Lapua BR brass...

[Judd]

I have a new to me 6mmBR coming so I needed brass. After reading all the positives to the Lapua brass I ordered a couple 100 to get started. I started trimming them last nite getting them ready to neck turn and there were several that we're tight getting into the shell holder and 3 that just flat will not go in.

For what Lapua brass costs and listening to everything about them I was expecting more. Has anyone else had this issue and do you just toss'em? As cheap as my creedmoor brass is I have never had a shell I couldn't wiggle or twist in. To bad Hornady doesn't make BR brass...never thought I would say that when I bought them.

 

[Heavies]

All my lapua 6br brass was excellent. You should inquire with the company about this, these are not cheap cases, maybe you got a bad lot. I am sure they will remedy the situation.

 

[mr45man]

Try a different shell holder. I had a similar problem and found that
not all shell holders are the same.
I know all the brass should be exactly the same but it only takes
a .001 some where, most likely the angle in the extractor cut
John H.

 

[LHSmith]

I agree to double check the S/H number...it should be a #1 if a Redding, Pacific, C-H, Hornady, or Texan........#2 if a Lyman.......#3 if a RCBS.
I have found myself using the wrong S/H......even though the cases may have fit in previous brass lots. The number system adds to the confusion.

 

[Judd]

It's a Hornady shell holder #1...same shell holder that i use for the Creedmoor. As I mentioned I have had some tight Creedmoor shells but normally a twist and it will slide in.

I guess there are some who bleed blue...sorry if you felt I was stepping on toes. That wasn't my intentions but more to see if anyone else experienced the same thing. To say I'm not frustrated or disappointed would be lying also.

Edit - for the record, it isn't that it doesn't fit to my expectations...it flat don't fit. Unless you think needing to hammer shells into a holder is acceptable I don't believe it would meet your expectations either I even cleaned the holder and dropped a little CLP on the holder thinking that would help.

 

[Sully2]

It's a Hornady shell holder #1...same shell holder that i use for the Creedmoor. As I mentioned I have had some tight Creedmoor shells but normally a twist and it will slide in.

I guess there are some who bleed blue...sorry if you felt I was stepping on toes. That wasn't my intentions but more to see if anyone else experienced the same thing. To say I'm not frustrated or disappointed would be lying also.

Edit - for the record, it isn't that it doesn't fit to my expectations...it flat don't fit. Unless you think needing to hammer shells into a holder is acceptable I don't believe it would meet your expectations either I even cleaned the holder and dropped a little CLP on the holder thinking that would help.

Did you MEASURE the brass to see if its out of dimension??? Ive got 200 of them here and they all work perfectly. In fact the 6mm brass; 22-250 brass; 243 brass; 260 Remington brass and the 25-06AI thats in the works will ALL use the same shell holder. I use Lee shell holders because they are 1/2 the price of RCBS...etc.

 

[ehkempf]

Before you condemm the brass, why don't you try a Redding or a RCBS shell holder. I have found that the Hornady shell holders quality is not uo tp the Redding or even the RCBS.

ED

 

[Sully2]

Before you condemm the brass, why don't you try a Redding or a RCBS shell holder. I have found that the Hornady shell holders quality is not uo tp the Redding or even the RCBS.

ED

Thats why I use Lee shellholders. 1/2 the price of the more expensive spreds....and should I get a bumer (1 time)...right in the trash it goes

 

[Judd]

That is sort of a whole different issue/dislike and that is my trimmer (Hornady) will only work with their shell holders. That is my fault because i didnt realize that was the case until i already had trimmer in hand. I could get by with that on the press because I hand prime but not on the trimmer.

So no one else has seen this?

 

[LHSmith]

The most recent 6 BR Lapua brass I have measures 0.470" rim diameter/ 0.050" rim thickness/ extractor groove dia.= 0.404". A Redding #1 S/H fits very snug, while a RCBS #3 has some radial slop.

 

[fayettefatts]

I've experienced this more than once with brass from various manufacturers in different calibers, and on new/used/really used cases. Seems the rim dimensions change with use as well as manufacturer.

My solution (don't tell anyone.... I don't want them to know how foolish and wreckless I really am :-X ) is to use a different shellholder that fits the case. I have a set of lee holders that will fit most calibers. I think there are eleven different holders in the set. If the case wont fit in the recommended holder, I simply choose another that will fit. I use a Lee #10 for 308, 30-06, 6br, etc.. I think the #10 is intended for the 220 swift. It is a much looser fit, but it has never caused a problem. I think the loose fit actually allows the case to better align itself in the die. Just make sure there is enough engagement of shellholder on case rim to ensure extraction from the die.

As far as your trimmer, I am not familiar with it, so can't really comment. Perhaps an oversize shellholder will work with it as well?

 

[Judd]

As far as your trimmer, I am not familiar with it, so can't really comment. Perhaps an oversize shellholder will work with it as well?

