6.5 x 55 Brass, Norma or Lapua ??

3StrikesNC · July 17, 2010, 11:12 AM

So in your opinion, which should I purchase, Lapua or Norma new brass?

and why do you say one is better than the other ?

I am acquiring an M96 Sweede, will be shooting 300 - 600 yards in competition. I can purchase either brass, don't know which I should use.

Thanks.

**Unclenick** · July 17, 2010, 11:19 AM

Both are extremely uniform. Lapua has developed more of a following, though. It seems to last longer than other brass on the market and is also less expensive than Norma in some chamberings. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either.

3StrikesNC · July 17, 2010, 11:23 AM

Yeah, I've heard the same. I'm wondering if Norma is worth the $ premium.

**Unclenick** · July 17, 2010, 12:40 PM

I don't think so. It looks to me like you are paying Norma to polish the annealing stain off the neck, while Lapua leaves it, like Military ammo.

Wildalaska · July 17, 2010, 04:07 PM

Havent specialized in the 6.5x55, I prefer Lapua

WildiliketheannealingtooAlaska ™

steve4102 · July 17, 2010, 04:43 PM

I have both, they are both excellent, but if I had to pick one it would be Lapua, it's not quite as soft as Norma. Both of these also have the proper rim diameter of .480 as opposed to American brass that has a rim of .473.

David_S · July 17, 2010, 06:41 PM

I have used Lapua successfully with my 6.5x55 and also with .308. They seem to be very consistent in weight and size.

Last lot of 100 (.308) I bought came in a nifty plastic box with an insert which transformed it into a handy 50 round cartridge box. Nice idea.

David

**Shane Tuttle** · July 17, 2010, 06:58 PM

My vote is Lapua. Don't get me wrong. I love Norma brass as well. But in my experiences, Lapua has been more consistent in weight, lasts a bit longer, and has been more concentric on their necks. All of these advantages are very minute in nature compared to Normas. If Norma was on sale, I'd probably buy it without reservation. Both have served me well in my Swede.

SVO · July 18, 2010, 01:20 AM

If I remember correctly, Norma is cheaper than Lapua. But in my M96, I use Remington or Winchester. My M96 is accurate enough but with it, I don't think there is enough accuracy advantage in using a high dollar brass.

Wildalaska · July 18, 2010, 03:00 AM

I will note that being a Lapua dealer, I try to beat Midway pricing on what we have in stock

WildaphonecallandprioritymailawayAlaska TM

3StrikesNC · July 18, 2010, 09:03 AM

Thanks guys.

Looks like my order will be for Lapua. It's less costly at my "dealer" pricing so I can afford more of it.

I appreciate the great opinions and comments. Nice to see.

July 17, 2010, 11:12 AM	#1
3StrikesNC Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: in a house Posts: 473	6.5 x 55 Brass, Norma or Lapua ?? So in your opinion, which should I purchase, Lapua or Norma new brass? and why do you say one is better than the other ? I am acquiring an M96 Sweede, will be shooting 300 - 600 yards in competition. I can purchase either brass, don't know which I should use. Thanks.

July 17, 2010, 11:19 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Both are extremely uniform. Lapua has developed more of a following, though. It seems to last longer than other brass on the market and is also less expensive than Norma in some chamberings. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

July 17, 2010, 12:40 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	I don't think so. It looks to me like you are paying Norma to polish the annealing stain off the neck, while Lapua leaves it, like Military ammo. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

July 17, 2010, 06:58 PM	#8
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	My vote is Lapua. Don't get me wrong. I love Norma brass as well. But in my experiences, Lapua has been more consistent in weight, lasts a bit longer, and has been more concentric on their necks. All of these advantages are very minute in nature compared to Normas. If Norma was on sale, I'd probably buy it without reservation. Both have served me well in my Swede. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

July 17, 2010, 11:23 AM	#3
3StrikesNC Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: in a house Posts: 473	Yeah, I've heard the same. I'm wondering if Norma is worth the $ premium.

July 17, 2010, 04:07 PM	#5
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Havent specialized in the 6.5x55, I prefer Lapua WildiliketheannealingtooAlaska ™

July 17, 2010, 04:43 PM	#6
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	I have both, they are both excellent, but if I had to pick one it would be Lapua, it's not quite as soft as Norma. Both of these also have the proper rim diameter of .480 as opposed to American brass that has a rim of .473.

July 17, 2010, 06:41 PM	#7
David_S Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 149	I have used Lapua successfully with my 6.5x55 and also with .308. They seem to be very consistent in weight and size. Last lot of 100 (.308) I bought came in a nifty plastic box with an insert which transformed it into a handy 50 round cartridge box. Nice idea. David

July 18, 2010, 01:20 AM	#9
SVO Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 728	If I remember correctly, Norma is cheaper than Lapua. But in my M96, I use Remington or Winchester. My M96 is accurate enough but with it, I don't think there is enough accuracy advantage in using a high dollar brass.

July 18, 2010, 03:00 AM	#10
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	I will note that being a Lapua dealer, I try to beat Midway pricing on what we have in stock WildaphonecallandprioritymailawayAlaska TM

July 18, 2010, 09:03 AM	#11
3StrikesNC Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: in a house Posts: 473	Thanks guys. Looks like my order will be for Lapua. It's less costly at my "dealer" pricing so I can afford more of it. I appreciate the great opinions and comments. Nice to see.