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First time using Alpha brass and first time loading for the 6.5 Creedmoor. I know the Alpha brass has a smaller case capacity than most, having a hard time finding data for it. Anyone have some first hand experience that could give a hint for a starting load? I plan to use R17 and shoot 147 ELD. Tikka T3x.
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I'm using alpha i my Creedmoor. Haven't done extensive load development yet. I have observed that it takes 2.5 - 3.0 grains less powder to get the equivalent velocities predicted by QuickLoad. You will definitely want to back off of your normal starting loads ad be cautious when you work up.
That said, Alpha brass has no equal. Amazingly consistent. I weighed all 100 pcs that I bought. The max case weight weighed 0.8 grains more than the min case weight.
Last edited by drano 25; 05/21/18.
Don't speculate when you don't know, and don't second guess when you do.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I'm using alpha i my Creedmoor. Haven't done extensive load development yet. I have observed that it takes 2.5 - 3.0 grains less powder to get the equivalent velocities predicted by QuickLoad. You will definitely want to back off of your normal starting loads ad be cautious when you work up.
That said, Alpha bras has no equal. Amazingly consistent. I weighed all 100 pcs that I bought. The max case weight weighed 0.8 grains more than the min case weight. How uniform were the neck walls?
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I didn't check neck walls. I did spot check concentricity at the neck, maybe 20% of them. It has been several months, but if memory serves me right, none had more were less than 0.001" of run out. I knew after checking the weight and run out, this was easily the most consistent brass I have used. I don't really need brass of this quality as I typically find Nosler & Hornady brass workable for my needs. I do like high quality though, and I was impressed. When I need brass again, if Alpha makes it in that cartrdge, it is what I will buy.
All measurements were taken right out of the box. No sizing, trimming, flash hole or primer pocket work required.
Don't speculate when you don't know, and don't second guess when you do.
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D I didn't check neck walls. I did spot check concentricity at the neck, maybe 20% of them. It has been several months, but if memory serves me right, none had more were less than 0.001" of run out. I knew after checking the weight and run out, this was easily the most consistent brass I have used. I don't really need brass of this quality as I typically find Nosler & Hornady brass workable for my needs. I do like high quality though, and I was impressed. When I need brass again, if Alpha makes it in that cartrdge, it is what I will buy.
All measurements were taken right out of the box. No sizing, trimming, flash hole or primer pocket work required. So you just loaded them as they came, no sizing first? I am thinking to just give a mouth chamfer and fill 'er up.
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I also would be interested in the consistency of the thickness of the neck walls if you have a way to measure.
If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.
Doug
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The neck walls are the first thing on my check list since they affect concentricity which in turn affects accuracy/precision more than small weight variations and flash hole burrs.
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The neck walls are the first thing on my check list since they affect concentricity which in turn affects accuracy/precision more than small weight variations and flash hole burrs. Math man is telling it right!
If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.
Doug
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D I didn't check neck walls. I did spot check concentricity at the neck, maybe 20% of them. It has been several months, but if memory serves me right, none had more were less than 0.001" of run out. I knew after checking the weight and run out, this was easily the most consistent brass I have used. I don't really need brass of this quality as I typically find Nosler & Hornady brass workable for my needs. I do like high quality though, and I was impressed. When I need brass again, if Alpha makes it in that cartrdge, it is what I will buy.
All measurements were taken right out of the box. No sizing, trimming, flash hole or primer pocket work required. So you just loaded them as they came, no sizing first? I am thinking to just give a mouth chamfer and fill 'er up. That is exactly what I did, chamfer and load.
Don't speculate when you don't know, and don't second guess when you do.
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The neck walls are the first thing on my check list since they affect concentricity which in turn affects accuracy/precision more than small weight variations and flash hole burrs. The Alpha brass I’ve played with in 6.5 and 6 has had less than 0.001” neck thickness variation.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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The neck walls are the first thing on my check list since they affect concentricity which in turn affects accuracy/precision more than small weight variations and flash hole burrs. The Alpha brass I’ve played with in 6.5 and 6 has had less than 0.001” neck thickness variation. I figured it was good stuff, but it's nice to know.
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