6mm Dasher

[giumau1]

1. What neck tension is everyone running?

.2k here

2. can I just mandrel and load virgin alpha? If so what mandrel or neck tension.

I use SAC, see below

3. Should I go full size die with bushing, or no bushing + mandrel, or both like SAC.

As I said, sac alpha dasher

4. What size bushing for the die if I do go that route? Or is it best to measure this via loaded bullet diameter?

As per SAC advice being dasher short necked, .264
I start usually with .264 annealing every firing the I move to .263 after ten firing or so
.241 mandrel.
Loaded round is .269 for almost anybody here including myself.

 

[its_sean]

.2k here

I use SAC, see below

As I said, sac alpha dasher

As per SAC advice being dasher short necked, .264
I start usually with .264 annealing every firing the I move to .263 after ten firing or so
.241 mandrel.
Loaded round is .269 for almost anybody here including myself.

Thank you!! Very helpful.

I have a few more for everyone.

1. How far do you seat primers? Going to get the primal rights seater.

2. Seems like we don’t have to trim 6 dasher brass all that often. Do you all chamfer/deburr after every firing still? I’m trying to see if I invest in giraud or if a hand chamfer/deburr tool is good enough.

3. Does using a hand tool to chamfer deburr affect accuracy, seems like there is a lot of variation that can happen.

 

[Baron85]

I seat primers on a Hornady LNL progressive. I seat them hard. I don’t see a need for ultra precise seating depth.

I trim with a giraurd every firing because it’s fast and easy and re chamfers.

I used to chamfer by hand and then did with a RCBS power chamfer. Once again I doubt there is a big difference or noticeable difference on targets.

 

[giumau1]

Thank you!! Very helpful.

I have a few more for everyone.

1. How far do you seat primers? Going to get the primal rights seater.

I would recommend the primer precision gauge from bullettipping.com first. With that you can measure everything and find what you rifle likes. I prime with the 21st century hand priming tool a couple of thou below case head

2. Seems like we don’t have to trim 6 dasher brass all that often. Do you all chamfer/deburr after every firing still? I’m trying to see if I invest in giraud or if a hand chamfer/deburr tool is good enough.

Still doing it every time I am saving for a Henderson Prec gen3…

 

[MxTexas]

Guys with both Dasher and BR/BRA, do you find the "chambering a round" process (when you run the bolt and push the cartridge to seats it into the chamber) to be less smooth on the Dasher being a 40 degree shoulder?

 

[Baron85]

No, I couldn’t tell the difference between my BR’s and my dashers

 

[MxTexas]

No, I couldn’t tell the difference between my BR’s and my dashers

Thanks for letting me know.

 

[Sheldon N]

Guys with both Dasher and BR/BRA, do you find the "chambering a round" process (when you run the bolt and push the cartridge to seats it into the chamber) to be less smooth on the Dasher being a 40 degree shoulder?

No difference between my BRA and Dashers. Both are 40 degree shoulders.

 

[Lawnboi]

Anyone shoot n140?

Iv got a bunch, along with 105hybrids and alpha brass.

Was thinking of starting around 30 grains.

 

[giumau1]

Anyone shoot n140?

Iv got a bunch, along with 105hybrids and alpha brass.

Was thinking of starting around 30 grains.

I tried it with alpha and 105 hybrids but pressure came before acceptable speed. I hit it around 30.5 and 2720 mv, and sd was meh. N150 was way better in my guns. YMMV

 

[FC-Dasher]

After Varget got scarce, I picked up N140 and am thrilled how it works in my Dasher. I don’t think anything before N140 was as accurate. FWIW, at an Oct 2024 300 yd FClass Match, it gave me a 597-45x. Single base too, it will be a little kinder on your barrel. It just works.

 

[camocorvette]

I'll have to grab some n140 as it's readily available here and varget is scarce

 

[jdnoble]

On new 6dshr alpha brass does anyone recall what the headspace measurement is using a comparator? Im trying to get a reference # to compare to my fired, and didn’t write it down.

