PRS Talk 6mm BRX vs. 6mm Dasher

[HDEAN20]

Hey guys,

I know I'm opening a can of worms with this one... but every forum thread I see talking about 6br variants has people swearing their variant is best without providing any convincing evidence as to why. I've spoke with some good shooters that give some pretty good arguments for both. For those of you that run a 6 BRX or a 6 Dasher, especially if you have personal experience with both, why did you choose what you did?

I am currently running a 22 BR. It shoots lights out and has almost no recoil. Just gets kinda squirrely out past 1000-1100 yards and tough to see my trace/impacts. I'd like to move something just a little more "well rounded" while staying in the br variants. I don't want to run either of the mentioned cartridges super fast. I'd be happy around the 2800 to 2850 range with the 115 dtacs, perhaps a little faster if I choose to run the 105's. I'm willing to fire-form but will probably just buy a hydro-forming die.

The longer I look into this, the more I am beginning to believe that it doesn't matter whether you run the BRA, BRX, Dasher, or even the standard BR. Hopefully you guys will have some good insights to help me find the advantages to one over the other.

 

[Sheldon N]

The longer I look into this, the more I am beginning to believe that it doesn't matter whether you run the BRA, BRX, Dasher, or even the standard BR. Hopefully you guys will have some good insights to help me find the advantages to one over the other.

Yep.

I'm digging the 6BRA but my Dasher barrel has shot real good for me this year also. Have several barrels for both and have shot both in lots of matches.

Practical differences IMO are:

6 BRA - easier fireforming with less chance of messing up the brass. Non-issue if you buy hydro brass.
6 BRA - long neck means bullet is for sure going to be forward of the neck shoulder junction. No issues with donuts (which can happen).
Dasher/BRX - 50 fps advantage over BRA at "safe pressure" however you define that
6BR - 50 fps disadvantage from 6BRA

My take is that I've settled on the 105's over the heavier DTACs having tried both. I like the lighter recoil of the lighter bullet and the hybrids have been more consistently accurate for me. I think the question is one of bullet speed. I kinda like a 105 somewhere around 2900 fps, maybe a touch faster. My 27" Dasher has a nice node at 2940fps and my 27.5" 6BRA shoots awesome at 2920 fps. To me they are equal enough that I choose which one to run based on which one I have brass ready to load for.

I kinda feel like the 6BR ends up just slow enough at 2850ish that it gives up a touch of energy and wind on those really far targets, and also starts to get into transonic a bit sooner. I shoot out west though so we have more far targets and more wind than other parts of the country. If I shot in the southeast I might just shoot straight 6BR and call it done.

Anyhow, long winded way of saying "no wrong answer".

 

[shoot4fun]

Having shot out a few Dasher barrels over the years, I would say (and only if you really know your stuff at the reloading bench) go BRA.
Why?
More neck than BRX or Dasher and I am one who feels that could make your barrel last a little longer. In fact, I see bores in better shape after 800 rounds or so of BRA than same in Dasher. While most say H4895 is the best powder it hasn’t been for me. I’ll accept a slight gain over the standard BR in order to use a more stable powder such as Varget. I’m about to try some AR Comp too.

 

[mmlook]

for your goals
1000-1100 performance
115 dtac

I would say dasher with a long throat for the larger case capacity

if you're not stuck to Lapua br brass,
I would say it's worth looking at the BRDX, 6GT, or even the 6x47

you'll be able to run a slower powder like H4350, and not have to worry about case capacity

 

[Geno C.]

Like @Sheldon N said. It makes no difference. I’ve never been able to see a barre life difference between my br’s and brx’s. I run the brx the most because it’s always fed a little more consistent for me. I think moving the shoulder up just that .100” is what helps with that. The short neck has never given me any problems. With a brx you can use br dies also. The dasher or bra you can’t. I run 105 hybrids a bit over 2900 with h4350. My next barrel will run 105jlks but I only have enough for 2 barrels and then they’re gone...

 

[47guy]

Never shot a dasher but i shoot a BR and a BRX...both are easy to load...I’d skip the 115s and shoot 105-107-108s...the 108 Berger’s and very accurate and easy to make shoot.

This is a straight BR with 1100 rounds through it at 300yds this morning ....just started playing with some 105g Bart’s infinity’s and Peterson brass.

 

[chevy_man]

The only thing that makes any real difference is fireforming cases in the brx is cheaper and easier than the others. You can find dies all over the place and leave them .1" high. Fireforming loads typically shoot as well as any others so you can fireform during a match even.


That is the only reason I don't shoot a Dasher.