Well consider yourself lucky cuz it is a piece...fortunately I don't have to trim brass that often or I would sell it and start over. The handle is at a completely wrong angle and the limitiations on the shell holders are just two things off the top of my head I don't like about it. As you can tell with the other stuff I am normally a Hornady fan but they missed on this trimmer.

Okay, thanks guys. I talked to a buddy who loads for his 338 Lapua while I was at lunch and he said he had some issues with those shells fitting the Hornady shell holder. Seems to me it is the tight tolerances on the shell holder moreso than the brass. Still surprising to me how "off/different" some of this Lapua brass is when compared to the others in the same box. I just thought one of the big selling points for the higher price of Lapua was they are more uniform. This might be a shell holder issue rather than a brass issue but it does show that their brass isn't as uniform as they or people think.

Good shooting guys!

 

[Greyfox]

I've used a lot of Lapua brass and never had a one that wouldn't fit my shell holders. That includes .222, .223, 220 Russian & 6 BR. Not saying their brass
is perfect, just sayin...

Think about it, you would be aggravation ahead if you did just sell the Hornady stuff and replace it with, say, a Wilson case trimmer. I mean, how much is your aggravation with this thing worth? You can get some $$ for the Hornady and when the dust settles, you'll probablt find we're only talking a handful of $$.
The hassle with things that don't fit really isn't worth it.

YMMV,
Rick

 

[Sully2]

I've experienced this more than once with brass from various manufacturers in different calibers, and on new/used/really used cases. Seems the rim dimensions change with use as well as manufacturer.

My solution (don't tell anyone.... I don't want them to know how foolish and wreckless I really am :-X ) is to use a different shellholder that fits the case. I have a set of lee holders that will fit most calibers. I think there are eleven different holders in the set. If the case wont fit in the recommended holder, I simply choose another that will fit. I use a Lee #10 for 308, 30-06, 6br, etc.. I think the #10 is intended for the 220 swift. It is a much looser fit, but it has never caused a problem. I think the loose fit actually allows the case to better align itself in the die. Just make sure there is enough engagement of shellholder on case rim to ensure extraction from the die.

As far as your trimmer, I am not familiar with it, so can't really comment. Perhaps an oversize shellholder will work with it as well?

Its definately the wrong shellholder. A #10 is for 220 Swift; 225 Win; 6.5 Jap; Not even close to the proper one. #2 is the correct one for 6mmBR and MANY others

 

[Sully2]

I've used a lot of Lapua brass and never had a one that wouldn't fit my shell holders. That includes .222, .223, 220 Russian & 6 BR. Not saying their brass
is perfect, just sayin...

Think about it, you would be aggravation ahead if you did just sell the Hornady stuff and replace it with, say, a Wilson case trimmer. I mean, how much is your aggravation with this thing worth? You can get some $$ for the Hornady and when the dust settles, you'll probablt find we're only talking a handful of $$.
The hassle with things that don't fit really isn't worth it.

YMMV,
Rick

AMEN Foxy. And I think some people need to MEASURE their brass head diameter when one ( or more ) doesnt fit to find the exact problem.

 

[tenring]

Couple years ago, I had the same problem with Lapua 6BR brass fitting a #1 Redding shellholder. I found a very small burr just at one corner of the horseshoe. Using an automotive point file (very old these days) I filed just a tad off to allow the rim to slide easily into the shell holder.

 

[Bradley Walker]

Judd -

Since it isn't up to your expectations, sell the Lapua crap and buy a different brand. If the next brand doesn't fit that shell holder to your expectations, sell them and keep trying other brands til one fits that shell holder.

Thanks for the heads up on Lapua brass.... I won't buy anymore of that crap!!!!
I'm sure if Hornady made 6mmBR it would fit that shell holder perfectly.

DM

Whoa... Might want to check your blood sugar or your serotonin levels, cuz your post is neither informative or helpful.

 

[LRPV]

I don't use many Hornady dies, shell holders, etc. but I did buy a set of dies for 45 Colt years ago and bought their shell holder for it too. Bought some Frontier (Hornady) shells to have something to shoot in it as well as some Winchester brass. When I went to reload the Frontier brass there was no way they would fit in the Hornady shell holder. You would think that using tools and components from the same manufacturer would work wouldn't you? I really like Hornady Vmax and some Amax bullets but I find their tools a little hokey personally.
Jason

 

[jonbearman]

Just contact Kevin Thomas on this site(that is his user name) ,he will straighten out your problem.I would definitely try a different shell holder as all of them are mass produced. I have had several that have had problems.

 

[Taildrag15X]

Judd -

Since it isn't up to your expectations, sell the Lapua crap and buy a different brand. If the next brand doesn't fit that shell holder to your expectations, sell them and keep trying other brands til one fits that shell holder.

Thanks for the heads up on Lapua brass.... I won't buy anymore of that crap!!!!
I'm sure if Hornady made 6mmBR it would fit that shell holder perfectly.

DM

Whoa... Might want to check your blood sugar or your serotonin levels, cuz your post is neither informative or helpful.

Yup that's him.....jumps right in and BASH!

Thought he was a "pro" and helpful till he Flamed on me one day like this also, no need for it!