243 brass - Lapua vs Peterson

[satchamo]

I’m newish to reloading this cartridge and I’ve been “practicing” on some once fired starline. But I’d like to get into some more premium brass. I have been using Lapua for 22-250 but that’s because it’s really the only premium option available. 243 opens up to a few more.

So Peterson, Lapua or?

 

[Jebel]

Peterson and Lapua are both premium. I’d include ADG in that group (don’t think they make 243) and I know some would include Alpha, though I don’t have experience with that one.

 

[HighUintas]

I’m newish to reloading this cartridge and I’ve been “practicing” on some once fired starline. But I’d like to get into some more premium brass. I have been using Lapua for 22-250 but that’s because it’s really the only premium option available. 243 opens up to a few more.

So Peterson, Lapua or?

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with it unless you're looking to push the brass really hard and get max life out of it. Starline 243 is good stuff. Bottom 3 groups are factory Tikka 243. 5x reloads on starline. Pockets are starting to get loose on some, but they've been loaded got a few times. This is with 2nds 108eldm and the base to ogive measurement is very different on the 3 groups and there's mixed lots of primers.

 

[Metal]

I’m newish to reloading this cartridge and I’ve been “practicing” on some once fired starline. But I’d like to get into some more premium brass. I have been using Lapua for 22-250 but that’s because it’s really the only premium option available. 243 opens up to a few more.

So Peterson, Lapua or?

If you’re hunting or competition shooting, then either is great but if you’re plinking at the range, you may consider cheaper brass for range time and a couple 50 count boxes of good brass for hunting/precision needs

 

[Yung6ix]

IMO, Peterson brass is softer. I base that on how much easier it cuts when I trim.
I'll buy Lapua 1st, Peterson 2nd, and am very happy with both.

 

[satchamo]

If you’re hunting or competition shooting, then either is great but if you’re plinking at the range, you may consider cheaper brass for range time and a couple 50 count boxes of good brass for hunting/precision needs

I already have a bunch of once fired Hornady stuff to practice on before I start messing with the better stuff

 

[swavescatter]

I already have a bunch of once fired Hornady stuff to practice on before I start messing with the better stuff

Consider that barrel life is maybe 1500 rounds, I'm not sure I would sweat premium brass if you've already put a bunch downrange on that barrel.

I just bought a 243 myself, and considered Lapua but went budget with this one. I'm loading virgin starline brass so barrel break-in and brass forming happens at the same time.

 

[HGL]

I use both in my 6mm creed. There is no "accuracy" difference between them in my rifle. I've come to expect long brass life with Lapua. This is my first time using Peterson, but 5 loadings in and they are still fine.

My rifle's previous barrel was in .243 Win and I exclusively used Lapua brass. I got about 10-12 loadings on them before I retired the batch due to some split necks. I don't anneal, so that may have helped prolong life, as the primer pockets were still plenty tight.

 

[flyfisher117]

I've been a long time Lapua fan but tired of hunting for it and when I do find it paying the extra premium. I have went with Peterson lately and been very happy. Keep your eyes out for a good sale.

 

[Cahunter805]

I’m a big fan of Lapua for the 243Win. Very consistent and holds up to pressure.

 

[ddowning]

I agree with a lot of the above. I use Peterson for 243AI and Lapua for 6 Dasher. I have more problems with split necks on the Lapua Dasher brass that the Peterson 243 brass even when annealing every 3rd firing.

Many people throw away brass with a barrel. I have not found that to be necessary. I have 500 pcs of 243 AI brass. I am not fireforming new and throwing away the old with 3-5 firings on it. It will usually last 20-30 firings. There are ways to size brass and save it. Usually it is pretty simple. Occasionally, it is not. My brass for every caliber has been through several barrels. I do not push the upper limits of pressure unless there is a damn good reason. Turning a turret is easy and cheap.

 

[HuntHarder]

If lapua makes brass for a cartridge I am looking to reload, I will always start there. I have never had an issue with it and it is ready to load out of the box.

 

[HighUintas]

Has anyone here neck down 260 rem Peterson or Alpha to make 243? I'm wondering if a single pass through my 243 standard FL Forster die will do ok