There is no measurable performance change between them once you get to bra/brx/dasher, etc. They're close enough an inch of barrel or just fast to slow barrel makes them all basically the same ballistically.

They should all easily reach 2500 rounds of barrel life given a realistic load. I've seen them go much longer with moderate loads, little shorter with hot loads.

 

[HDEAN20]

So if I'm understanding you guys correctly... there seems to be a consensus that there is little to no performance difference between the brx and dasher. The BRA is nicer on brass when fire forming while suffering only a slight performance difference to the brx and dasher. Then the straight br is only slightly behind that.

I think you guys have sold me on the 105s... been seeing lots of guys running those with some good success.

Being that I plan on pulling my barrels of my match rifle and putting them on my practice rig at around 1700-1800 rounds, I think any of the cartridges will be good enough in the barrel life category.

I do want to run Varget... I've had nothing but positive experiences with it in the 22 BR. Maybe that affects the new cartridge decision?

Also, I'm sitting on about 1000 virgin pieces of BR brass so, I do really want to stay in those BR variants... so that would count out the 6x47 or 6GT.

I am really not interested in chasing speed. I just want a low pressure super stable load in a good node so I'm not always chasing that new load throughout my barrel life. My current cartridge has done that really well. 27.1 Gr varget, 88 gr eldm, .025 off the lands coming out the barrel at 2895. Super consistent in velocity and accuracy for the last 1500 rounds. I'm hoping to get something along those lines with this switch to the 6mm's

 

[47guy]

So if I'm understanding you guys correctly... there seems to be a consensus that there is little to no performance difference between the brx and dasher. The BRA is nicer on brass when fire forming while suffering only a slight performance difference to the brx and dasher. Then the straight br is only slightly behind that.

I think you guys have sold me on the 105s... been seeing lots of guys running those with some good success.

Being that I plan on pulling my barrels of my match rifle and putting them on my practice rig at around 1700-1800 rounds, I think any of the cartridges will be good enough in the barrel life category.

I do want to run Varget... I've had nothing but positive experiences with it in the 22 BR. Maybe that affects the new cartridge decision?

Also, I'm sitting on about 1000 virgin pieces of BR brass so, I do really want to stay in those BR variants... so that would count out the 6x47 or 6GT.

I am really not interested in chasing speed. I just want a low pressure super stable load in a good node so I'm not always chasing that new load throughout my barrel life. My current cartridge has done that really well. 27.1 Gr varget, 88 gr eldm, .025 off the lands coming out the barrel at 2895. Super consistent in velocity and accuracy for the last 1500 rounds. I'm hoping to get something along those lines with this switch to the 6mm's

varget works in all the cartridges your interested in...if you want consistency the 108g bergers are the most consistent bullets ive shot except for the barts 105 infinity's i just started shooting...the fed 205m seems the produce the best numbers over the CCIs as far as primers for me.

my last BRX barrel only lost about .012 off the lands in 1600 rounds...my current BR barrel has 1100 through it and has only lost .003ish.
as far as barrel life goes ive shot a lot of 6mm barrels and ive never had one go past 1700 rounds but then my accuracy expectations are probably different than others.

if you want super easy do a straight BR throw 30g of varget a fed205m a 108g berger start touching the lands and run a seating test if it wont shoot 1/4" or better at a 100yds something is wrong.

if you want a little more speed with the same accuracy a BRX with a 205m and a 108 from 32.3g to 33g will do the same thing as long as the shooter and equipment are up to speed...if you do a BRX send some brass to DJs brass and have him hydro form it...trust me its worth every penny of $60 bucks per 100...guys say its easy fire forming...IMHO its a Fn pain in the ass.

i have not shot a BRA but i have a reamer being made now be ready in november....if its everything everyone says it is it just might be the perfect 6mm.

 

[BoilerUP]

How is fireforming one any cheaper than another?

I fireform my Dasher cases as so: 30gr Varget, Lapua BR brass, CCI-450, 107 SMK .010” into lands, pull trigger. Tiny groups for practice, hunting, whatever and out ejects a formed Dasher case.

Think I’ve lost one case to a split neck.

Lots o’ ways to skin this cat and frankly I’m not sure one mousetrap is better than the others - just preference.

Straight 6BR may not be the *best* choice, but its never the *wrong* choice.

 

[Gilly]

Not to derail a good conversation but I read all the good comments about DJ’s and sent him 300 pieces this summer to hydroform dasher and got them back 10% are ruined. Necks are so bent up there’s no fixing them. I’ll do something different next time.

