Remington 6.5x55 Brass Review

My experience with this brass is just okay. I'm able to get around 5 reloadings before having to toss out a case.

The reason for this is the brass is undersized according to European specs. European made 6.5x55 brass has a case head dimension of roughly 0.480". The Remington 6.5x55 brass has a case head of roughly 0.473". When used in a military rifle such as my Husqvarna, the Remington brass expands to about 0.477". I also get about 0.002" to 0.005" of primer back-out with a load using a charge of RL 19 that is 1 grain under max, according to Alliant's data.

Just to let everyone know, the OAL of my Remington cases, after firing, is generally 2.155", give or take a few thousandsths. From the case rim to mid-shoulder, my once fired cases mike out to around 1.805".

Given these measurements, I doubt that my Husqvarna has excessive headspace issues. I suspect my primer backout issues and brass life is due to the undersized dimensions of the Remington brass.

Anyway, I'll continue to use what Remington cases I have, and I will be hesitant to buy any more of them. I'll spend the extra money and get European brass from either Norma or Lapua, and will only buy the Remington if Norma or Lapua isn't available.

NCsmitty

How much better is Norma brass compared to either Remington or Winchester?

NCsmitty

Went to Powder Valley, Inc. and picked up 100 pieces of Lapua, per your advice

I've not seen 30-06 with a head dimension of 0.473" either, but they've always been within within a few thousandths. A 6.5x55 case head measuring 0.46755" is a bit small for use in a Swede, don't you think?

I've got a question concerning Lee's 6.5x55 dies. Would anyone happen to know whether or not Lee uses U.S. or European specs when making their Swede dies?

I ask this because, even though I usually use the Lee neck-sizing die, I expect that I will evenutally have to full-length resize the Lapua brass.