 

[TheOfficeT-Rex]

On new 6dshr alpha brass does anyone recall what the headspace measurement is using a comparator? Im trying to get a reference # to compare to my fired, and didn’t write it down.

With a SAC 6x40' comparator my new brass is +- 1.190, if that helps.

 

[45-90]

I used the Alpha 6 Dasher brass as a go_gauge when I chambered the rifle checked against the real go-gauge as a resistance feel.
The new Alpha brass reads a couple ten thousandths difference, than when the go-gauge is installed in the Wilson gauge...or about the same.
So there is a little drag when the bolt closes...so now one can run this brass up to high pressures right out of the gate, on the first firing, if ya want, like 110 SMK at 3085 fps.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

I used the Alpha 6 Dasher brass as a go_gauge when I chambered the rifle checked against the real go-gauge as a resistance feel.
The new Alpha brass reads a couple ten thousandths difference, than when the go-gauge is installed in the Wilson gauge...or about the same.
So there is a little drag when the bolt closes...so now one can run this brass up to high pressures right out of the gate, on the first firing, if ya want, like 110 SMK at 3085 fps.

What do you think the chamber pressure is in a Dasher pushing a 110 SMK at 3085 fps? 75k? 80k?

 

[45-90]

What do you think the chamber pressure is in a Dasher pushing a 110 SMK at 3085 fps? 75k? 80k?

Depends on the powder choice.
According to QL 61,866psi to 69 919 psi
Alpha will take 70,000 psi loads if one cares to go there, according to the manufacturer.
BAT actions and alpha have been shooting way above that for quite some time.
Go to Ultimate Reloader and watch a couple of videos on "Don't Do This At Home." They were runing tests over a predicted 100,000 psi in 308 Win on the first, and tested these high pressure loads at 12 or 1400 yds on video.
Then got actual pressure measuring equipment and ran the 6 CM to over 86,000 psi.
That's more pressure than I run in hybrid cases, which I can make into 6 Dasher if I want from the 277 hybrid case which is rated at 80,000 psi.
This is On video, new developments and experimentation and so it goes.
But don't do this at home.
6.5 CM to 6 Dasher...now ya have a LR primer...
I run hybrid cases in the 8.6 Blackout hit 2800 fps with 160 gr Barnes and 2600 fps with 200 gr Speer in the 6.5 twist.
The 3 twist has been abandoned its really a low velocity sub only and slow even with copper bullets. Change to 6.5 twist get high velocity and good accuracy on subs, & supers, with no velocity limitations on lead bullets or copper subs. Win, win, it's now a dual purpose cartridge.

 

[ReaperDriver]

Hi all, I just dove into the deep end of the 6 Dasher pool. I have a Proof drop in Ai-AT barrel, 200 pieces of Alpha brass and dies on the way. I've got good stocks of Berger 105 Hybrid and 109 LR hybrid as well as 107 SMKs. For powder, I have lots of Varget, 4166, H4350 and 4451. Primary mission statement is LR steel out to 1500 yds. Not so much PRS.... yet. Although I'd like to get back into it. BUt my AI-AT is not the right rifle for it.

My question is which powder, bullet, charge combo would you gusy recommend to start with. From reading here, Varget sounds like the GO TO powder. What charge weights and bullet would you start with?? Finally, bullet length recommendations? Do Dashers like to be jumped or just in contact with the lands?

Thanks in advance!

 

[camocorvette]

30 grains varget should net 2800 ish depending on varget lot speed. I've had it up to 2840 and down too 2740 depending on lot. Always hammers and doesn't hurt brass one bit. Take that to 1270.