I’m shooting a 6br with 105 jlk at 2790 and really like the accuracy. I’ve had other loads, the dtac at 2820 with varget was promising.

6 dasher with 105 at 2930 and 32.5 varget is a pretty easy load for accuracy from what I read and sure enough works for me.

100 FPS doesn’t sound like much but between wind and energy on big plates far away I will be using brx or dasher as a match round in the future.

 

[shoot4fun]

Not to derail a good conversation but I read all the good comments about DJ’s and sent him 300 pieces this summer to hydroform dasher and got them back 10% are ruined. Necks are so bent up there’s no fixing them. I’ll do something different next time.

I use DJ all the time. There will almost always be some loss when hydro-form or fire-form is done. Especially true on the newer blue box brass; even more so with some lots of it.
If you contacted DJ with your concerns he would have made it right. Customer satisfaction is his number one priority.

 

[Gilly]

I use DJ all the time. There will almost always be some loss when hydro-form or fire-form is done. Especially true on the newer blue box brass; even more so with some lots of it.
If you contacted DJ with your concerns he would have made it right. Customer satisfaction is his number one priority.

This isn’t a little ding here and there there are some so deformed they can’t be used.

 

[HDEAN20]

Not to derail a good conversation but I read all the good comments about DJ’s and sent him 300 pieces this summer to hydroform dasher and got them back 10% are ruined. Necks are so bent up there’s no fixing them. I’ll do something different next time.

I’m shooting a 6br with 105 jlk at 2790 and really like the accuracy. I’ve had other loads, the dtac at 2820 with varget was promising.

6 dasher with 105 at 2930 and 32.5 varget is a pretty easy load for accuracy from what I read and sure enough works for me.

100 FPS doesn’t sound like much but between wind and energy on big plates far away I will be using brx or dasher as a match round in the future.

Gilly, I have 1000 pieces of brass for this gun. At $60/100 pieces I'm thinking I'll buy a hydroforming die. Are you against hydroforming in general? Or just had a negative experience with DJ?

As to your other point, I am shooting out west and with the longer ranges and heavier targets I like the BRX or Dasher options for the exact reason you brought up.

 

[HDEAN20]

i have not shot a BRA but i have a reamer being made now be ready in november....if its everything everyone says it is it just might be the perfect 6mm.

47guy what makes you say it might be the perfect 6mm? What are you hoping from it that makes you look to it over your BRX?

 

[shoot4fun]

47guy what makes you say it might be the perfect 6mm? What are you hoping from it that makes you look to it over your BRX?

Agreed.
While the 6BRA is getting a lot of fan mail these days it can be an absolute nightmare as quick as it can be heavenly.
The 6BRX and Dasher are both fairly easy to tune and both are right at home filled with Varget. The BRA is known to have the tightest accuracy nodes of all of them and H4895 (the seemingly best powder) is somewhat schizophrenic. It has no tolerance for temperature swings and nodes as tight as .1 grain of powder.
I know several who have given up to the point of just shooting what I call a stiff 6BR load of Varget in it. At that point why even waist time and effort on forming brass?

 

[47guy]

47guy what makes you say it might be the perfect 6mm? What are you hoping from it that makes you look to it over your BRX?

from what ive read and heard from the ppl ive talked to that shoot the BRA it sounds like 2920ish and 2000 rounds should be pretty doable and fire forming is just like i typical AI case...but then ive thought this about a few of the cartridges ive shot over the years.

 

[47guy]

Agreed.
While the 6BRA is getting a lot of fan mail these days it can be an absolute nightmare as quick as it can be heavenly.
The 6BRX and Dasher are both fairly easy to tune and both are right at home filled with Varget. The BRA is known to have the tightest accuracy nodes of all of them and H4895 (the seemingly best powder) is somewhat schizophrenic. It has no tolerance for temperature swings and nodes as tight as .1 grain of powder.
I know several who have given up to the point of just shooting what I call a stiff 6BR load of Varget in it. At that point why even waist time and effort on forming brass?

i take it youve had some issues with the BRA can you give a little more info please?

 

[shoot4fun]

i take it youve had some issues with the BRA can you give a little more info please?

