04-02-2011, 02:57 AM
OK, so the cartridge has been around for 7 years or so, and in reality, we are all a little bit new to it.
I've put around 6000 rounds through one rifle, and several thousand more through others, but I know a few guys who have worn out 3-4 barrels, so compared to them I'm in the same boat as you!
Standard buffer spring. Some people like to use the heavier H3 buffer.
I have 20 plus reloads on some of my Lapua brass, and my general history is that I lose 1-3 cases per 100 each time I reload after 15 reloads. For the first 2+ years I reloaded with Lee dies without issues, (except that they wouldn't resize Wolf brass enough!). Since switching to Redding bushing dies, I've had fewer neck cracks, but I'm not sure if that is because of the dies or because I've weeded out the cases that were weaker, either way, I'm happy with anything over 10 reloads on any brass.
I haven't reloaded any of my Hornady brass more than twice yet, so I have no feel for its longevity. I do note that the primer pockets are looser than the Lapua brass is, even after just 2 reloads. That fits what others have said about the Hornady being softer than the Lapua.
The compensators offered by Warped and also offered by AA make spotting your own shots easy. Like all compensators, they are noisy, but not as offensive to me as the gill brakes. They have also been used in the sandbox, so they have a good pedigree.
I owe Warped an evaluation of the adjustable brake I use and hopefully will get it posted this weekend.
I've put around 6000 rounds through one rifle, and several thousand more through others, but I know a few guys who have worn out 3-4 barrels, so compared to them I'm in the same boat as you!
Standard buffer spring. Some people like to use the heavier H3 buffer.
I have 20 plus reloads on some of my Lapua brass, and my general history is that I lose 1-3 cases per 100 each time I reload after 15 reloads. For the first 2+ years I reloaded with Lee dies without issues, (except that they wouldn't resize Wolf brass enough!). Since switching to Redding bushing dies, I've had fewer neck cracks, but I'm not sure if that is because of the dies or because I've weeded out the cases that were weaker, either way, I'm happy with anything over 10 reloads on any brass.
I haven't reloaded any of my Hornady brass more than twice yet, so I have no feel for its longevity. I do note that the primer pockets are looser than the Lapua brass is, even after just 2 reloads. That fits what others have said about the Hornady being softer than the Lapua.
The compensators offered by Warped and also offered by AA make spotting your own shots easy. Like all compensators, they are noisy, but not as offensive to me as the gill brakes. They have also been used in the sandbox, so they have a good pedigree.
I owe Warped an evaluation of the adjustable brake I use and hopefully will get it posted this weekend.