Alpha Munitions VS Lapua?

[Gohring65]

Anybody tried the Alpha brass and compared it to Lapua for durability and consistency?
If so, does it hold up to the hype? Does it last as long as Lapua? Particularly 6.5 Creedmoor.
My Norma lot only has about three firings left, and I'm going to order Lapua or Alpha.
I would like to try the Alpha, but was hoping for feed back first.

 

[Bacarrat]

The 65guys have done a comparison on the 6.5CM brass for both Lapua and Alpha. I would link it, but I don't have youtube access at work... I have been testing out the Alpha brass and been very good for me so far in terms of SD. Several groups have shot under 5 SD and it can withstand some pretty stout loads (44.1gr of H4350 with a 142gr SMK).

 

[AuburnBLK]

I'm giving Alpha a try - it is extremely consistent out of the box. Enough so - that I didn't bother turning the necks. I'm not far enough in with it to speak to it's durability just yet.

My converted lapua 308 has 4 firings and I've noticed the primer pockets are getting loose. (2) were loose enough that I marked as foulers only.

In fairness to Lapua, i'm running the heck out of it... 42.8 grs of H4350 pushing upper 2800's, touching 2900 depending on conditions. Few ejector swipes here and there, but honestly it's probably held up well considering those speeds.

I've settled on the lower end of my high node with the Alpha in hopes it will last longer - 41.6 grs averaged 2808 this past weekend.

I know that doesn't answer your question - but in short, I see the Alpha being very solid (and American made), and given some of the recent things I've read about Lapua... I'm willing to give alpha a shot as my go-to for the long run.

 

[AuburnBLK]

The 65guys have done a comparison on the 6.5CM brass for both Lapua and Alpha. I would link it, but I don't have youtube access at work... I have been testing out the Alpha brass and been very good for me so far in terms of SD. Several groups have shot under 5 SD and it can withstand some pretty stout loads (44.1gr of H4350 with a 142gr SMK).

44.1? dang man... I was getting some serious bolt lift at 42.8. The 42.8 shot was 2879 fps mv. 140 gr hybrid, 26" barlein heavy

 

[Gohring65]

Good info, thanks everyone...

 

[Bacarrat]

44.1? dang man... I was getting some serious bolt lift at 42.8. The 42.8 shot was 2879 fps mv. 140 gr hybrid, 26" barlein heavy

I've had it as high as 44.4 grains and still didn't blow out a primer, no carbon ring or flatten primers either. I didn't go any higher since 44gr will start to fill into the necks. No heavy lift, but it does leave a small ejector swipe on the cases though. The 44.1 shot well, and had a stupid low SD of 2.7. Not sure I am going with that load yet, I might back it down a little and see how it shoots. I was getting 2747 with the 44.1gr H4350 load on a 20" barrel! Also playing around with 2000MR as well, and I can get 2800+FPS out of the 20" barrel, but I am thinking it's not as temp stable as H4350.

 

[GhengisAhn175]

Thinking it's another issue than a hot charge

could be neck thickness? What's your loaded neck diameter vs a fired round?

are you jamming into lands unknowingly? I'd check to verify you're seat depth is still good

 

[mojavejim]

Both have great concentricity, the alpha is heavy around 175gn & will take about 1.5gn less powder (H4350 anyway) for the same velocity. Been testing both but only have 5 reloads on Alpha & 3 on Lapua test lots all still going strong. Tested some pretty warm loads also 140gn @ 2865 + out of 24".