While I shoot a lot of matches I define as "Old-Fart Tactial" I do shoot a fair amount of LR Benchrest too.
I have had years of experience loading for 6BR and 6 Dasher. My first Dasher was chambered up in 2002 and I still have the original reamer somewhere.
I just bought a friend's long range BR gun with a 6BRA barrel. He gave me load data at 30.9 H4895 with Vapor Trails. As I don't want to wait a year on the VT bullets, I tried Bart's Hammers & Gungnirs. The latter has more bearing surface so I backed off .5 gr H4895. It was shooting cloverleafs so I loaded some for a 600 Yd BR match coming up. On Friday, checking zero, I fired right at 20 rounds without issue. Saturday temp was us about 10 degrees and a little more humid. Those same loads blew CCI450 primers right from the start. To get pressure manageable I had to drop to the point there is no longer any way to hit the node again.
This has never been an issue for Dasher. I've found 32.7 Varget to shoot well in every barrel I've had, even the Hawk Hill 7 twist on my Curtis Vector.
I just had a brand new blank chambered for BRA and I'm going to try again with other powders. Maybe AR Comp and Alliant 2000MR.
BTW, if you want a screaming Dasher load you can get it with 2000MR. I hit almost 3,200 with 105 Hybrids in a Bart 5R 28" with zero pressure.

 

[Sheldon N]

The 6BRX and Dasher are both fairly easy to tune and both are right at home filled with Varget. The BRA is known to have the tightest accuracy nodes of all of them and H4895 (the seemingly best powder) is somewhat schizophrenic. It has no tolerance for temperature swings and nodes as tight as .1 grain of powder

Interesting, those haven't been my observations. Nodes in the 6BRA have been about the same as the Dasher if not easier. One of the "hype" things from the benchrest community was that the BRA seemed to have wider nodes. IMO probably just size of one have dozen of the other.

As far as temp sensitivity of H4895 I tested it before from 35-40 degrees up to 90 degrees and saw only about a 20 fps swing. That's not too far off Varget which I think Hodgon puts at around 10fps for roughly the same swing. Hodgdon's numbers were roughly what I saw with H4895.

I have heard some guys complain that certain lots of H4895 shoot less accurately than others, so Varget is a good alternative. One of our top shooters in the region runs 6BRA around 30.5 or 30.6 of Varget with a 105 in the high 2800's, and whoops on everyone with it.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Just as a side note, I'm shooting a 6 x 47 Lapua. Generally, it seems as though it is the least popular of the latest "Wunder 6's".

It's been really odd. I've tried all kinds of different loads/bullets and no joy. Up until very recently. Presently shooting Berger 105 Hybrids, 38.0 grains H4350, BR4's and 6.5 x 47 Lapua brass, necked down to 6 x 47, just touching the lands. For some reason, this load just recently started shooting. I had done a number of ladder and OCW exercises to no avail. Just couldn't find a node. But, with 38.0 Grains of H4350, loaded per above, it's been a real hammer lately.

 

[47guy]

While I shoot a lot of matches I define as "Old-Fart Tactial" I do shoot a fair amount of LR Benchrest too.
I have had years of experience loading for 6BR and 6 Dasher. My first Dasher was chambered up in 2002 and I still have the original reamer somewhere.
I just bought a friend's long range BR gun with a 6BRA barrel. He gave me load data at 30.9 H4895 with Vapor Trails. As I don't want to wait a year on the VT bullets, I tried Bart's Hammers & Gungnirs. The latter has more bearing surface so I backed off .5 gr H4895. It was shooting cloverleafs so I loaded some for a 600 Yd BR match coming up. On Friday, checking zero, I fired right at 20 rounds without issue. Saturday temp was us about 10 degrees and a little more humid. Those same loads blew CCI450 primers right from the start. To get pressure manageable I had to drop to the point there is no longer any way to hit the node again.
This has never been an issue for Dasher. I've found 32.7 Varget to shoot well in every barrel I've had, even the Hawk Hill 7 twist on my Curtis Vector.
I just had a brand new blank chambered for BRA and I'm going to try again with other powders. Maybe AR Comp and Alliant 2000MR.
BTW, if you want a screaming Dasher load you can get it with 2000MR. I hit almost 3,200 with 105 Hybrids in a Bart 5R 28" with zero pressure.

im not going to run 4895 im going to start with varget and see where that leads...my thing with the BRA is to replace my tactical rifle(straight BR)for another 50-70fps so im only looking for 2920ish from the BRA....BUT....its going to have to be accurate and consistent...ive shot some pretty small groups with the BR and BRX.

also ive got a short attention span LOL so something new is in order...i just finished a 6CM barrel a month or so ago...105 hybrids at 3220-3230...758 rounds it was throwing flyers...it was fun.

 

[shoot4fun]

I have heard some guys complain that certain lots of H4895 shoot less accurately than others, so Varget is a good alternative. One of our top shooters in the region runs 6BRA around 30.5 or 30.6 of Varget with a 105 in the high 2800's, and whoops on everyone with it.

