Buying Lapua brass (how much to start with?)

[3-0-hate]

So I'm considering picking up some Lapua brass for some of the matches I shoot. I really don't think I would shoot it past load development and dope verification, and just use it for matches only.

I currently have around 1200 cases of FGGM brass as well as a bunch of other mixed head stamps. I use this brass for practice and have some WCC NATO brass set aside currently for my matches. I guess I'm just looking for that extra little bit right now..

Is it a good idea to extend the life of match brass by practicing with other cases instead? Or do you guys usually stick to one headstamp for everything just to keep things consistent?

This is for a .308 btw..

 

[varmint slayer]

Buy a lot of 500 and use 250 for practice and 250 for comps. Problem solved. That way you are competing with the same loads you are practicing with.

 

[kansas]

If you're picky enough to check the runout on the neck of the brass once you use lapua you will never want to use fggm again. I've got 500-600 pieces of it but started with a couple hundred. Best if you can afford it to buy 500 to start.

 

[3-0-hate]

So it's safe to assume that those that shoot top quality brass, practice with the same top quality brass?

Damn. I was hoping to not lay so much $ out for brass. I was just going to get 200 pieces or so and use that as my match only brass...

 

[ArmyJerry]

I did 300 of 308 and 300 of 260, I should have got 500 each just for lot number consistency. I thin its worth it if you are serious into shooting.

 

[garandman]

One of these days, I'll need to test the Lapua dragon-slayer brass myth for myself.

Using Hornady brass in both my .308 and 6.5CM, I get half minute accuracy. (I've mixed lots of FGMM and Hornady brass with my 308, and seen zero difference in groups.) I have no doubt Lapua brass is of the highest quality available. I just have my doubts ( based on my own experience) that the choice of brass or the choice of paper I use for my data book make that much difference in accuracy. Powder? Yes. Bullets? Yes. Primers? Yes. Barrel? Yes. Brass? ....... I'm not so sure.

I suspect a fan boy / cult thing, to some degree. Like I says, I'll need to test it.

Admittedly, I am a recreational shooter. But consistent half minute groups in both my LR guns doesn't really leave me feeling cheated. I've been out to 500y with both, and have my doubts either is gonna go kaflooey or tighten down at longer distance simply because of the brand of brass 500 + yards away.

I'm am current accepting 50 round single-lot Lapua brass donations in .308 and 6.5CM from any fanboys who would like to see me convinvced. PM me for mailing address.

 

[coach4christ]

I also shoot 1/2 groups with fgmm and hornady, but that is after much case prep. Their brass isn't as consistent an lapua. I do know that I have trimmed way less lapua brass than the others.

 

[captcoop]

Use the first 100-200 and reload it until its done. Then you'll have 300 that are untouched.

 

[bh-ltr]

Make sure and run it all through a mandrel die when you first get it before loading it up once you place your order. I have 3 lots of Lapua brass and wish that it was all in one lot. Lot sizes are 300 400 and 300.