck bushing. I know it's only about .001 difference, but just asking.
Thanks,
Mitch

 

[Mudcat]

You may not need to, if you are only talking another thou in neck tension, but I use a different bushing because of that extra thou as I like to maintain the same neck tension all the time.

John

 

[squirrelsnpr]

Thanks John. I do have a .245 neck bushing. Do you run new Lapua brass through a neck sizing die prior to loading and shooing?
-Mitch

 

[Mudcat]

Not a bad idea to do so, but you do not need to if the case mouths are ok.

John

 

[SS427]

I use a .249 bushing w/ Lapua brass giving neck tension around .001 to .0015. With Winchester brass the bullet dropped into the case with that same bushing, so I had to get a .245 bushing for the same tension. Sounds like you will have to have different bushings too.

Any more I don't even mess with new .223 Lapua brass other than chamfer the necks a little. The effort to seat the bullet is pretty much consistent with all 100 cases. Might encounter one or two that are a little tight. Amazing how good the stuff is compared to the US brands. Some of my best .223 groups have been with virgin Lapua brass.

 

[squirrelsnpr]

wow OTTER a 249 bushing! Do you think this is one reason why the Lapua brass shoots better then the US brands: closer tolerences to SAAMI spec. Almost as if having a tight neck? I look forward to shooting it.
-Mitch

 

[Mudcat]

I use a 249, same as Otter. Bullets are usually Berger 82s. And to clarify, I assumed you were using a tighter bushing than necessary, not looser. As Otter states, if you go looser, you may not get enough tension to hold the bullet. If you go too small, it can still work, but you get the extra neck tension, of course.

I have used 308 Win Lapua brass right out of the box, no prep, for Palma use and have been amazed at just how well it works. I would NOT try that with about any other brand.

John

 

[fdshuster]

Another vote for the .249" bushing with Lapua brass, for a loaded round neck dia. of .250", for a tight no-turn neck dia. of .253". As the necks work harden may go to the .248" bushing, but not required after 7 to 8 loadings.