My point is made.
I run 30.4 to 30.6 Varget in a straight 6BR.
A good shooter is a good shooter. If one knows how to read wind they will have no problem with a 6BR at 1,000 yards or even a little farther.

 

[47guy]

My point is made.
I run 30.4 to 30.6 Varget in a straight 6BR.
A good shooter is a good shooter. If one knows how to read wind they will have no problem with a 6BR at 1,000 yards or even a little farther.

how fast is that BR with 30.4-30.6...i ran 30.2 with barts yesterday and was at 2870ish(new brass) i figured id run it at 29.9 today but in fired brass its was 2845 in the lands and 2835ish off...i normally run 30-30.2 for 2850ish with 105 hybrids and 108s.

 

[shoot4fun]

how fast is that BR with 30.4-30.6...i ran 30.2 with barts yesterday and was at 2870ish(new brass) i figured id run it at 29.9 today but in fired brass its was 2845 in the lands and 2835ish off...i normally run 30-30.2 for 2850ish with 105 hybrids and 108s.

LOL
Funny, but as they are LRBR barrels, I rarely check the velocity.
My Dasher 26" HH barrel is right on 3,020 with 32.7 Varget and 105 VLD.
For the BR guns velocity isn't as important as consistently grouping well. After all, there isn't much turret turning required in that game; just good wind reading ability.

 

[Gilly]

Gilly, I have 1000 pieces of brass for this gun. At $60/100 pieces I'm thinking I'll buy a hydroforming die. Are you against hydroforming in general? Or just had a negative experience with DJ?

As to your other point, I am shooting out west and with the longer ranges and heavier targets I like the BRX or Dasher options for the exact reason you brought up.

I won’t claim to be an expert on this as I know from reading up on it before making my decision there are much more experienced reloader’s for dasher than me. My fire forming experience is with 6x47 which is easy make a false shoulder when necking down 6.5 and load and fire. I would have tried the same on dasher by necking up and back down but didn’t have time this summer so I went hydro route as a lot of guys have had good success. I think for future I will try fire forming dasher and may dabble with a brx just because it sounds easier.

I don’t want to deter anyone from using hydro forming whether hunts or dj but think it’s totally fair for me to comment about brass loss in the process experience. Last I’ll comment on it as I’m not out to bad mouth or trash talk. Here is a picture of 10 out of first 100. Some may be salvageable others are trash. I threw one away before deciding to keep them so it’s 5-10% loss in my case depends on how many I can fix.

 

[47guy]

I won’t claim to be an expert on this as I know from reading up on it before making my decision there are much more experienced reloader’s for dasher than me. My fire forming experience is with 6x47 which is easy make a false shoulder when necking down 6.5 and load and fire. I would have tried the same on dasher by necking up and back down but didn’t have time this summer so I went hydro route as a lot of guys have had good success. I think for future I will try fire forming dasher and may dabble with a brx just because it sounds easier.

I don’t want to deter anyone from using hydro forming whether hunts or dj but think it’s totally fair for me to comment about brass loss in the process experience. Last I’ll comment on it as I’m not out to bad mouth or trash talk. Here is a picture of 10 out of first 100. Some may be salvageable others are trash. I threw one away before deciding to keep them so it’s 5-10% loss in my case depends on how many I can fix.

im not defending anyone but you hit those necks with an expander load and fire and they'd be just fine with the exception of the one at the top of the pic but id bet it would be fine to after firing it.

that said id agree that is pretty bad and im not sure how that happened from hydro forming...most common issue hydro forming is splits at the shoulder or necks...those look like they were stepped on.

 

[HDEAN20]

I think for future I will try fire forming dasher and may dabble with a brx just because it sounds easier.

Why does the BRX sound easier? If I understand right, they both require fireforming or hydroforming. Does the BRX generally have less case loss?

 

[shoot4fun]

Why does the BRX sound easier? If I understand right, they both require fireforming or hydroforming. Does the BRX generally have less case loss?

You understand correctly.
No more or no less.
My understanding is two versions of 6BRX exist and headspace is different on each.
Whitley and Crone (sic). Crone hs is .027 longer.

 

[47guy]

Why does the BRX sound easier? If I understand right, they both require fireforming or hydroforming. Does the BRX generally have less case loss?

no...both are about the same...ive lost about a 100 pcs fire forming...you really need to jam the bullets with 5-6tho neck tension...the pin will drive the case forward then when it fires some of the case stretch will be near the head and after a few firings the case will start to separate...this is why i just have them hydro formed...i can run a full load and dont have to worry about it.

