Alternative brass choice

[mitchellchandler_au]

Hi all,
What other options are there to lapua in 223, has anyone played with the nosler or norma cases?
Thanks

[robbo1990]

Mmm I used ADI cases but maybe for high end other than lapua maybe Peterson brass

[RDavies]

I havent done much with a 223 myself but do remember last year helping a friend with her 223 and we found she could load to a fair bit more velocity with ADI and OSA cases than she could with Lapua cases. When she tried to run the same loads with Lapua cases, pressure signs were sky high and she had to reduce the loads a long way.
It is likely the OSA and ADI brass MIGHT not be as consistent as Lapua brass, but then weight sorting and case prepping should sort this out.
Has anyone else here done much with ADI or OSA 223 brass they could tell us about?

[Tim L]

The 1 difference I have noticed between ADI and Lapua brass (in 308) is that the Lap cases have a fairly square base whilst the ADI is very much a curved transition from case wall to case head, almost a bowl.
This would, IMO, make the case head stronger. (More material at the unsupported area of the case where it protrudes from the chamber and no stress razor from the tight corner transition.)
It probably wouldn't prevent primer cratering so you would still see that as a pressure sign but I would assume primer pockets would have less tendency to expand or leak. It may also reduce the tendency for case head seperation.

[Peter Marum]

I have been using 223 ADI / OSA brass for many years and found it to be as good as Lapua. At around $50 a 100, it is great value , and is a stout case that will take heavy loads in a Barnard action . The case weights vary a little, so batching helps. Usually run berger 80.5 or sierra 80 smk .
The ADI 308 case is also very good, and those on a tight budget, it is the way to go, as Lapua brass price is now in the stupid range for those that just shoot club matches

[saum2]

Plus 1 for ADI 223 brass. It’s stronger, takes more pressure and when batched it’s better than Lap

[saum2]

Plus 1 for ADI 223 brass. It’s stronger, takes more pressure and when batched it’s better than Lap. Capacity is a little less than Lap but it works well

[mitchellchandler_au]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I have some norma and nosler cases sitting around. I might give them a go when i get a chance. I had a look at some ADI cases but the internal capacities and neck thickness were all over the place.

[robbo1990]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I have some norma and nosler cases sitting around. I might give them a go when i get a chance. I had a look at some ADI cases but the internal capacities and neck thickness were all over the place.

That's why many mentioned batching the brass. But once batched you will find thwy are good.