Norma vs Lapua 6BR brass

[RonS]

Is there a difference in dimensions of virgin Lapua and Norma 6mmBR brass? If so, what is the difference? Are there any advantages in chambering and headspacing for the individual cartridges? I am curious because I was asked which of the two brands I would be using for my next build.

 

[A_Gamehog]

From Midways website, I just got a 6BR and wondered the same things,

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Lapua World-class brass begins with high-quality raw materials and superior smelting and metallurgical competence. Throughout the production process, the focus on quality control is consistent with Lapua's exacting standards. Particular attention is paid to hardness, solidity and grain structure. All Lapua brass is tested to 30% overpressure according to Commission Internationale Permanente, the agency that oversees ammunition and component producers in Western Europe.

Technical Information
Caliber: 6mm BR (Bench Rest)
Finish: Brass


Important Note about 6mm BR Lapua Brass:
Brass is headstamped 6MM Norma BR to meet European CIP requirements but the case dimensions are IDENTICAL to the 6mm BR Remington. This may cause confusion as some people understand the cartridge cases are different in dimensions. In fact it is the chamber dimensions, not the cartridge dimensions that changed. 6mm BR and 6mm BR Norma use the same case specifications however the difference between the two is the cartridge overall length specification with the BR Norma utilizing a longer heavier bullet.

In 1995 Norma adopted the 6mm BR and submitted a new "chamber" specification for certification by the European CIP board. The chamber specification differs from the North American SAAMI specifications in the throat dimension. This change in the chamber throat dimension does not affect or change the cartridge case dimensions in any way. Always make sure to use the correct ammunition in the firearm being shot.


http://www.6mmbr.com/6BRFAQ.html

 

[Gabe22BR]

Most of the time midway is out of everything I'm looking for.

I get mine from Sinclair.

 

[jonbearman]

Powder valley has the best prices around with the exception of one company I found and I will stay with PVI as there service is outstanding. The new Norma is supposed to be just as good as lapua. I have some new norma I will be testing in my 6br just to see how it goes.

 

[boltfluter]

Unless something has changed Norma 6BR brass is way to soft.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[Ledd Slinger]

You know you can't go wrong with Lapua. And with the prices of the new Norma brass, I would definitely go with Lapua to KNOW you are getting your money's worth. Just my opinion.

 

[mshelton]

Go to the IBS website, check out the long range and score matches and look at the equipment list.

Note the percentage of 6br, 6 dasher, 6br Imp and 30br shooters using Norma brass.

 

[Shynloco]

Unless something has changed Norma 6BR brass is way to soft.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

Based upon short distance (100 yds) testing I've done using both Lapua and Norma (6mmbr, 6.5BR and 30BR necked up), I've found that Norma brass is a softer brass than is Lapua and I get better accuracy results with the Lapua brass. Norma is a fine backup brass if you can't find any Lapua, but personally I use Lapua way more than the Norma.

Alex

 

[Rtheurer]

I am using only Norma brass. So far I have 12 fireings on them. They are just now getting loose pockets. I got them super cheap so I don't feel I am out to much. The Quality is realy good as well. So maybe not as hard a Lapua but at 12 loadings its not that bad. Sometimes it seems that folks are eluding that its a 3 shots and done type deal and not worth buying at all. If you can find them a cheaper price than Norma or if its all you can get. Don't feel to bad about it. Its still pretty good brass just not as hard as the Lapua offering like everyone here is saying which is true in my experience.

Hope this helps shed a little light on your choice. Best of luck to you.

Russ T

 

[RonS]

Gamshog, if I'm reading this correctly the brass should be the same. After my gunsmith set the headspace to the Norma brass, the virgin Lapua brass acted as a no-go gauge when inserted into the chamber and when the virgin Norma brass was inserted the bolt closed without resistance and we tried several pieces with the same results. We then tried the same process in a rifle chambered for Lapua brass, which operated smoothly with Lapua brass but the Norma brass sometimes failed to extract. He told me that the shoulder on the Norma brass is set back further than Lapua brass. So I have Rem 700 6BR with a 14T set up for Lapua brass and now a Savage 12 in 6BR with a 8T headspaced to use Norma brass. Does anyone see a problem with this?