 

[Gilly]

Why does the BRX sound easier? If I understand right, they both require fireforming or hydroforming. Does the BRX generally have less case loss?

Seems like I have heard mixed results with just jamming a bullet on a dasher to get a good consistent neck length. Like I said I’m no expert on it. At same time I hear of guys on brx just load a jam and fire with pretty consistent results. That’s the only reason I said it sounds easier. If someone has the right recipe for success on FF dasher with consistent results I’m all ears as I can FF for less than $0.60 and have 2 dasher barrels.

 

[Gilly]

I use DJ all the time. There will almost always be some loss when hydro-form or fire-form is done. Especially true on the newer blue box brass; even more so with some lots of it.
If you contacted DJ with your concerns he would have made it right. Customer satisfaction is his number one priority.

So in the 3 days since commenting on this I’ve been contacted by DJ from my brass concerns. When I say contacted I mean he tracked me down, not me contacting him! It had been back in May when I got my order and enough time had passed I didn’t feel right calling to complain by the time I inspected everything this weekend. I learned whatever happened, happened going into the box or along the way shipping. Nonetheless, even after I insisted I didn’t need anything in return his follow up was more than enough, he is sending brass to replace damaged pieces. I will send mine back for his inspection. I will say his customer service is top notch, and whatever happened to my brass doesn’t sound like the norm. Finally, I wouldn’t hesitate to send him more brass after the experience the last couple days. I hope this follow up to previous my previous comments gives others confidence to use him without hesitation if on the fence about hydroforming service.

 

[jwf100p]

I’ll throw in another one. It is a 6mm Comet. It’s like a BRDX. Isaiah Curtis from Missouri does them. It’s crazy accurate, just as most 6BR and variants. I’ve shot 6BR, 6brx, Dasher, and now the comet. The comet is by far the easiest to tune. The average speed is 3020-3060fps with the 105 class. You have to check them out.

 

[Sheldon N]

I’ll throw in another one. It is a 6mm Comet. It’s like a BRDX. Isaiah Curtis from Missouri does them. It’s crazy accurate, just as most 6BR and variants. I’ve shot 6BR, 6brx, Dasher, and now the comet. The comet is by far the easiest to tune. The average speed is 3020-3060fps with the 105 class. You have to check them out.

I believe the 6 Comet is somewhere in between the Dasher and 6BRA, same 40 degree shoulder angle as both but smaller than the Dasher and larger than the BRA. Good design but I wouldn't tell people to expect 3020-3060 fps since it's smaller case capacity than the Dasher. A hot load and a fast barrel might get you there, but it's not going to be the norm.

 

[jwf100p]

I believe the 6 Comet is somewhere in between the Dasher and 6BRA, same 40 degree shoulder angle as both but smaller than the Dasher and larger than the BRA. Good design but I wouldn't tell people to expect 3020-3060 fps since it's smaller case capacity than the Dasher. A hot load and a fast barrel might get you there, but it's not going to be the norm.

So that’s the crazy part. It’s not even close to a hot load. Thats the accuracy node. I shoot the slow end at 3020. I know of at least seven people shooting the 6comet in the Most Club series. 3020 is the low end unless the barrel is at the end of life. YMMV but the seven guys I know are all right at 32.8-33.2 grains of varget. I’m not attacking you one but and I was just as skeptical as you are, however it very much is the norm.

 

[Sheldon N]

YMMV but the seven guys I know are all right at 32.8-33.2 grains of varget. I’m not attacking you one but and I was just as skeptical as you are, however it very much is the norm.

I think the difference is in the perspective of what the 6BR case is capable of on the edge of the upper end vs selecting a safe/comfortable load for the cartridge. Just because you put more powder in a Comet vs a Dasher or a BRA doesn't make one faster than the other, that's just a choice made at the loading bench.

A 6BRA, 6 Comet, or 6 Dasher are all capable of getting over 3k fps. I've run my 6BRA up that high and it's smaller than the Comet. However that load is harder on brass (primer pockets) and is not going to be rain safe or deal as well with adverse conditions/dust. The Comet load you mention of 32.8-33.2 of Varget is actually higher than the average Dasher load, and it will be even higher pressure since the Comet is smaller than the Dasher.

It's just physics... These cases are all very very similar to each other, same shape, same shoulder angle, same parent case. If you put them side by side it would look like a little ladder, 6BRA shortest, Comet in the middle, Dasher at the top, with only a tiny 0.1" total body length difference between them. All you really have is different combusion chamber differences, and smaller case capacity = higher pressure, that's unavoidable.

