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Brass differences

afd77

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
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May 29, 2008
704
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Ohio
I loaded up several rounds of RE-15 behind Lapua 155 Scenars, in Lapua brass, in .02 grain increments starting at 44 grains and working up to 46. I loaded the exact same loads using Remington Brass. I had pressure signs with the Lapua brass at 45.2 grains, with a velocity just under 2600 fps. Flattened primers, and even difficult extraction. With the Remington brass, I was able to go all the way up to 46 with velocities just under 2800. No pressure signs whatsoever. The rifle is a Remington SPS Tactical, 20" barrel. Both types of brass were new, unfired, and both were prepped exactly the same. My question is why would I be getting such a large difference between two types of brass?
 
Re: Brass differences

Interior capacity and to a lesser extent, the brass hardness.

Fill the cases with water, weigh the water and compare.

4007 and Varget will give you equal velocity with perhaps a bit less pressure.

If you try Winchester, it is generally even harder and has more capacity.
 
Re: Brass differences

Thanks for the info Mr. Humble. For what it is worth, the same round loaded in either brass shoot just fine out of my Savage. I guess it just goes to show how different two rifles of the same caliber can be, and how components are certaintly not interchangeable. Anyway, thanks for the help.
 
Re: Brass differences

I'm less a fan of measuring volume with water than I am of using the same propellent that the cartridges will be loaded with. Volume of propellent has a meaning to me, volume of water doesn't. Basically, I start out with a bit more than the case will hold, load it with a drop tube for consistency, and weigh what stays in the case.
 
Re: Brass differences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr. Humble</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is the "high pressure" rifle? </div></div>

Rem. 700 SPS Tactical in AICS. I load to mag length. 2.85
 
Re: Brass differences

My load is also in the low 46s with Lapua brass, 155 scenar and RE15 and no pressure signs. I believe my OAL to touch the lands is only 2.825 (I know it is less then 2.850). That could be why your pressure is so high. I jump them about 10 thousandths.
 
Re: Brass differences

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AugeredIn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My load is also in the low 46s with Lapua brass, 155 scenar and RE15 and no pressure signs. I believe my OAL to touch the lands is only 2.825 (I know it is less then 2.850). That could be why your pressure is so high. I jump them about 10 thousandths. </div></div>

My chamber's OAL to the lands is pretty long. I can't remember without remeasuring, but I believe it was just shy of 2.95. I know I don't come anywhere close to touching the lands loading to mag length.