 

[camocorvette]

And that's 30g varget with any brand of 105-108

 

[45-90]

Hi all, I just dove into the deep end of the 6 Dasher pool. I have a Proof drop in Ai-AT barrel, 200 pieces of Alpha brass and dies on the way. I've got good stocks of Berger 105 Hybrid and 109 LR hybrid as well as 107 SMKs. For powder, I have lots of Varget, 4166, H4350 and 4451. Primary mission statement is LR steel out to 1500 yds. Not so much PRS.... yet. Although I'd like to get back into it. BUt my AI-AT is not the right rifle for it.

My question is which powder, bullet, charge combo would you gusy recommend to start with. From reading here, Varget sounds like the GO TO powder. What charge weights and bullet would you start with?? Finally, bullet length recommendations? Do Dashers like to be jumped or just in contact with the lands?

Thanks in advance!

It's a 6 Dasher, you'll be hard pressed to shoot something as large as 1/2".
Sometimes I can't shoot good enough to to tell which powder is best.
13 different loads on one outing averaged .313" for all 5 shot groups.
The 108 Berger shoots in the low .2s or less with RL 15, I can't shoot much better than that. If one is a bit off it's likely the old man behind the gun.
I do not jam any bullets these days, just set them a bit back from the lands, and the COAL depends on your free bore.
I have my own finish reamer it's a .104" free bore with .272 neck set up for Alpha Munitions brass, and 7 1/2 Rem primers. With 28" Bartlein 5 R 7.5 twist M24 profile.
1500 yds is no problem...except the tiny 6mm bullets don't have much of an impact signature. And light thin steel so you can hear it ring.
I run the 110 SMK at 3085 fps for the LR steel.
Out west I use a rock cliff to see impacts, then go to the target...or just paint a white 10" circle on tbe rock cliff...then put up soda cans or one liter jugs to shoot.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

It's a 6 Dasher, you'll be hard pressed to shoot something as large as 1/2".
Sometimes I can't shoot good enough to to tell which powder is best.
13 different loads on one outing averaged .313" for all 5 shot groups.
The 108 Berger shoots in the low .2s or less with RL 15, I can't shoot much better than that. If one is a bit off it's likely the old man behind the gun.
I do not jam any bullets these days, just set them a bit back from the lands, and the COAL depends on your free bore.
I have my own finish reamer it's a .104" free bore with .272 neck set up for Alpha Munitions brass, and 7 1/2 Rem primers. With 28" Bartlein 5 R 7.5 twist M24 profile.
1500 yds is no problem...except the tiny 6mm bullets don't have much of an impact signature. And light thin steel so you can hear it ring.
I run the 110 SMK at 3085 fps for the LR steel.
Out west I use a rock cliff to see impacts, then go to the target...or just paint a white 10" circle on tbe rock cliff...then put up soda cans or one liter jugs to shoot.

When you post things like "I run 110 SKS up to 3085fps" as part of reloading advice for someone who's admitting they are just starting out with the Dasher, you really should include something along the lines of "but that load is probably pushing 70k psi" so use at your own risk.

Sometimes I wonder if you just post shit like this because you're hoping someone will take your advice and ruin their rifle and maybe their face along with it.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

Depends on the powder choice.
According to QL 61,866psi to 69 919 psi
Alpha will take 70,000 psi loads if one cares to go there, according to the manufacturer.
BAT actions and alpha have been shooting way above that for quite some time.
Go to Ultimate Reloader and watch a couple of videos on "Don't Do This At Home." They were runing tests over a predicted 100,000 psi in 308 Win on the first, and tested these high pressure loads at 12 or 1400 yds on video.
Then got actual pressure measuring equipment and ran the 6 CM to over 86,000 psi.
That's more pressure than I run in hybrid cases, which I can make into 6 Dasher if I want from the 277 hybrid case which is rated at 80,000 psi.
This is On video, new developments and experimentation and so it goes.
But don't do this at home.
6.5 CM to 6 Dasher...now ya have a LR primer...
I run hybrid cases in the 8.6 Blackout hit 2800 fps with 160 gr Barnes and 2600 fps with 200 gr Speer in the 6.5 twist.
The 3 twist has been abandoned its really a low velocity sub only and slow even with copper bullets. Change to 6.5 twist get high velocity and good accuracy on subs, & supers, with no velocity limitations on lead bullets or copper subs. Win, win, it's now a dual purpose cartridge.

