Lapua 6BR brass alternative question (for 30BR & 30BRS)

[TIMO]

Brass question. With the shortage of Lapua 6BR brass, just looking down the road for my 30BR and 30 BRS (30BR improved). Looks like there are 3 alternatives and wanted input based on those that have used either of the two brands in necking up for their 30BR or 30BR improved and any specifics they had that was different from using Lapua brass.

Option #1: Peterson 6BR brass necked up and formed using the same process as used with Lapua brass
Option #2: Peterson 7BR brass necked up and formed using the same process as used with Lapua brass (not sure if this brass is small primer pocket?).
Option #3: Alpha 6BR brass necked up and formed using the same process as used with Lapua brass.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[M-61]

I’ve had excellent results with Option # 1
That is when Peterson first offered the brass and I’ve used it exclusively in my two 30BR’s and my one 6.5 BR
Option # 2 solved by a phone call to Peterson
Option #3 never tried their brass yet but I see no reason to switch from Peterson.
In fact I have no intention of buying any Lapua brass should it ever be available. Lapua was not any better than Petersons.
Of course this is my experience, no idea what others may think.

 

[TIMO]

I’ve had excellent results with Option # 1
That is when Peterson first offered the brass and I’ve used it exclusively in my two 30BR’s and my one 6.5 BR
Option # 2 solved by a phone call to Peterson
Option #3 never tried their brass yet but I see no reason to switch from Peterson.
In fact I have no intention of buying any Lapua brass should it ever be available. Lapua was not any better than Petersons.
Of course this is my experience, no idea what others may think.

M-61,
thanks for your input. Based on various searches that I have done, Option #1 seems to look like the best. Hope some others will chime in with their recent experiences.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[tikkaman308]

I am working on a batch of Peterson 7br to 30 br brass right now, it is srp as well and more readily available than 6 br

 

[OmegaRed]

I believe the 7BR brass will end up short

 

[Rodney]

The 7BR came out at 1.500 when I necked it up to 30. Might be a little short for someone with a longer chamber (1.540 or longer)

 

[tikkaman308]

The 7BR came out at 1.500 when I necked it up to 30. Might be a little short for someone with a longer chamber (1.540 or longer)

I have not checked that dimension,but I will now (rookie mistake).Will fire forming help with the length issue?

 

[AlNyhus]

Will fire forming help with the length issue?

It may, depending on the f-forming method. -Al

 

[butchlambert]

My first fireform is without a bullet and the OAL lengthens.

 

[Bill Norris]

Option 1 will probably be just fine. I used Peterson in my 6BRX and the only draw back was I had to reduce the powder charge somewhat in order to stay away from pressure.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I believe the 7BR brass will end up short

The 7BR came out at 1.500 when I necked it up to 30. Might be a little short for someone with a longer chamber (1.540 or longer)

I believe 1.500 is the "minimum trim to" measurement on BR cases?
First firing and measurement will tell you what you need to know.
If you use a button die to size your brass, they WILL get longer.
Shoulder bump and neck size and you case OAL won't grow.
Measure your chamber length, write it down and refer to that measurement BEFORE you think about trimming. and you'll see you have quite a ways to go before they'll need trimming. Don't trim till you NEED to.

 

[tikkaman308]

I have brass that was giving to me when I got my 30 br ,it had been fired in said rifle.i checked OAL on that brass and it measures 1.504- 1.505 on all 100 pcs. The 7br I necked up measures 1.503-1.505 so it's in the same ballpark now.

 

[JMayo]

30br's are very forgiving.

I trim mine to 1.51
Only problem i could see with 1.50 is they last so long and the mouth edges get thin might be taking a little off with chamfering....

Stick a bore scope in the muzzle end with a case bolted up and see where the mouth is vs the chamber end.

 

[OmegaRed]

30br's are very forgiving.

I trim mine to 1.51
Only problem i could see with 1.50 is they last so long and the mouth edges get thin might be taking a little off with chamfering....

Stick a bore scope in the muzzle end with a case bolted up and see where the mouth is vs the chamber end.

Another cheap alternative if you don't have a borescope

 

[Charwell]

Another cheap alternative if you don't have a borescope

The 30 cal is too big for 330 neck

 

[Charwell]

I made 30br out of peterson 6br, only lost about 7 out of 100 from crushing the shoulders in , prolly from not enough lube. I stepped them up with 6, 6.5 , 7 , then 30 mandrels. I run 35.2 grains in lapua and peterson. Lengths are the same , 1.510.

 

[wvlongshot]

I made 30br out of peterson 6br, only lost about 7 out of 100 from crushing the shoulders in , prolly from not enough lube. I stepped them up with 6, 6.5 , 7 , then 30 mandrels. I run 35.2 grains in lapua and peterson. Lengths are the same , 1.510.

On the early Peterson 6br brass I had the same issue with pushing the neck down into the shoulders. Not a lube issue, just the shoulder area may have been anneled more than the lapua. Never lost a lapua brand case with my setup.

 

[Charwell]

This was my first time making my own. I bought brass from Wes initially. One of these days im going to compare velocities.

 

[OmegaRed]

The 30 cal is too big for 330 neck

Pretty simple fix. Chuck it up in a drill and sand or file it to fit.

 

[46490]

I have tried 1&2 and the cases didn't hold the same amount of powder that the Lapua case uses - if you anneal after each firing the Lapua cases will last along time. I have 8 loadings on mine so far and no primer pocket expansion . BTW 34.6 grains of H4198.