Autoloader 308 brass

[z7]

How does lapua brass hold up in an autoloader?

I am shooting an ar10 currently using lc brass becuase in small amounts its free, but I am not getting the max out of my gun.

What is your favorite in an ar platform, it seems lapua isn't significantly more expensive per hundred if you find it on sale. I saw midway $70 or so and here
http://ammunitionstore.com/products/308-win-lapua-mfg-un-primed-brass-100-piece-box.html
For $64.

 

[FLIGHT762]

What do you mean by "I'm not getting the max"? What do you think you should be getting?

I've been reloading for 308 autoloaders since 1994. A couple of things, 308 autoloaders are harder on brass than bolt guns. They will not take a bolt gun load without beating the brass up.

I installed a Tubbs CWS (carrier weight system) in my two 308 autos, it has helped beating the brass.

You should be getting good brass life out of LC brass, if you're not, your loads are probably too hot. Loose primer pockets are the some of the first signs. You should be getting 8-9 loadings out of LC brass.

Personally, I won't use Lapua brass in an auto, but if you want to try it, buy it.

 

[z7]

Not getting the most in accuracy. I had can get some very accurate groups, then a flyer. 44.5g of varget with a 178g or 45 with a 168 works very well. I have no signs of head separation or loose primer pockets after and I'm on my 5th reloading of the brass. I'm just looking for more consistent brass. It is a sub moa gun, but my lc brass, or poor shooting doesn't hold up to it. My best 5 shot group was using range pickup winchester was .7" and I have repeated it twice under .9".

 

[Sunray]

You work up those loads?
Lapua is high end in quality as well as price. Everything from Lapua is pricey. Way more up here than where you are. Has to do with the economics of international trade and currency values.
Personally, I wouldn't spend the money as brass is a consumable, but Lapua holds up in a semi just like any other brand. How long that is depends on the load used.

 

[z7]

Yes I did a workup, with the 168's I shot all the way up to 45.3, that was flattening primer heads, 45 was not too bad,

44.5 is in between two groups that shot very well with 178's 44.3 and 44.6 with .6 being a hair better looking but 44.9 showed high pressure signs.

Both are around max loads for my gun/bullet/brass/powder lot combo, I am running the same 20rds of brass with these worked up higher end loads to see how it holds up as well. I very carefully before inspect after each firing for incipient head separation and loose pockets, no issues yet

 

[redbullitt]

You will not find better brass. Lapua is top notch. Lake city has performed well for me. Winchester is very good for the price, and it offers slightly higher capacity than other brands. I usually just shoot mixed stuff and get more than adequate results with the gas gun.

FWIW my gasser gets cheap brass since it likes to spit them into the high grass.

308 gassers can be tricky to shoot consistently. If your typical groups are at all close to 1.25MOA consistently I would be pretty happy. Chances are the flier is shooter related, especially with a 308 semi.

I would consider trying another node, maybe try a lower one. In the gassers I have shot those would be hot loads. My rifle always seemed to shoot the best around 43g of Varget, maybe a touch under.

How did you work up load? ladder or ocw?