Trim length range for 308

[juststarting]

Hi All

Getting into reloading and wondering what would be the ranges that a .308 can be trimmed to - min to max?

Just in case, this is for Tikka T3 CTR and yes, will be picking up a manual tomorrow, on that note - going to buy ADI manual and also thinking something for cross referencing. Any suggestions?


Thanks


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hoping to remain with face intact

[sandgroperbill]

My suggestion is minimum two manuals. I use three to cross reference.

The manuals I have and use are ADI (critical for aussie reloaders imo), nosler and modern reloading (lee).

[juststarting]

ta

[Baronvonrort]

A Lee case length gauge and cutter will do the job, it stops cutting when it gets to right length, trimming is very important

It's the one being held in hands on this page or you can stick it in a cordless drill,works in remote areas when extension cords cannot reach powerpoints.
www.leeprecision.com/case-conditioning- ... ming-tools

[juststarting]

Baronvonrort, I purchased a quick trim die (top of the page, handle, without a drill adapter), but I like to know numbers before I start... Just for my own sanity, to validate after cutting.

[Apollo]

The maximum case length for a 308 Winchester is 2.015" (51.18mm) and the case trim length is 2.005" (50.92mm).

As with most cartridge cases the trim length is 0.010" less than the maximum length. This is pretty much a standard unless you are trimming cases for precision chambers and/or custom chambers where the precision reloader will reduce the amount removed. Depends a lot on the case design and if it tends to grow in length each firing, some don't and it's these that the lengths are kept closer to maximum length.

The more length that is reduced on a neck will increase the chances of a "carbon ring" in the chamber neck area.

[Apollo]

going to buy ADI manual and also thinking something for cross referencing. Any suggestions?

The ADI Manual will give you good local knowledge and suggested loads for ADI Powders only. Good information and the load data is actually supplied by Hogdon USA. ADI do not do any load testing.

I found that the Lee Modern Reloading Manual is pretty useless. Not very well set out unless it has changed over the past few years.

Far better with a lot of usefull information is Berger, Hornady, Nosler, Speer and even Nick Harvey's (getting a bit old) Manuals.

Hodgdon has a very good online site for reloading data.

Just remember with any reloading, start low and work up. Do not ever start with a near maximum load. Also be very careful following suggested loads from others, what might be safe in their firearm could be quite dangerous in yours. You only have one life.

[sandgroperbill]

I found that the Lee Modern Reloading Manual is pretty useless. Not very well set out unless it has changed over the past few years.

I have the second edition, plenty of data and the data is pretty consistent with other manuals I've cross referenced against, mainly nosler as that's the other manual I mainly use. The layout is definitely different, though, listing start grains and volume in cc, and never exceed grains. I can see how some people wouldn't like it, but I find it perfectly adequate.

Just remember with any reloading, start low and work up. Do not ever start with a near maximum load. Also be very careful following suggested loads from others, what might be safe in their firearm could be quite dangerous in yours. You only have one life.

And not just for safety, either. Quite often, you'll find the most accurate load is below maximum.

[juststarting]

I am planning to buy a Lee Modern Reloading Manual 2nd Ed.

Got an ADI and Speer 14th Ed (came with the press).

Thinking I will be okay on info and cross referencing. o0

Expect a lot more questions

[winchestersx]

7.62x51mm. 51mm is the cartridge length in the designation. Running brass through the sizing die will cause it to elongate. For cross referencing, use the powder makers manual and bullet makers manual.

[Oldbloke]

Just google lymans 48th reloading man ual. Big file but available for free as a pdf

[juststarting]

Oldbloke, thanks

[Oldbloke]

Dont take this personal but I think you need a new avitar. Those pencils are doing my head in.

[juststarting]

Lol - avatar stays! Until I find something better

[Lorgar]

Far better with a lot of usefull information is Berger, Hornady, Nosler, Speer and even Nick Harvey's (getting a bit old) Manuals.

I've always used the Speers book, up to version #14 now I think? (Don't have it in front of me at the moment).

A wealth of knowledge in there.