Brass selection

[PatriotHenry]

Lapua

^^^^ This

 

[Arkansasdad]

Any particular reason? I don't have enough experience with Lapua to make a judgment, but I've had excellent results with ADG. Is this unique to 338LM or just in general?

I can only reload ADG three times at best before the necks break down, going on 8 with Lap. There is a reason the Lap and Norma cost 30% more. I have used the tried and true method of socket and drill for years for annealing about every 3rd loading.
Happy shooting.

 

[tooth doc]

I just got a new rifle a 338 lapua and was wanting to hear your thoughts on lapua brass verse adg? I have used lapua brass before and it's been great. I have never used the adg brass.
Thanks for any feedback.

with lapua I never mess with truing the primer pocket or firing hole as the seem so very true and consistent. for hunting I don't think I could tell a difference. not so with other brands although my experience with adg for my 28 nosler is very positive!

 

[SHEDKING]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that replied! Looks like I will grab a couple hundred pieces of lapua.

 

[skipglo]

I'm not convinced of Lapua being any better than other brass. I've not had a good experience with the first 100 pieces especially at 2-3 times the price. On the second loads of the first 50 I had a complete head seperation and distinct lines on all brass just at the top of case head...where the first blew off...3 Rd load of 20 another complete seperation...and the line is more distinct...so I pulled the remaining loads and discarded the 48 remaining cases. I will just start ONLY neck sizing...the remaining 50. This has occurred on Lapua brass and none others....some Federal brass is on the 5 th load...no lines! .I forgot to mention 338 Lapua loads

 

[Don Titus]

There's probably enough votes here to confirm, buuut...

1st choice will be Lapua if it's available.
Close tie for 1st, might be Alpha in small cartridge cases (if they make brass for the cartridge that is). 2nd choice ADG. 3rd Peterson.

Have had great luck with all the major brands and would use any of them with confidence. However, with so many great components options out there I'll pick a cartridge & a build project based off of starting with Lapua now. It really is that great!!

Good luck

Never tried Lapua or ADG. Ever since Peterson came out with 300WM brass they have been my preference. Had numerous issues over the years with every other brand but get at least 7 reloads out of Peterson's and their uniformity is amazing.

 

[KH_Outdoors]

Never tried Lapua or ADG. Ever since Peterson came out with 300WM brass they have been my preference. Had numerous issues over the years with every other brand but get at least 7 reloads out of Peterson's and their uniformity is amazing.

That's a great point with the win mag stuff. Is that the "long" version or what not?

 

[ChrisInKY]

I'm not convinced of Lapua being any better than other brass. I've not had a good experience with the first 100 pieces especially at 2-3 times the price. On the second loads of the first 50 I had a complete head seperation and distinct lines on all brass just at the top of case head...where the first blew off...3 Rd load of 20 another complete seperation...and the line is more distinct...so I pulled the remaining loads and discarded the 48 remaining cases. I will just start ONLY neck sizing...the remaining 50. This has occurred on Lapua brass and none others....some Federal brass is on the 5 th load...no lines! .I forgot to mention 338 Lapua loads

I've heard of people having issues with Lapua brass, though I've never seen nor experienced it first-hand. Did you call the company? What was their reaction?

I bought some Lapua cases from a 'special lot' on Midway. The sell price on it was greatly reduced. What do these look like to you?

 

[skipglo]

I've heard of people having issues with Lapua brass, though I've never seen nor experienced it first-hand. Did you call the company? What was their reaction?

I bought some Lapua cases from a 'special lot' on Midway. The sell price on it was greatly reduced. What do these look like to you?View attachment 600513View attachment 600514

Crap...how do they look to you...the case heads aren't symmetrical to start...there is a divot in both of them and do you see the dark part running approximately 3/8" from the head down the case...it's very distinct in the picture....that is exactly where my heads are blowing out (1) and where the (2) other cases blew off completely. I was fortunate both times to let the gun completely cool and then run a wire cleaning brush up into the case and pull them out....size a couple and see how much MORE that line shows....and I wouldn't use them! Did I call yet NO...I need too....mine wasn't Seconds Brass...I live in Canada and paid 5.75/ PCE....575.00/hundred... Edit: have you fired it or did you buy ONCE FIRED BRASS... it's a mixed lot to boot!

 

[ChrisInKY]

do you see the dark part running approximately 3/8" from the head down the case...it's very distinct in the picture....that is exactly where my heads are blowing out (1) and where the (2) other cases blew off completely. Edit: have you fired it or did you buy ONCE FIRED BRASS... it's a mixed lot to boot!

Shoot ... I'm sorry. Those aren't the best photos and I shouldn't have been holding them in my hand when I took the picture.

I do see what you're seeing 3/8" down the case. Let me see if I can make some better pictures real quick.

Edit To Add:

Yes, those are from different lots. But, both were virgins when I bought them and I got two cases of 50 each during the purchase. The case on the left is on its 5th firing (looks like I had one hot load in it). The case on the right is once (test/formed) fired.

Those marks/bands are always present after firing. Doesn't matter what caliber or manufacturer. They're just there. My process from here involves wet tumbling so I don't see them again until they're fired. I do inspect the interior case web with a paperclip. It's not a very scientific method, but I have found a couple of .308 cases that were suspect here and there. Never had a concern with _any_ Lapua brass though.

Please post some photos and contact Lapua. I sure would like to hear how they respond to you.

 

[Muddyboots]

NORMA BRASS 338 WINCHESTER MAG UNPRIMED 50/bx - Graf & Sons

This is not loaded ammunition.

www.grafs.com

 

[skipglo]

Shoot ... I'm sorry. Those aren't the best photos and I shouldn't have been holding them in my hand when I took the picture.

I do see what you're seeing 3/8" down the case. Let me see if I can make some better pictures real quick.

Edit To Add:

View attachment 600575View attachment 600576

Yes, those are from different lots. But, both were virgins when I bought them and I got two cases of 50 each during the purchase. The case on the left is on its 5th firing (looks like I had one hot load in it). The case on the right is once (test/formed) fired.

Those marks/bands are always present after firing. Doesn't matter what caliber or manufacturer. They're just there. My process from here involves wet tumbling so I don't see them again until they're fired. I do inspect the interior case web with a paperclip. It's not a very scientific method, but I have found a couple of .308 cases that were suspect here and there. Never had a concern with _any_ Lapua brass though.

Please post some photos and contact Lapua. I sure would like to hear how they respond to you.

Those shinny lines are exactly what I get...and then...the result is not good....I am kicking myself for not keeping the pictures I took of seperate casings...but...I'm certain I can get another one soon