Norma or Lapua brass for 6.5/284?

will be picking up new benchrest 6.5/284 in the next couple weeks.. wanted to know what brass to buy. i have read on various sites that lapua's quality has declined. the chamber will be a tight neck. also wanted to mention i have about 200 cases of .284win all same lot and unfired brass siting in the basement. let me know what you think. thanks for your help

[jb1000br]

Yea-- i would go with lapua.
JB

[FatBoy...]

I've shot Norma and Lapua in a couple different rifles. The Norma SEEMED to be marginally more accurate (maybe due to the fact it was neck turned and the Lapua was not) but I find the Lapua to last much longer and it shoots great.

I'd go with the Lapua as well.

FatBoy...

[Steve Shelp]

JordanM,
Check with the gunsmith who built the rifle to see what the back end of his reamers measures. The Winchester brass is different (tighter) than the Lapua/Norma stuff. If I remember correctly from fellow competitors who have 6.5-284s a "winchester" chamber is to tight to accept Lapua/Norma spec brass. I can't remember the exact tolerences but is a known issue to be aware of.
I've seen both types shoot very well. It's just a few thousands differnce in thier brass specs to make for an aggrevating time when you can't chamber a round in a brand new chamber with brand new brass and start scratching your head and cursing your 'smith. Just simply match your brass to the chamber that is cut. I could get the actual specs for you if you would like them for future reference.

Steve

[jb1000br]

I have Win brass that measures .495 at the rear where the lapua is .499-.500

CHances are very good you have the larger chamber, but it would be a good idea to check first as steve mentioned.

JB

ok guys thanks for the help. will check the dim

[jb1000br]

Despite my reservations--as i posted with lapua brass awhile back, I went ahead and got some for my new 6.5-284. It was much better thant the 223 and 308 stuff i mentioned before.

no flash hole burr, primer pockets were fairly consistant and weight varied 3gns for 200 rounds.

--You bringing that thing to williamsport??

BTW--bruno's shooters supply had the best price on lapua stuff at 49/100 when i got mine [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

JB