Prime/Norma vs Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor Brass

[ThePretzel]

I've been considering getting some higher quality brass to use for my 6.5 Creedmoor reloads, and I wasn't sure exactly which route to take. The two brands of brass I've specifically been looking at are the Prime/Norma brass from Prime ammo, and of course the Lapua brass that's on clearance at Midway USA.

Has anyone had experience with the two to give me some feedback on which would be better for accuracy and consistency? I obviously like the fact that I can buy the Prime/Norma brass as loaded ammunition (because who doesn't like shooting more, and it lets me fire form it without using up my H4350), but I've heard that small rifle primers can be better even though it seems that the Norma brass has similar quality to the Lapua.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Supersubes]

Since I don’t want to waste barrel shooting factory ammo when I can be shooting my own higher quality loads, the lapua would be the only option for me here.

I use Lapua and Peterson in creedmoor. Id place both brands ahead of norma generally speaking, but I’ve no direct experience with the Prime/Norma. I don’t think you’ll find anyone who regards lapua as anything but best quality in any cartridge they make.

 

[Kadams1563]

The Prime brass is better then Hornady so it is a step up. Lapua brass is better then Prime brass so again it’s a step up.

There is also Alpha press that I know guys who are very happy with it.

When I went from Hornady to Lapua I instantly saw better results. I also like that Lapua brass just “feels” quality. It’s much heavier then Hornady brass.

 

[ThePretzel]

I looked into Alpha brass since I heard good things about it, since it was cheaper than Lapua but nearly the same quality. I then checked the price and saw that they're nearly identical in price ($5 less per 100), at which point I'd just rather have Lapua.

Since the Prime ammo is more expensive than Lapua brass and it seems that there Lapua is definitely better quality, I may as well pick up just the brass. Thanks!

 

[ThePretzel]

Bit the bullet and picked up a box of Lapua brass, some CCI 400 primers, and the decapping pins I'll need (as well as tools to help me measure the case headspace). Looking forwards to trying them out and getting a new load worked up with my bullet of choice.

 

[padom]

Bit the bullet and picked up a box of Lapua brass, some CCI 400 primers, and the decapping pins I'll need (as well as tools to help me measure the case headspace). Looking forwards to trying them out and getting a new load worked up with my bullet of choice.

Skip the 400's. You want CCI 450's!

 

[ThePretzel]

Skip the 400's. You want CCI 450's!

I tried! There were none in stock and I'm impatient to get the brass fire-formed tomorrow. If I notice any primer problems with the 400's or can't get the SD/ES down to the single digits where I want it I'll stop somewhere else to pick up the 450's instead. I'm thinking about picking up some more H4350 on my way back from a shoot tomorrow anyways, so I might just have to check and see if the 450's are in stock at the store where I buy my powder.

 

[Kadams1563]

Skip the 400's. You want CCI 450's!

I was gonna say the same thing.

 

[Kadams1563]

I tried! There were none in stock and I'm impatient to get the brass fire-formed tomorrow. If I notice any primer problems with the 400's or can't get the SD/ES down to the single digits where I want it I'll stop somewhere else to pick up the 450's instead. I'm thinking about picking up some more H4350 on my way back from a shoot tomorrow anyways, so I might just have to check and see if the 450's are in stock at the store where I buy my powder.

Wait... you have a store they you can walk in and buy H4350?!?

with that being said I didn’t even fire form my brass. I loaded up my OCW and shot it with new brass to get an idea. It only got better the second time around.

I load 42.2 H4350 with the Lapua brass.

 

[padom]

I tried! There were none in stock and I'm impatient to get the brass fire-formed tomorrow. If I notice any primer problems with the 400's or can't get the SD/ES down to the single digits where I want it I'll stop somewhere else to pick up the 450's instead. I'm thinking about picking up some more H4350 on my way back from a shoot tomorrow anyways, so I might just have to check and see if the 450's are in stock at the store where I buy my powder.

In stock at Powder Valley

 

[mustang-cars]

Since I don’t want to waste barrel shooting factory ammo when I can be shooting my own higher quality loads, the lapua would be the only option for me here.

I use Lapua and Peterson in creedmoor. Id place both brands ahead of norma generally speaking, but I’ve no direct experience with the Prime/Norma. I don’t think you’ll find anyone who regards lapua as anything but best quality in any cartridge they make.

Is Peterson really that good? Only asking because it’s price point with the military discount is very reasonable.

 

[Supersubes]

Is Peterson really that good? Only asking because it’s price point with the military discount is very reasonable.

I’ve really liked everything of theirs I’ve tested. I’ve used large primer Creed, .260, 300 wm, and 338LM. My batch of creed brass has been necked to 6 creed, working great, 10 firings in, no sight of letting up. Crazy strong case heads. Looking forward to the Norma mags they’re releasing soon.

 

[mustang-cars]

I’ve really liked everything of theirs I’ve tested. I’ve used large primer Creed, .260, 300 wm, and 338LM. My batch of creed brass has been necked to 6 creed, working great, 10 firings in, no sight of letting up. Crazy strong case heads. Looking forward to the Norma mags they’re releasing soon.

Thanks for the response. I’ll have to try some then.

 

[ThePretzel]

In stock at Powder Valley

I'm trying to avoid paying a $20 hazmat fee plus shipping to buy $32 worth of primers. At that point I may as well just buy the BR-4's they do have in stock (since they're identical to the 450's). I'll be passing by another 3 stores on a trip I need to make tomorrow anyways, so I'll see if I can find them there.

 

[Garyc]

I tried! There were none in stock and I'm impatient to get the brass fire-formed tomorrow. If I notice any primer problems with the 400's or can't get the SD/ES down to the single digits where I want it I'll stop somewhere else to pick up the 450's instead. I'm thinking about picking up some more H4350 on my way back from a shoot tomorrow anyways, so I might just have to check and see if the 450's are in stock at the store where I buy my powder.

Stop using those CCI-400's! You're asking for a pierced primer. 400's are thin cupped (.020") and designed for use in lower pressure rounds like the 22 Hornet, for any modern high pressure round you need the 450's or BR4's which have a .025" cup.

I was piercing primers in my new 20 practical until I found this out.