Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by bladeracer » 18 Jun 2017, 10:34 pm

Jezzami101 wrote:I haven't loaded it yet but i've had a quick look and it seems fine but maybe I'll leave it and grab some norma or hornady brass instead.



Seemed fine to me as well, wasn't until I started working with it that it became a chore. Since I has been waiting specifically for my brother to come down to learn to load his own on a weekend, I couldn't even dash out to buy something else. Luckily he brought some Federal factory loads with him so we used those.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by juststarting » 18 Jun 2017, 10:41 pm

***deep breath*** I did say watch out for pressure signs, when I heard Winchester... Just didn't want to put anyone off, but since we are here anyway...

Welcome to the wonderful world of 308 brass adventures.

Why don't you buy a tone of PPU, shoot them, enjoy the rifle and then use the brass. 308 PPU brass is excellent. Some of mine are on 6th reload, no signs yet.

S&B - excellent, however has a VERY tight primer pocket. I did notice they develop tarnish a lot faster than other brass though. Not an issue, but something I've noticed.
Federal brass - very good, but feels like a little less durable than others. Although this is what I shoot 80% of the time, I have no issues with it, unless I am pushing max recommended charge, then it shows signs.
Remington - excellent
Normal - excellent
Hornady
This is a bit interesting. I found that some 308 is crimped (factory ammo, not brass). WTF, but there you have it... I think it was 168gr A-Max match or something like that. If you have a swaging die, go for it - it's excellent.
Hornday brass - no idea, but guessing it would be excellent as well.
Lapua - I heard it's good lol
ADI - excellent

That's all I shot, don't know about the rest.

Winchester was the only brass that went into the bin after inspection, post FL sizing. Though if you run mild'ish charge (e.g. around 42.5gr of 2208 for 168gr bullet), it should be just as good as any other. I would use Lee Collect Die on it however, not FL.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by Oldbloke » 18 Jun 2017, 10:41 pm

Supaduke wrote:Thanks man , that was uplifting :)

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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by TBJ » 19 Jun 2017, 10:48 pm

thanks juststarting, that info on brass is very helpful, my local has a good deal on the buffalo river ammo cans so may pick that up and reload it after I've shot it as ive heard they are good factory load and i think they are ADI Brass?
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by juststarting » 19 Jun 2017, 10:54 pm

Jezzami101 wrote:thanks juststarting, that info on brass is very helpful, my local has a good deal on the buffalo river ammo cans so may pick that up and reload it after I've shot it as ive heard they are good factory load and i think they are ADI Brass?


Pretty sure Buffalo is ADI. Which local how much for a can and how many in a can? What type of ammo? :) We love ammo here.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by rustypic » 01 Jul 2017, 7:02 pm

Hey juststarting, have you used Lee Collett neck sizing die on your federal brass cos I had nothing but trouble, it wasn't sizing it well enough and the bullet seater kept pulling the projectile out.

Hey JEZZA don't discard your Winchester brass just use it on your first minimum test loads then get in to the fair dinkum loads with good brass.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by juststarting » 01 Jul 2017, 7:29 pm

rustypic wrote:Hey juststarting, have you used Lee Collett neck sizing die on your federal brass cos I had nothing but trouble, it wasn't sizing it well enough and the bullet seater kept pulling the projectile out.


Yes I have. No issues what so ever. I understand if you haven't set enough tension and the bullet would fall in to the case... But how do you get the seater to pull the bullet? I mean it has nothing in there to grip it, as far as I know.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by Mulder030 » 02 Jul 2017, 11:17 am

Jezzami101 wrote:thanks all for your help I've got a adi reloading manual and the Nick Harveys Manual on order, and have decided on the rcbs rock chucker kit to start as I found one at a good deal, as to projectiles I have bought some noslers and hornadys and will buy some sierras next time I'm at the gun shop, Ive decided on 2208 but I want to try 2206H at some point. I've just got winchester brass and some CCI primers and have been suggested some Lapua Brass if anyone thinks there is benefits to it i would be interested to know as it is more expensive. thanks again for all your help.


Congrats Jezza I have just been down this road as well. As well as buying the rock chucker kit. Little tips I wish i was told.
- Buy an extra shell holder to leave in your hand priming tool. (It is a pain having to pull that apart every time you want to load a batch)
- honestly read the instructions for how to set your dies up, I followed a youtube video the first time and screwed my first batch up. Live and Learn I spose. hahaha
- lastly if you can't find the answer to something in your manuals, Ask. I have put forward some questions on here that i felt stupid for asking but got good, helpful replies.

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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by juststarting » 02 Jul 2017, 12:10 pm

Actually, shell holder for hand priming tool and one for the press are not the same... Depends on the tool I suppose, but they are different between say Lee priming tool and rcbs press.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by Mulder030 » 02 Jul 2017, 12:31 pm

juststarting wrote:Actually, shell holder for hand priming tool and one for the press are not the same... Depends on the tool I suppose, but they are different between say Lee priming tool and rcbs press.


yeah right wasn't aware of that.
When I purchased my rcbs rock chucker kit i also bought the rcbs shell holder for the press. I used this on both the press and hand priming tool. But soon after (as i was sick of swapping) i went and bought another shell holder. This time being the not to concerned about keeping it rcbs i purchased a lee's shell holder. I did find that the rcbs shell holder fitted better in my hand primer then the lee's, although still worked. so kept it in there full time and the lee's in the press.

what i was getting at tho with the comment, was that is isn't included in the "kit". sorry for any miss-leading info.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by juststarting » 02 Jul 2017, 12:38 pm

Maybe RCBS are just sane... Lee hand priming tool takes an entirely different shape of shell holder than the one you'd use in a press. I gave up on that, I have one for a few calibers, but these days just use the priming arm on the press.
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Re: Wanting to Start getting into reloading .308

Post by Templar1975 » 30 Jul 2017, 1:31 pm

My advice is use ADI 2208, and use reliable primers like CCI or Federal. Once you find a load that works for you then stick with it, consistency is the key. I see so many people get a great working load for their rifle and keep pushing other loads trying to find the perfect load. There are just to many external variables to develop a perfect load, get one that works well enough for you and stick with it is my advice.
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