I think a more fair characterization is to say that Lapua 6BR brass is tough stuff that handles pressure well, and the Comet can make speed just like any of the other BR variants. FWIW I think the Comet is right in the sweet spot of where a 6BR case should be for size/shoulder angle and is a good design. Just want to separate hype from reality.

 

[jwf100p]

I get it, however from my experience, as well as others, I haven’t had a lose primer yet. The last match we shot in, in Iowa it rained and no pressure. I actually test mine before I settle on a load. I’m on 12 firings on my brass and I know the other guys have stated that they get around 20 firings on the brass.

The Comet has less body tape. I had the exact same thoughts when I was choosing what to go with. I thought it was too good to be true. I almost picked the 6x47 again, however I’m glad I didn’t. I don’t know all the details so I can’t speak for the dimensions too much. I just go with it. The known load is as I mentioned above. I can however point you to the person who knows it the best. Isaiah Curtis lives an hour and a half from me.
My close shooting partner is on his second barrel and the load and speed was identical. He’s a member on here. Maybe he can chime in. My other shooting partner just switched to it and has about 1200 rounds down it.

I’ll report back after my rebarrel in Nov/dec.

 

[Sheldon N]

The Comet has less body taper

What does it measure roughly at the top of the shoulder vs the base? There's barely any taper in the Dasher/BRA to begin with, like only 10-11 thou from top of shoulder to base. Not sure how much more taper you could remove. We're talking about human hair thickness at that point.

For context, posting a pic someone previously shared with me of Comet next to Dasher (Comet on the left). They are very, very similar.

 

[Forward543]

I dont think it really matters what variant you pick. I shoot BRA. I fireform in club matches, with no real issue other than 108s at 2775fps. It seems like dashers might feed better, from the longer case shoulder (speculation and my BRA feeds well from MDT 12 round and modified magpul), but all of them seem to be stupid easy to load for. Pick one and ride that pony. Dasher now has alpha brass.

 

[lte82]

Just as a side note, I'm shooting a 6 x 47 Lapua. Generally, it seems as though it is the least popular of the latest "Wunder 6's".

It's been really odd. I've tried all kinds of different loads/bullets and no joy. Up until very recently. Presently shooting Berger 105 Hybrids, 38.0 grains H4350, BR4's and 6.5 x 47 Lapua brass, necked down to 6 x 47, just touching the lands. For some reason, this load just recently started shooting. I had done a number of ladder and OCW exercises to no avail. Just couldn't find a node. But, with 38.0 Grains of H4350, loaded per above, it's been a real hammer lately.

Try around 35 gr Varget with a 105 hybrid. Jump them about .020. Thank me later lol.

 

[silhouette]

I have no experience with any of the mentioned cartridges, so take my opinion how you like. But my decision would be made on whichever feeds the most reliably. The other points are all just splitting hairs.

I had a 20 br once that was super accurate but sold it because it just wouldn't feed.

 

[bschneiderheinze]

No love for the BRX. I can get 2880 out of a 6br easily no fireforming so I don’t really see the point of a BRA. My BRX is currently shooting 3060 that’s worth fireforming.

 

[47guy]

No love for the BRX. I can get 2880 out of a 6br easily no fireforming so I don’t really see the point of a BRA. My BRX is currently shooting 3060 that’s worth fireforming.

the BRA can be ran around 2950-2970 and fire forming an AI case does not get any easier because you do not need to jam bullets.
as far as the BRX goes what powder..bullet..barrel length are you running to get 3060? i shoot a BRX...right now 28" bartlein peterson brass 32.7g varget fed205M 108g berger runs 2980ish....3000 i start getting bolt click ever now and then anything over 3020 bolt click ever round.

ive ran H4350up to 36g and its pretty compressed and runs 2965...i have not shot but have played with RL16 and can only get about 34.6 in a case before it starts to compress...if i use an electric toothbrush to settle the powder its ends up about 35-35.1 so i doubt it will be much faster than the 4350.

 

[702lineman]

After reading all these post I'm sitting here thinking, 100 fps difference does NOT make two shits difference. Put it into your calculator and see what change it makes. Not enough to matter.

I've ran a dasher the last few barrels and I've shot a ton of br. Both get it done just fine. Honestly I've come to the point where I dont run my dasher as hard as I used to either. No point in it. Say you gain 50fps screaming the piss out of it, do you think that will get you any more hits? Nope. If you have a 8mph wind @ 700 yards you gotta make a wind hold no matter if your shooting a 6.5prc or a 308. Gonna miss either way if you hold wrong or nothing at all. Does it matter if its .2mil or 2.0mil?

