Switching from Hornady to Lapua Brass 6.5CM

[Roach]

My current load with H brass is 41.6 of IMR 4451 and it shoots well. I picked up 200 pieces of Lapua brass and I know it's about 2.Xg less capacity. Has anyone that made the switch found out about how much less power it takes to get a comparable load with switching?

I know I have to test but I'd rather get it done as quick as possible to shoot. I'm thinking .5 - .8 less and start the test there. What do you think?

 

[David247]

To be on the safe side, I would take the time to start 10% and work up from there. I had a new gun built and have only ever had Lapua brass so I can't help you with exactly what the difference would be but it seems by changing just the cases there could be unexpected pressure which would make it more important to start at a safe level and test up. JMHO, good luck

 

[M-61]

Yes.
When changing anything I will always reduce and work UP if needed.

 

[bullzeyenj]

0.5 grains less was safe for me when I made the switch last year.

 

[natdscott]

I know I have to test but I'd rather get it done as quick as possible to shoot.

What do you think?

I think that you answered your own question. You need to back down until you really DO think it is truly SAFE.

Only YOU can answer where that line is that makes you comfortable. Never intentionally put yourself in a position where you wonder.

 

[Roach]

I think that the "work up your load" mantra is like telling everyone you ever see at a range to make sure not to sweep anyone. It's pretty much common sense.

Fact is a lot of load data is universal. Why do you think some match grade ammo works so well in so many guns? Federal GMM is .308 or Hornady 140 ELDM. My old .308 load worked well across multiple 308s. I get the fact that you have to cater to the lowest common denominator around here. I ran a test starting .5 less and pretty much nailed it. 41.1 and 43.4 both shot well and the error in the second group was a called, pulled shot. So I'm going to load in the middle to account for any variance in the chargemaster. They started opening up at 41.7 I loaded higher but didn't shoot any of them. 43.7 was getting close to 2800 from 2776 to 2795.

 

[natdscott]

I think that the "work up your load" mantra is like telling everyone you ever see at a range to make sure not to sweep anyone. It's pretty much common sense.

Fact is a lot of load data is universal.

Roach, why did you even ASK if you already knew what your answer was going to be?!

Next time, save us the effort of NOT confirming your pre-determined notions, and just don't ask the question.

You may think you are not in the 'lowest common denominator', and maybe you aren't, but then again, we are ALL above-average drivers. Some REALLY good shooters have still blown up rifles.

 

[Roach]

Reloaders are a funny bunch. I did not know the answer and was looking for a ballpark. Maybe someone has made the switch. it's just information man, not nuclear codes. The fact that I switched brass, powder, and primer and found a decent load relatively quick was a combination of guesswork, getting lucky and knowing there's a node in the mid 2700s.

Roach, why did you even ASK if you already knew what your answer was going to be?!

Next time, save us the effort of NOT confirming your pre-determined notions, and just don't ask the question.

You may think you are not in the 'lowest common denominator', and maybe you aren't, but then again, we are ALL above-average drivers. Some REALLY good shooters have still blown up rifles.