 

[Rtheurer]

Is it as simple as running the Lapua Brass into a FL die and pushing the shoulder back?

 

[RonS]

I full length size all my new brass to make sure the body and necks are straight and they are all approximately consistent. I have my full length sizing die at its lowest position. I run my Lapua and Norma brass through the same full length die. So far, pushing the shoulder back on the Lapua brass does not seem to be an issue because the chamber, in my 14 twist 6BR, was cut to minimum SAMMI specs so my brass does not grow in length and now my 8 twist 6BR has been set up the same way. Do you think I have a bad batch of Norma brass, with its should already pushed back or was it purposely designed that way?

 

[jonbearman]

It was just in the bulletin a short time ago that they changed the metallurgy to make it tougher,It has a dimple in the headspace.

 

[A_Gamehog]

I just got my first 6br last week. I did buy Norma brass as I shot it for years in every way with good repeatable results. As to it being softer than Lapua I would need a metallurgist to tell me that with proof. Shooting hot loads then getting loose primer pockets and blaming the brass is irrevelant to me. It is more expensive but it's worth the extra$ just in brass prep already done. Mixing brass for two different rifles is puzzling to me. In my varmint rifles OK but in a match no. Keep the Norma for one and the lapua for the other. Then you have a reference point to base your issues. After the first firing in the rifle and subsequent firings in the same chamber you should have no issues if you full length size and trim to length . hopefully your smith used the same headspace gage in both rifles and not 2 different types of brass?

 

[ASbobcat]

I am using only Norma brass. So far I have 12 fireings on them. They are just now getting loose pockets. I got them super cheap so I don't feel I am out to much. The Quality is realy good as well. So maybe not as hard a Lapua but at 12 loadings its not that bad. Sometimes it seems that folks are eluding that its a 3 shots and done type deal and not worth buying at all. If you can find them a cheaper price than Norma or if its all you can get. Don't feel to bad about it. Its still pretty good brass just not as hard as the Lapua offering like everyone here is saying which is true in my experience.

Hope this helps shed a little light on your choice. Best of luck to you.

Russ T

I bought two boxes of Lapua 6BR "brown box" just before they switched to "blue box" (a long time ago). I have yet to need the second box, even though I ruined a bunch of the first box in a misguided foray into the Dasher fire forming frenzy.
I stopped trying to keep track of times reloaded at 50 (that was a awhile back) and I shoot loads very near max all the time.
I also have Lapua 6.5x47 brass that is rated at over 63,000 psi and their 6BR brass is just as strong.

 

[swd]

If your running close to max the Lapua definately holds up better. I have 6BRX with both Norma and Lapua brass with about 7 loads on it and a fair ammount of the Norma is getting pretty loose while the Lapua is going strong.

 

[wapiti25]

I like Lapua brass! I have used 6PPC Norma and formed 220 Russian Lapua to 6 PPC. I have formed 6 mm Dasher from 6mm BR Lapua and Norma 6Dasher. every time the Lapua has been more accurate and lasts longer.

 

[AR10T308]

I am using only Norma brass. So far I have 12 fireings on them. They are just now getting loose pockets. I got them super cheap so I don't feel I am out to much. The Quality is realy good as well. So maybe not as hard a Lapua but at 12 loadings its not that bad. Sometimes it seems that folks are eluding that its a 3 shots and done type deal and not worth buying at all. If you can find them a cheaper price than Norma or if its all you can get. Don't feel to bad about it. Its still pretty good brass just not as hard as the Lapua offering like everyone here is saying which is true in my experience.

Hope this helps shed a little light on your choice. Best of luck to you.

Russ T

For those learning from this thread, this is my experience as well after tens of thousands of rounds through different 6 BR variants. I am a huge Lapua brass fan, as is probably every serious shooter, but the Norma brass is a close second that warrants consideration if you find a good deal for it or the Lapua is not available. I have won my fair share of local midrange matches shooting Norma brass.