DaveABQ
Albuquerque, NM
Ok, I got in 500 Pieces of the new SSA 6.8 brass, there definitely is a difference, but only one thing that would concern me after taking measurements.
I opened a brand new 100 count bag of each the old brass (prior Nosler) and the new brass.
The measurements below are based on an average of a sample of 10 pieces from each bag:
Case measurements performed with a Mitutoyo Digital Caliper. Weights were done on an RCBS Digital scale.
Neck thickness
I read on the 6.8 forums someone complaining about the primer depth was too deep on the new brass, I actually measured the opposite, that the older brass was deeper. Both within tolerance of comparisons to other brass I have.
The new brass is heavier on average than the old brass, yet they have the same neck thickness. So I'm guessing the case thickness of the body on the new brass is thicker. One person observed a change in accuracy and probably had a difference in pressure and velocity when loading new and old with the same charge, bullet and primer, etc. With a thicker case, usually means less capacity, therefore a difference in pressure. Since the neck thickness appears to be the same (I did not measure outside neck diameter which could affect pressure because of the tension on the bullet), I would assume the case thickness is affecting his accuracy because he didn't develop for that case.
The primer pocket width were the same between the two and both new and old brass have crimps. I can't see this affecting seating force as noted by one person that I read about.
My only concern with the new brass is the base rim thickness. At an average of .415", this is thinner than anything I have to measure. I measured some brass from many manufacturers, many calibers, .415" is by far the thinnest of anything I measured. Is it too thin? Well not sure. Only time will tell.
Here is my suggestion. If you bought new style brass, you need to re-develop any loads that you may have for the old style brass, as the two will be different. Only time will tell if the brass lasts. Tight extractors and dirty chambers could be a factor with the new brass. Hot loads will also be a factor. I'll stick with my old brass for my loads and the new brass will sit in the bags/box for now. I may develop loads and test in the future, but for now need to work on my 6BRX and 270AR loads for upcoming hunts.
I opened a brand new 100 count bag of each the old brass (prior Nosler) and the new brass.
The measurements below are based on an average of a sample of 10 pieces from each bag:
Case measurements performed with a Mitutoyo Digital Caliper. Weights were done on an RCBS Digital scale.
Neck thickness
- New - .0140"
- Old - .0140"
- New - .1215"
- Old - .1235"
- New - .1730"
- Old - .1730"
- New - .0415"
- Old - .0465"
- New - .4165"
- Old - .4165"
- New - 117.225 gr
- Old - 115.925 gr
I read on the 6.8 forums someone complaining about the primer depth was too deep on the new brass, I actually measured the opposite, that the older brass was deeper. Both within tolerance of comparisons to other brass I have.
The new brass is heavier on average than the old brass, yet they have the same neck thickness. So I'm guessing the case thickness of the body on the new brass is thicker. One person observed a change in accuracy and probably had a difference in pressure and velocity when loading new and old with the same charge, bullet and primer, etc. With a thicker case, usually means less capacity, therefore a difference in pressure. Since the neck thickness appears to be the same (I did not measure outside neck diameter which could affect pressure because of the tension on the bullet), I would assume the case thickness is affecting his accuracy because he didn't develop for that case.
The primer pocket width were the same between the two and both new and old brass have crimps. I can't see this affecting seating force as noted by one person that I read about.
My only concern with the new brass is the base rim thickness. At an average of .415", this is thinner than anything I have to measure. I measured some brass from many manufacturers, many calibers, .415" is by far the thinnest of anything I measured. Is it too thin? Well not sure. Only time will tell.
Here is my suggestion. If you bought new style brass, you need to re-develop any loads that you may have for the old style brass, as the two will be different. Only time will tell if the brass lasts. Tight extractors and dirty chambers could be a factor with the new brass. Hot loads will also be a factor. I'll stick with my old brass for my loads and the new brass will sit in the bags/box for now. I may develop loads and test in the future, but for now need to work on my 6BRX and 270AR loads for upcoming hunts.
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