I didn't realize Alpha was actually recommending that folks load their brass to 70k psi pressures - are you sure they've publicly recommended that?

The same for BAT machine. If I call them and say I'm going to be feeding their action a steady diet of 70,000+ psi handloads, what would they say?

 

[45-90]

When you post things like "I run 110 SKS up to 3085fps" as part of reloading advice for someone who's admitting they are just starting out with the Dasher, you really should include something along the lines of "but that load is probably pushing 70k psi" so use at your own risk.

Sometimes I wonder if you just post shit like this because you're hoping someone will take your advice and ruin their rifle and maybe their face along with it.

Thanks for the detailed reply.

I didn't realize Alpha was actually recommending that folks load their brass to 70k psi pressures - are you sure they've publicly recommended that?

The same for BAT machine. If I call them and say I'm going to be feeding their action a steady diet of 70,000+ psi handloads, what would they say?

You need to watch the videos with the Ultimate Reloader Bruce Thorm the BAT CEO and Aplha Munitions representative have been doing this for along time.
Except they are running over 86,0000 psi in the BAT action....But "don't do this at home" is the advice.
But one can run 70,000 psi in a 308 sized case head is no more back pressure on the bolt than your factory 65,000 psi in the larger magnums floating around by the millions....and a Dasher is rated for 65,000 psi. And Alpha munitions says their brass will handle 70,000 psi.
So theirs all of that plus I've been doing it for years, with hybrid cases.

 

[Niles Coyote]

You'll hit more targets down around 2850... but thanks for reinforcing why one should never shoot someone else's handloads nor take load data advice to seriously from online sources.

 

[ReaperDriver]

You'll hit more targets down around 2850... but thanks for reinforcing why one should never shoot someone else's handloads nor take load data advice to seriously from online sources.

Thanks, yeah I'm well aware that someone's hand loads should always be taken with a grain of salt. I'm just trying to get an idea of common loads, bullet/powder combos, avg MVs, etc that have worked for others. I've done that with other calibers using SH member info with good success. It gives me a good starting reference to then work up to without starting TOO low and wasting components. I find the "books" are often way too conservative, but I also don't usually ever end up finding my sweet spot is on the highest end of the Hot scale.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

You need to watch the videos with the Ultimate Reloader Bruce Thorm the BAT CEO and Aplha Munitions representative have been doing this for along time.
Except they are running over 86,0000 psi in the BAT action....But "don't do this at home" is the advice.
But one can run 70,000 psi in a 308 sized case head is no more back pressure on the bolt than your factory 65,000 psi in the larger magnums floating around by the millions....and a Dasher is rated for 65,000 psi. And Alpha munitions says their brass will handle 70,000 psi.
So theirs all of that plus I've been doing it for years, with hybrid cases.

I've seen the video, it's an elaborate advert for Alpha brass and BAT actions (UR is an advertising channel dressed up as educational content). But the point was not "buy Alpha brass and you too can load your 308 Winchester to 82,000 psi and shoot 215gr Bergers at 2800 fps!!!"

They didn't actually measure chamber pressure in that video, but they estimated their highest load at nearly 104,000 (164% of SAAMI), which is slightly higher than a factory proof load. And Bruce was careful to point out that were the brass to let go with even the 82k psi load they chose to shoot, it would detonate the action and likely send the shooter to the hospital.

If anything the video demonstrated that Alpha brass is hard enough that a handloader cannot rely on traditional pressure signs to estimate pressure.

And I've still yet to see a place where Alpha recommends folks load their brass to 70,000 psi.

