To BRA or not to BRA

[rijndael]

I'm fighting off an itch for a new caliber. I'm currently running a 6GT and a 6.5CM.

The 6 BRA interests me, as does the 6BR, but I do tend to shoot out to 1100 in windy conditions so a little extra fps would be nice. My GT has been pretty easy button, but I want to know if it gets better. If one is considering a BRA, is the Alpha brass a reasonable choice? I will be AICS mag feeding, so if the BRA feeds better, that'd be a plus in the BRA column.

PS> Please don't recommend an 6XC or a a 6CM, I already have an XC and don't want a CM.

 

[Dave Zander]

I would stick with Lapua 6 BR brass and fire form the 6BR if you go BRA. Lapua BR brass gives excellent accuracy in a BRA barrel fire forming anyway.
Alpha BRA brass has issues , search on it you will see. Been there done that.

 

[rijndael]

Thanks, I just found this: https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/6-bra-extraction-and-bolt-lift-issues.4097251

I'm not looking for more brass/chamber/die problems, that's for sure.

 

[varget204]

Correct Answer is: Go BRA

 

[rijndael]

Are the Alpha BRA issues moot if it's cut with an Alpha reamer?

 

[dgeesaman]

I'm fighting off an itch for a new caliber. I'm currently running a 6GT and a 6.5CM.

The 6 BRA interests me, as does the 6BR, but I do tend to shoot out to 1100 in windy conditions so a little extra fps would be nice. My GT has been pretty easy button, but I want to know if it gets better. If one is considering a BRA, is the Alpha brass a reasonable choice? I will be AICS mag feeding, so if the BRA feeds better, that'd be a plus in the BRA column.

PS> Please don't recommend an 6XC or a a 6CM, I already have an XC and don't want a CM.

I split an Alpha 6BRA case for no apparent reason on a light load at the first firing. Still don’t know for sure what happened but looking at the cross section of the Alpha brass and no transition from head to case wall was enough for me.

Since Lapua and Peterson brass are available I would stick with those.

Not sure how a lighter-charged 6mm will help you hit more at 1100 but 6BRA is very accurate at those ranges. But if shooting in wind is your concern why get there slower?

 

[jackieschmidt]

I held off on a BR-A for along time. I finally built one with a 103 throat, no neck turn .272 chamber.

This is so easy even I can do it. I’m shooting 80 grn Barts Dominators at 3350 fps with great accuracy. All you do is fire form the Lapua case once, and it’s ready.

Of course, this is not a 1100 yard combo. But it is great at 300 and below.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Good luck in your choice! let us know and show results (or not). Cheers.

 

[rijndael]

Not sure how a lighter-charged 6mm will help you hit more at 1100 but 6BRA is very accurate at those ranges.

I'm not looking to 'hit more', I just don't want to lose too much. The BRA should run with my GT and I'm happy with that.

 

[Forum Boss]

With my 6mmBR, the faster I ran it the better it shot. With a 27" 3-groove faster-than-average barrel, believe it or not I could run 105s at 2910 fps. With a 6 BRA I can easily get to the very good 2950 fps common accuracy node with even average barrels, and have better brass life. And honestly, you can do the first fire-forming ON-Target at a local club match, and the accuracy will be good. So there's no lost brass life.

 

[dgeesaman]

I'm not looking to 'hit more', I just don't want to lose too much. The BRA should run with my GT and I'm happy with that.

The BRA should run close to 6GT, but not with it. 15% more powder is never negligible.

Now if consumables really matter to you, I do believe 6BRA is has the efficiency edge for the 103-105gr bullets in terms of powder use, primers (SRP not LRP), barrel life, and brass life.

 

[MDT6BRA]

Go for it, bra who wants to leave a little power on the table? Fireforming groups are impressive too.

 

[rijndael]

The BRA should run close to 6GT, but not with it. 15% more powder is never negligible.

FWIW: I run my GT with a 107 SMK at 2875 or 2925, depending on if it's 4166 or Varget.

 

[rijndael]

And honestly, you can do the first fire-forming ON-Target at a local club match, and the accuracy will be good.

That's good to know, thanks.

 

[Mark W]

FWIW: I run my GT with a 107 SMK at 2875 or 2925, depending on if it's 4166 or Varget.

I’m running my 8 twist 6 BRA at 2940 with Bart’s 105 Gungnirs and Varget.

 

[ljmontano]

JUST PRESS THE BRA BIG RED EASY BUTTON!
In fact I have a barrel in the lathe I just finished chambering in a BRA going to thread for a Dan Bramley tuner in the morning.

 

[Texas Solo]

6 Dasher anyone?

 

[Mark W]

6 Dasher anyone?

Nothing wrong with a Dasher, but I like the easy fire forming and long neck on a BRA.

 

[Texas Solo]

Nothing wrong with a Dasher, but I like the easy fire forming and long neck on a BRA.

Dasher brass is quite available. No need to fireform, thus saving $$$ on components.

 

[Mark W]

Dasher brass is quite available. No need to fireform, thus saving $$$ on components.

I think you can also buy BRA brass now, but I use Lapua, so there is that….

I’m not sure how it saves components though. A BRA shoots just as well fire forming as it does with formed brass in my experience. I won a club match while fire forming for my last BRA.