Lapua vs others

[drn1234]

I am new to shooting rifle long range but one thing I have noticed is that allot of people think Lapua cartridges are one of the best. What makes them stand out so much and is it worth it vs other brands like Hornaday? Is it just a preference thing or is their a distinct difference or advantage using Lapua.

I am not talking reloading brass but full match ammo.

I did a search and could not find anything specific so sorry if this is a noobie question. Also sorry if this is in the wrong section. I did not see a specific ammo section.

Just wondering.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: Lapua vs others

Very few people (on here anyway) are shooting actual Lapua factory ammo. This shit is just too damn expensive. Many people on here are shooting Lapua chamberings like the 6.5x47 Lapua, but they are just using the Lapua brass to reload their own ammo. If I had to buy factory Lapua ammo to feed my 4 rifles that are chambered in 6.5x47, I'd go broke very quickly.

Alot of people shoot the 6.5 Creedmore and some of those folks are shooting factory Hornady 6.5 Creedmore ammo, but it's not as expensive as Lapua factory ammo.

Is this what you are asking?

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Lapua vs others

What caliber are you talking about?

Lapua ammo uses good lapua brass, good Vihtavuori powder, and good lapua bullets. That is a really good combination.

I wont say Lapua ammo is the best as every rifle is going to shoot ammo differently. Perhaps get several boxes from different manufactures and see which ones shoots the best and go from there.

 

[JimGnitecki]

Re: Lapua vs others

As someone has already pointed out, Lapua makes Lapua cartridges, Lapua bullets, Lapua cases, and Vihtavuori powder.

When I started reloading for precision .308 rifle, I bought Lapua cases because everyone told me they are "the best".

They are. VERY consistent in all dimensions - headspace, OD at base, OD just below shoulder, neck OD, neck wall thickness, etc. And, the primer flash holes and pockets are perfect right out of the shipping box. I am VERY satisfied with these cases.

I had used VihtaVuori powder almost exclusively until recently, when it has become just too hard to consistently FIND the specific VV powder I need when I need it. Too few distributors. The quality of the powder though is truly great. Very clean, very consistent, and I ALWAYS got good results.

I needed to quickly buy a supply of 338 Lapua caliber cases the other day, after a deal I had made for some Norma cases got wrecked by the seller accidentally mixing up the shipment I was supposed to get(Norma cases) with another shipment (BHA and Hornady mix of cases), which I then had to return. Now, 338 Lapua is an EXPENSIVE caliber,with the cases alone selling for north of $2 each. And, the Lapua brand is the most costly of the brands available. I didn't even think about it more than a few seconds: I simply found the best price I could and bought Lapua brand cases.

Does that illustrate to you how highly I, and many others, regard Lapua quality?

Jim G

 

[steve123]

Re: Lapua vs others

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DavidN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am new to shooting rifle long range but one thing I have noticed is that allot of people think Lapua cartridges are one of the best. What makes them stand out so much and is it worth it vs other brands like Hornaday? Is it just a preference thing or is their a distinct difference or advantage using Lapua.

I am not talking reloading brass but full match ammo.

I did a search and could not find anything specific so sorry if this is a noobie question. Also sorry if this is in the wrong section. I did not see a specific ammo section.

Just wondering.

</div></div>

My addition to the other replies...

Even though Lapua brass is twice the price of most other companies it lasts more than twice as long. I use x47L and Grendal cases. The longevity and quality of the brass is almost unbelievable in comparison to others.

Add this particular quality to proper annealing, match chambers, custom dies (minimum sizing) and moderate reloads and you won't have to buy brass for many years. It'll be 5 years soon since I bought my x47L cases.

I won some 6.5 Grendal cases so I decided to retire 200 mixed lot cases that were given to me, otherwise I'd still be shooting them. Being that they are shot out of an AR they get beat up a bit, so they require replacement sooner.

 

[wlwaldock]

Re: Lapua vs others

I have been researching factory match ammo and reloading components extensively and I don't see very many if any using lapua match ammo at least not in .308. Most use either Federal Gold Medal Match often referred to as FGMM, Black Hills, or Hornrady Match. I have only purchased some of the Hornrady so far and I like it.

The place where I hear Lapua talked about constantly is in reference to the brass cartridge cases. They make some of if not the best brass you can buy its just expensive at $70-80 per 100

hope this helps

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DavidN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am new to shooting rifle long range but one thing I have noticed is that allot of people think Lapua cartridges are one of the best. What makes them stand out so much and is it worth it vs other brands like Hornaday? Is it just a preference thing or is their a distinct difference or advantage using Lapua.

I am not talking reloading brass but full match ammo.

I did a search and could not find anything specific so sorry if this is a noobie question. Also sorry if this is in the wrong section. I did not see a specific ammo section.

Just wondering.

</div></div>

 

[Mike]

Re: Lapua vs others

Lapua factory ammo is extremely accurate and consistent, even in 308. However, good luck finding it and if you do, you're going to pay. I would say it is the most accurate and consistent "big factory" ammo.

Now they do make all the components as has been stated however I do not like VV powder. I have found it to inconsistent, too expensive and too hard to find. But the brass and bullets are excellent and a great choice in just about any caliber.

 

[drn1234]

Re: Lapua vs others

Thanks everyone that is exactly what I was looking for.

Like I said I am new to all this and learning daily. I am eventually going to get into reloading in the next six months. Need new scope first. but until then it is all factory ammo in .308 and eventually .338 in my DT SRS.

Cant wait to start reloading. Seems like it will be allot of fun to find that perfect combination.

Thanks
Dave

 

[0481]

Re: Lapua vs others

If I were you, I would start getting your ammo from south west. You can order your .308 and .338 lapua with lapua brass. At some time you will have enough to start to reload with out having to just buy the brass seperate.

 

[lonegunman762x51]

Re: Lapua vs others

The only place I ever saw quantities of real Lapua in those lovely little wooden crates was at the AMU when I shot at Ft. Benning. Their ammo is amazingly good quality and accurate, it is priced like it was made in a socialist country where money is no object.

Their brass is the best in the business as well. Most of their cartridges are well thought of as well.