In fact, their own video introducing the product specifically states that their brass is hard enough that the first sign of overpressure a person may see is their rifle blowing up, and so it's imperative that one stays within recommended max loads.



But then you probably know better than the folks at Alpha too, right?

 

[LR1845]

@Tx_Aggie this is exactly why I ignored 45-90 and why everyone should he’s full of shit.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Thanks, yeah I'm well aware that someone's hand loads should always be taken with a grain of salt. I'm just trying to get an idea of common loads.

That wasn't directed at you, but 45-120 in a -90

 

[45-90]

Depends on the powder ...
Here is a 6 Dasher 65,000 psi max working pressure.
Here is a 107 gr SMK over 3111 fps with only an extra 1700 psi above the max pressure 66,7459 psi for the Dasher.
One has to work up and verify, but the opportunity is there to run these just as well as your 2800 fps loads, if they meet your accuracy criteria.
You do not have to do so obviously, & no one cares if ya do or not.
But I choose to run many of these loads in several of my rifles with mostly hybrid cases rated to run 80,000 psi. I do not run them at 80,000 psi but leave a cushion, with a nice increase in velocity in many cases.
US military runs the 80,000 psi loads by the thousands, in full auto, that's where the cases come from, the extra speed to penetrate Russisn body armor in a 13" barrel, where cost is no option.
You can buy the civilian version, but semi auto only, complete with suppressor, for alot of cash, and do mag dumps with 80,000 psi anmo at your local range.
All this is on video, dumping mag after mag of 80,000 psi ammo in close quarters high speed drills, like it was a 300 blackout.
Times are changing, new developments are here, and more will be presented.
Were not much different than the 1898 Mauser and smokless powder.

 

[J McGriddle]

Have these pressures been verified with a pressure barrel and transducer? If so, what method was used?

 

[Sheldon N]

I have to agree here, the info being posted by 45-90 is flat out misleading and dangerous for the average reloader wanting info on the Dasher.

He brags about how much speed he is able to get, but neglects to mention that he's getting that speed not only by running at the upper end of pressure, but also using a long barrel and only using the select few powders that can make the best velocity. Then he purposely conceals the load details, knowing full well that an average shooter running Varget in a 26" barrel is going to get nowhere near the numbers he's getting before they hit max pressure, and caps it all off by saying "work up and verify" for people to go out and try to work up to his level.

In my experience running brass at 65-70k PSI is not the recipe for long brass life, nor for a gun that functions well in all field conditions, nor for a gun that extracts and runs smoothly in the long run.

Reloading is not a velocity contest, and dancing on the ragged edge doesn't make you superior.

 

[45-90]

I

I have to agree here, the info being posted by 45-90 is flat out misleading and dangerous for the average reloader wanting info on the Dasher.

He brags about how much speed he is able to get, but neglects to mention that he's getting that speed not only by running at the upper end of pressure, but also using a long barrel and only using the select few powders that can make the best velocity. Then he purposely conceals the load details, knowing full well that an average shooter running Varget in a 26" barrel is going to get nowhere near the numbers he's getting before they hit max pressure, and caps it all off by saying "work up and verify" for people to go out and try to work up to his level.

In my experience running brass at 65-70k PSI is not the recipe for long brass life, nor for a gun that functions well in all field conditions, nor for a gun that extracts and runs smoothly in the long run.

Reloading is not a velocity contest, and dancing on the ragged edge doesn't make you superior.

The load details are right on the targets above for My standard target loads.
So there they Are!
No 3085 fps loads were their so they can not be copied.
My Varget loads are listed as I was trying a bunch of bullets and several powders that day... my gun was liking RL 15 and 108 Bergers around 3020 fps.
But back to Varget everyone's favorite.
Notice my 108 load posted above is 32.5 grs of Varget, the speed was around 2980 as its 2988 fps with 108 eldm.
But you naysayers say it too fast can not be done, with a 26" barrel and I'm cheating with my long barrel that 28" barrel, I should take 2" off and fall in line at 2800 fps.

