155g TAP .308 Casings

[breezernate]

155 TAP with the nickel cases sheems to shoot a tad bit better in my rifle than the 155 Amax Palma match, even though velocities and bullets are supposed to be the same.

I have seen other posts talking about the types and charges of powder used. Some say the powder is different between the loads. O.K. I have heard nobody talk about the casings.

Do the TAP loads have a nickel coating applied IN ADDITION to the standard sized brass cases? Are the cases the standard spec size before application of the coating? If so, wouldn't the extra thickness of the nickel coating make the brass fit tighter in the chamber? Could't that be the reason that load shoots better than the more "loose fitting" stuff? Wouldn't that force the bullet to seat more concentric with the bore each time?

Nate

 

[Shootinsurveyor]

Re: 155g TAP .308 Casings

I know I reloaded some TAP cases and they were hard to get the bolt to close on. Just a little stiffer than factory ammo. All my specs were right, but I didn't shoot them anyway just because I am fairly new to reloading so anything that makes me think twice, I just take the safe route for now. I found the cases were hard to prep compared to brass and they shred bullets when seating even a little using a VLD chamfer tool. After messing with them I got them to work fairly well preparation and loading wise, but I just haven't shot them yet. I would be interested in answers to your question

 

[Queequeg]

Re: 155g TAP .308 Casings

I have loaded them with no change from any other case: Brass, Nickel plated brass, Tap coating, what ever the hell it is.

Perhaps your resizing die needs to be adjusted down an additional 1/8th turn.

 

[breezernate]

Re: 155g TAP .308 Casings

I, too, have had a slightly skicky extraction of TAP cases a few times - the nickel ones. Makes me think they are larger diameter. I never measured and compared them to the other Hornady match ammo.

Nate