Lapua vs Norma brass

[MattyMX]

So I'm finally ready to start load development on my Christensen 6.5 PRC. I've only ran about 20 rounds through that rifle but that was just hornady precision hunter ammo.
I have 100 brand new cases of both Lapua and Norma.
I'm tempted to use one for hunting ammo and the other for long range target.
What case do you all prefer?

Most likely I'll be using H1000, magnum primers with Barnes 127gr LRX for hunting and Hornady ELD-M 147gr for long range.

[baih777]

Lapua for target.
Norma for hunting.
After you learn to anneal your brass.
You wont see a difference.

[Switchbarrel]

Brass

I have 6.5x.284 cases and 6BR cases (fireformed into 6 Dasher), from both Norma and Lapua. In both instances, the Norma primer pockets opened up
quickly when trying to work up to Lapua loads. Had to back off with the Norma cases to get any longevity out of them.

-Rick

[MattyMX]

I have 6.5x.284 cases and 6BR cases (fireformed into 6 Dasher), from both Norma and Lapua. In both instances, the Norma primer pockets opened up
quickly when trying to work up to Lapua loads. Had to back off with the Norma cases to get any longevity out of them.

-Rick

Oh wow that's not good!

[silvertriple]

I also think the Norma primer pockets loosen quicker than Lapua. I have them both in 308 and 6.5x55. As 777 stated, if I have both brands in a cartridge I use the Norma for hunting rounds and Lapua for the range. That way the Norma won?t get shot a lot and will hurt less if it gets lost.

[hambam105]

Didn't know the difference in primer pockets between the two brands until now. Good Info. Thanks.

But this raises a whole new situation:

What brand name brass should I use if I hunt deer on the shooting range?
U.S. Army Fort Hunter Ligget is nothing but a firing range.

[divingin]

Norma brass is well-reputed to be softer than Lapua. Not necessarily a bad thing in the short run, but use the Lapua for the long term, high shot count endeavor, and the Norma for low shot count. And try to avoid high pressure loads on the Norma if you want to get the most life out of it.

[Switchbarrel]

But this raises a whole new situation:

What brand name brass should I use if I hunt deer on the shooting range?

I would go Lapua or ADG (if they make it for whatever you?re shooting)
They will (should) hold the pressures required for game animals on the range.

-Rick