So pay very close attention...
Here is what the pros use for real.
Go look it up.
The professionals use 6mm Dasher
Most all use Varget
Most common is 26" barrel.
Most all use 105 gr Berger Hybrids
Varget is the powder and they use a very narrow window 32.3 gr to 32.5 gr of Varget.
Winning Varget velocities are 2925 fps to 2975 fps for the 26" barrels of the pros.
They run thousands if rounds a yearly at these velocities.
I heard on the shorter ranges they like 2800 to see the trace, to spot. But at longer ranges you have a lot of time and the extra velocity will be a plus in the wind.
Just the facts.
A new reloader or new rifle should always work up to these "pro" loads, but doesn't everyone who reloads know that.
And ya don't have to use their loads either, funny how my target loads and theirs are the same charge weight of Varget....maybe I know something after all.

 

[Sheldon N]

So pay very close attention...
Here is what the pros use for real.
Go look it up.
The professionals use 6mm Dasher
Most all use Varget
Most common is 26" barrel.
Most all use 105 gr Berger Hybrids
Varget is the powder and they use a very narrow window 32.3 gr to 32.5 gr of Varget.
Winning Varget velocities are 2925 fps to 2975 fps for the 26" barrels of the pros.
They run thousands if rounds a yearly at these velocities.
I heard on the shorter ranges they like 2800 to see the trace, to spot. But at longer ranges you have a lot of time and the extra velocity will be a plus in the wind.
Just the facts.
A new reloader or new rifle should always work up to these "pro" loads, but doesn't everyone who reloads know that.
And ya don't have to use their loads either, funny how my target loads and theirs are the same charge weight of Varget....maybe I know something after all.

There's nothing "Pro" about faster velocities. And no, you're incorrect about what the "Pros" are actually shooting. They do surveys on this stuff every year before the PRS finale and publish the info. And for what little it's worth, yes I fill out the survey every year too.

Here are the average muzzle velocities in 2024 among the top 150 shooters using 6 Dasher for the most common weight bullets out of a 26” barrel:

• 105 gr. = 2,847 fps
• 109-110 gr. = 2,825 fps

 

[bas402]

This is spot on!!

 

[45-90]

What the Pros Use.
Pick the data from the year or from a match, you will find different answers.
One year : 1st place 32.6 gr Varget 2950 fps
2nd place 32.5 grain Varget 2960 fps.
And 40 % used 32.3 gr to 32.5 gr as I reported from ther site 105 gr Bergers 2925 to 2975 from mostly 26" barrels.
Bottom line
No matter what match you quote the higher velocity is totally safe to shoot for one top shooter 7000 times in one year.
The lower velocity for trace spotting for shorter range matches, is a new, like changing shooting bags for a particular advantage... if the match winner does it many will follow.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

What the Pros Use.
Pick the data from the year or from a match, you will find different answers.
One year : 1st place 32.6 gr Varget 2950 fps
2nd place 32.5 grain Varget 2960 fps.
And 40 % used 32.3 gr to 32.5 gr as I reported from ther site 105 gr Bergers 2925 to 2975 from mostly 26" barrels.
Bottom line
No matter what match you quote the higher velocity is totally safe to shoot for one top shooter 7000 times in one year.
The lower velocity for trace spotting for shorter range matches, is a new, like changing shooting bags for a particular advantage... if the match winner does it many will follow.

You’re just quoting old data out of a Precision Rifle Blog article from 2019, and pretending it’s an accurate representation of what the folks winning matches are doing today.

 

[bas402]

What the Pros Use.
Pick the data from the year or from a match, you will find different answers.
One year : 1st place 32.6 gr Varget 2950 fps
2nd place 32.5 grain Varget 2960 fps.
And 40 % used 32.3 gr to 32.5 gr as I reported from ther site 105 gr Bergers 2925 to 2975 from mostly 26" barrels.
Bottom line
No matter what match you quote the higher velocity is totally safe to shoot for one top shooter 7000 times in one year.
The lower velocity for trace spotting for shorter range matches, is a new, like changing shooting bags for a particular advantage... if the match winner does it many will follow.