Only really concerns I see are 1. Feeding reliability 2. Shoulder angle helping with need to trim brass. Other than that seems like a wash.

 

[Deleted member 121493]

have heard

After reading all these post I'm sitting here thinking, 100 fps difference does NOT make two shits difference. Put it into your calculator and see what change it makes. Not enough to matter.

I've ran a dasher the last few barrels and I've shot a ton of br. Both get it done just fine. Honestly I've come to the point where I dont run my dasher as hard as I used to either. No point in it. Say you gain 50fps screaming the piss out of it, do you think that will get you any more hits? Nope. If you have a 8mph wind @ 700 yards you gotta make a wind hold no matter if your shooting a 6.5prc or a 308. Gonna miss either way if you hold wrong or nothing at all. Does it matter if its .2mil or 2.0mil?

Only really concerns I see are 1. Feeding reliability 2. Shoulder angle helping with need to trim brass. Other than that seems like a wash.

If it matters having to hold .2 vs 2 mil? Of course it matters... if you make a windcall mistake (we all do, all the time), Let’s say you think it is 4 mph, one will hit and the other miss. Margins...

 

[Dthomas3523]

After reading all these post I'm sitting here thinking, 100 fps difference does NOT make two shits difference. Put it into your calculator and see what change it makes. Not enough to matter.

I've ran a dasher the last few barrels and I've shot a ton of br. Both get it done just fine. Honestly I've come to the point where I dont run my dasher as hard as I used to either. No point in it. Say you gain 50fps screaming the piss out of it, do you think that will get you any more hits? Nope. If you have a 8mph wind @ 700 yards you gotta make a wind hold no matter if your shooting a 6.5prc or a 308. Gonna miss either way if you hold wrong or nothing at all. Does it matter if its .2mil or 2.0mil?

Only really concerns I see are 1. Feeding reliability 2. Shoulder angle helping with need to trim brass. Other than that seems like a wash.

While it won’t matter much comparing a BR to any of the BR improved cases......the example of 6.5 be .308 is different.

It absolutely matters if it’s as big a difference as .2 or 2.0. Error budge is substantially different.

 

[FatBoy]

Old thread for sure but I gotta ask why no love for the Norma Dasher? I have two and they're wonderful. We run 30' 7.5 twist with 105-107s at 3000fps with 32.0hr Varget +/- 20fps based on lot. These are NRA Prone rifles but neither have a touch of carbon on the crown so the powder burn is 100% well down the barrel.

Only downside I've seen is the throat is moving fast one one of the rifles, but that could just be the steel.

Brass has a long neck like the 6BR. Case heads are strong. They have a touch less capacity than the Lapua but it doesn't hurt them if you work up like normal. Grafs has the brass at a reasonable price. Reamers are available. Dies are the same as any other off the shelf Dasher die.

Don't discount the Norma Dasher. Only standardized Dasher out there.

 

[Geno C.]

Old thread for sure but I gotta ask why no love for the Norma Dasher? I have two and they're wonderful. We run 30' 7.5 twist with 105-107s at 3000fps with 32.0hr Varget +/- 20fps based on lot. These are NRA Prone rifles but neither have a touch of carbon on the crown so the powder burn is 100% well down the barrel.

Only downside I've seen is the throat is moving fast one one of the rifles, but that could just be the steel.

Brass has a long neck like the 6BR. Case heads are strong. They have a touch less capacity than the Lapua but it doesn't hurt them if you work up like normal. Grafs has the brass at a reasonable price. Reamers are available. Dies are the same as any other off the shelf Dasher die.

Don't discount the Norma Dasher. Only standardized Dasher out there.

No one said there is no love for a dasher. The OP asked about br and brx.

 

[FatBoy]

No one said there is no love for a dasher. The OP asked about br and brx.

For those of you that run a 6 BRX or a 6 Dasher, especially if you have personal experience with both, why did you choose what you did?

Just saying the Norma Dasher gets very little mention. Once Norma started selling brass through more than just the now shuttered bullets.com it should have a new lease on life. The BR guys hate it but most are too heavily invested in their own flavor. Seems maybe Alpha went with the short neck.


Probably a moot point, as this thread is so old the OP likely made his decision awhile back.

 

[Geno C.]

I agreed that the Norma was a good place for neck length and still keeping the dasher profile. I originally went brx because I got a deal on a barrel and had br dies already. Otherwise I like the sharper shoulder of a dasher