Norma Brass QA/QC

minerfile · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 3:15 pm Post subject: Norma Brass QA/QC

In the quest for accuracy in my 22-250 bench rest rifle I decided to try some premium brass, I looked at Nosler, Lapua and Norma, since only the Norma was in stock at the time that's what I went with. They arrived in 10 boxes of 25 each, individually partitioned, nice touch. Upon inspection all of the case lengths were spot on and I could only find one case mouth that was out of round. I decided to weight sort them, here's what I found.

151.0-151.9g 1 case
152.0-152.9g 17 cases
153.0-153.9g 150 cases
154.0-154.9g 80 cases
155.0-155.9g 2 cases

I spot checked my Remington cases and they were all over the place from 151 to 158 grains each.

slimjim · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:44 pm Post subject: Re: Norma Brass QA/QC

Case weight is one measure of quality. I also measure neck thickness uniformity. High quality brass will have a variation of 0.001". I have some new brass that is 0.004" or more. As the case goes through its firing cycles, the thicker parts don't stretch as much as the thinner portions and the uniformity only gets worse.

Vince · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:05 pm Post subject: Re: Norma Brass QA/QC

I have Norma cases here in 30.30 WIN that I have been using for 20 years or more. I never used to anneal my cases so considering u still have about 85% of them left, the quality is pretty good.

As a bench rest shooter I reckon you will go over your cases with a fine tooth comb and ensure that all specs are as close to exact as possible.