New 2007 Norma 6XC Brass Trial

[reverend]

David Tubb sent me some samples of new production Norma 6XC Brass to test. This new run of brass is said to be harder than the previous batch. This new brass is reported to have a head hardness that exceeds Lapua 6.5X47 brass and a body wall runout of of less than 0.001". The new brass retains the large primer pocket. Subsequent production runs are supposed to be to the new standards. SSS expects to start shipping this brass in March 2007.

I would not know how to scientifically test the hardness. I sized this brass to 6X47 Lapua since I want to compare similar cartridges and I am more familiar with that round.

I started with 40 grs of H4350, 105 gr Scenars, and GM210M primers. 3190 fps in the new Norma brass, 30 fps greater than the same load in the Lapua cases, no pressure signs, shot pretty well too, I only shot one group at 100 yds off a Harris bipod, it was 0.108", I've included a picture on this post. Not bad for the first load. I shot the remaining rounds at a distance, 700 to 1000 yards. They shot as well as the 6X47 Lapua rounds. I would start well below this load in your rifle and work up if you are inclined to use this information.

All anecdotal information but it looks like Norma/Tubb may have leaped ahead of Lapua in this size cartridge, appears to be stronger brass, tighter tolerances, and no burrs in the flash hole. I think this brass may be hard to beat. Can't wait to get some more.

John

 

[mikecr]

Thanks for the report.
I'll check the lot of 06 Norma I hold & decide about ordering this years.

 

[Forum Boss]

John,

Great report. Thanks for the info. I'd planned to speak with David Tubb this week and I'll pass along those comments.

It's nice to have two good sources of brass,Lapua and Norma) in this general size range.

PS: Glad to see you using one of the targets we designed. How does that group measure center to center? Looks like you've got nearly one bullet diameter center to center.

 

[rcw3]

John

I am pleased that quality brass for the 6XC will be available, although I am somewhat skeptical of claims that the Norma 6XC brass will be as hard as Lapua 6.5 x47 brass. I have shot a lot of Norma brass over the years and I have always found it to be somewhat soft,including the current 6XC Norma brass that I have). For a number of years the talk was always that the next batch of 6XC brass was going to be the best and hardest ever,as the talk is with this new batch that's supposed to come in), and while the quality finally got better once Norma began making it, I've never found any 6XC brass yet that is as hard as the basic Winchester 22-250 brass I originally fireformed to 6XC,when there was no 6XC brass to be had).

Don't get me wrong, the 6XC is an awesome cartridge, and it is great that Norma brass will be available, but I have a lot of 6XC brass that I bought in the past in anticipation of it going to be the greatest and hardest ever, and when it arrived things did not quite work out that way.

At this point I kind of hope it's all going to be true, but I feel like a safe position is "I'm from Missouri - show me!"

Robert Whitley

 

[Jefhai]

I posted back on 9-10-2006 regarding the first ship of the Norma 6XC.

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/6mmbr/vpost?id=1339085

I am now on my 7th firing and its held up well. One more and I think it may be ready for the recycler, maybe two depending on remaining case wall thickness. Primer pockets are not loose but not as firm as the first few loadings. Considering the small capacity to heavy bullet factor I feel it is outstanding. My loads are in excess of 3000 fps so they are not mild.

I am sold on the Norma now. If the new batch is better what else is to be said? If oem run out is held to a tighter tolerance even better. One thing I have learned is slow powders are the way to go with this cartridge.

David Tubb selected a quality manufacturer and came through for us. The price is reasonable and the product works.

Jeff