You need to stop posting such stupid and misleading information for folks to follow. There are several factors that come into play, you must be an internet shooter at best and love to troll threads you know nothing about.

 

[45-90]

You need to stop posting such stupid and misleading information for folks to follow. There are several factors that come into play, you must be an internet shooter at best and love to troll threads you know nothing about.

Just go look it up its posted on the net.

You need to stop posting such stupid and misleading information for folks to follow. There are several factors that come into play, you must be an internet shooter at best and love to troll threads you know nothing about.

It's definitely not misleading or stupid loading information on the 6 mm Dasher.
Those who say only 2800 fps for a 26" is possible for Dasher are misleading, when Benchrest records are set many times with velocities in the 2970 to 3000 fps area.
Go look back to around 2000 until present all the 1000 yd records set by the Dasher.
Only this last year or so in PRS has the velocity dropped to 2800 fps cause most of the shooting is 200 to 600 yds, I call close range, to pick up bullet trace.
Go to Accurate Shooter. Com and check out the loads Dasher shooters have been shooting for 20 plus yrs.
Most are identical to what I'm shooting for my standard loads above.
The cartridge was designed for 105s to 108s at 2950 to 3000 fps .
In 25 yrs no one was endangered on the bench competing with a 6 Dasher at these speeds. A few changed powders an competed at 3050, but decided it wasn't consistent enough for competition.
Do you even have a 6 Dasher?
Let's see your targets?
Your rifle in 6 Dasher?
Have ya ever shot it past 800 yds?
Have you shot most bullets available from 55 gr to 115 gr?
Have you tried a variety of powders?

 

[45-90]

And here is what I call acceptable load data.
Most Dasher shooters have been shooting very similar loads for a very long time.

 

[45-90]

He didn't show us! What's the data?
Can't show the data, a newbie might be so stupid as to drop that high pressure rd in the chamber without any load work up.
And be dead...
True, but if you're that stupid, time to cull the herd.

And so here is one of those experimental loads that's "totally unacceptable.:
"Do not do this at home."
108 gr 3100 fps...it might "blow your head off...really."

Checking the 70,000 psi claim, no loose primer pockets, with alpha brass...is what I found out. Long before the videos online, they just took it to the extreme.

Although seemingly pretty consistent, one guy shot the powder in several matches and abandoned the powder, as did I, for a more gentler powder for the 110 high velocity load that I like ....that no one else should use...ever.
For entertainment purposes only.
I tested the Alpha brsss so you don't have to...
And why I know my go to target loads are safe in my rifle, as they are in thousands of rifles over 25 yrs of target shooting and setting records at 600 yds and 1000yds, with 105 gr to 108 gr match bullets 2970 to 3000 fps....before the introduction of the 109 Berger. Just the facts.

I have lots of experience with the Dasher experimented with it in most every way possible, I chamber my own barrels so I'm not a round counter these days.
Winter's on the range, even lower elevations is getting a little snow.

 

[Belisarius]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/20211117_142803-jpg.8566180/

alpha brass?

 

[45-90]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/attachments/20211117_142803-jpg.8566180/

alpha brass?

Absolutely....alpha brass is good stuff.

 

[Tx_Aggie]

Can't show the data, a newbie might be so stupid as to drop that high pressure rd in the chamber without any load work up.
And be dead...
True, but if you're that stupid, time to cull the herd.

I know you probably felt like a badass when you typed this, but it's not the burn you think it is.

Hopefully it'll make it clear to less experienced folks looking for load data that your intent isn't to help or to educate, you're just here to brag and stroke your own ego.

And so your Dasher identifies as a 6mm Creedmoor...good for you, I guess. If I want to throw a 108 at 3100 fps I just shoot my Creedmoor instead of the Dasher.


Anyways, I plugged your 3100 fps 108 ELD load (same powder, charge wt, OAL, 26" barrel, with estimates from my components for the data points you didn't provide like case length, case capacity, or projectile length) into GRT. And after truing it to the chrono data in your picture it came back with this:

That's an estimated 76,199 psi.

17% over the 65,000 psi max you keep quoting for the Dasher (already above the 58,000 - 62,000 psi that many books use), and a little more than 6000 psi (or 9%) more than the 70k that you keep insisting Alpha brass is "rated for." I sent Alpha an email asking if they actually recommend doing what you say they do. I'm interested to see what they say.

Granted it's just an estimate made by software and not actual measured chamber pressure (and you may have a slightly different case capacity, case length or bullet length) but it's not like you're measuring chamber pressure either. At best you're doing the same - using QL or GRT to make an estimate - and then hoping the actual pressure is within the safe limits of your system.

Maybe you don't shoot in bad weather, maybe you do, but have you water tested this load? If not, what do you suppose would happen if you got a little bit of water on your ammo?

If we're talking about PRS we shoot in the rain, and our gear can sometimes get wet no matter how hard we work to keep things dry. A slight film of moisture on a case can quickly turn what may be only a warm load when dry into one that's popping primers. I've seen it happen more than once to inexperienced guys chasing the upper end of velocity. They can end up with locked up actions and gas cutting on the bolt face of their rifle.

Franky, it's almost like you're just stuffing as much powder in the case as will fit (see the 109% load ratio on that 2000-MR load), crunching a bullet down on top of it, and trusting your Alpha brass to hold together while you get some wicked hot chrono numbers to post on the hide.

Which is fine I guess...you do you, boo.

But that doesn't make it a wise choice for a shooter wanting to load the Dasher in the context of shooting PRS matches.

 

[45-90]

So ya don't own a Dasher either?
Even old load data from the 2020 Anual Manual has 107 SMK at 2978 fps at a mere 62,000 psi in the manual ....I actually shot it.
Did You?
The velocity was 3020 fps in my barrel.
Only 80 fps to go to 3100 fps.
Not everyone is interested in a your particular shooting endeavor.
Some may want more performance, some less, or it's not required.
Whether shooting a buck inside a 100 yds, or a live varmint, benchrest, or steel, over 1000 yds, or running around in the rain shooting at 200 to 600 yds. OR a keyboard warrior who doesn't even own a Dasher like most...telling someone who shoots Dashers what their loads should be. Typical...

Alpha brass is still good stuff.

 

[Mxridr]

Anyone have amp codes for the older style amp annealer for alpha dasher brass? Not the Aztec. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks Scott

 

[Ericwh3006]

How many firings should I expect from my Alpha Dasher OCD brass and what is the usual failure mode? Trying to figure out if I'll make it through next year.

I'm running it at or slightly below normal PRS speeds

 

[padom]

How many firings should I expect from my Alpha Dasher OCD brass and what is the usual failure mode? Trying to figure out if I'll make it through next year.

I'm running it at or slightly below normal PRS speeds

50-75 if your annealing


Here a recent video Gavin from UR did testing number of firings with Alpha OCD 6 Dasher brass using a MAX load and annealing... pretty amazing results. Got 76 firings before any failure

 

[Ericwh3006]

50-75 if your annealing

Is that real life?

 

[padom]

Is that real life?

I mean, did you watch the video? Doesnt get much realer than that... He literally loads a max charge over and over and fires it in his rifle with 105 Hybrids.

He noted, the last time he did this test with OCD brass it was 308 and he did NOT anneal after each firing and got something like 25-30 firings. He noted he got more than double the brass life annealing each firing with the AMP...

Lets put it this way, I have Lapua 6BR brass with firings in the 40's and they are still good to go...

So, I dont feel this is nuts