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New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

U

uracowman

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 6, 2012
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36
Houston, TX
hey guys,


1) I am looking to get into reloading and I had a few questions about dies. Could someone explain to me the difference between the following die sets? Is it really worth the huge price increase to go with the redding competition set?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/538030/lee-pacesetter-3-die-set-308-winchester

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/792423/...-308-winchester


2) due to work area constraints, I am opting to go with a hand press. I've done some research and it looks like I need the following. Am I missing anything?

-the press
-set of dies
-primer cleaning tool
-powder scale
-primer tool to install the primer in the brass
-powder
-bullets
-brass
-deburring tool

3) is it worth it to go with a digital scale that is 200+ compared to a cheaper scale that is around $50?

Thanks for the help guys. As stated previously, space is a huge constraint so the less area the items take up, the better.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

What is your reason for wanting to get into reloading? What type of shooting do you do? What are you expectations of your loads?
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Don't forget case lube, and shell holder's. You will need a shell holder for your press and one for your priming tool. If you've got the money, get the redding dies although lee dies will do the job and if any Lee products seem to be out of spec. they will make it right. Maybe someone else can ring in about the scale.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

The dies you linked to are opposite ends of the spectrum. Lee is the cheapest, and Redding competition is the most expensive. I recommend you buy a product in the middle.

RCBS, Forster, Hornady...

What kind of rifle will you be reloading for? If it is a bolt-action gun, I would recommend getting a die arrangement that allows for full length sizing, necksizing/shoulder bumping, and seating.

How tight is your budget? If you can afford $175, I recommend the Forster "ultra-mic" set, which comes with a FLS die and a micrometer-head seating die. Also, get the Forster bushing/bump die set with three bushings. You will essentially NEVER need to upgrade this die set. You could spend more on Redding, but you won't need to.

If you are really, really balling on a budget, Lee works.

For a press, I highly, highly recommend you skip the hand press. You will really hate doing all your loading on it. Get something that mounts to the bench.

You don't need the primer-pocket cleaning tool. A small flathead screwdriver works fine, and you probably already have one.

I have been using an ebay special electronic scale for a number of years, that I've been pretty darned happy with: AWS Gemini-20 It was less than $25 shipped. Resolves to .02gr (not a typo).

You MUST have a caliper for measuring things. Certainly doesn't need to be electronic. A $15 Harbor Freight dial caliper works just fine.

You MUST have case lubricant for resizing. Get a tin of "Imperial sizing wax".

A PTG or Sinclair "hex-style" bullet comparator is a very very nice thing to have on the bench and well worth $18

Eventually, you'll need a case trimmer, but you can get away without one for a while. I would recommend you search around for methods of measuring how long your chamber is, so you know the maximum permissible length of your brass. When your brass gets that long, you need to retire the brass, or trim it.

You'll also want a method for cleaning up your brass after firing. In the short term, a couple pads of steel wool will dandy up your brass just fine, but you'll probably want to get yourself a vibratory tumbler/polisher. Start with the steel wool...when you're sick of it you'll buy the tumbler.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scott123456789</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is your reason for wanting to get into reloading? What type of shooting do you do? What are you expectations of your loads?
</div></div>

precision rifle shooting. I just purchased a trg 22 in 308 and I want to be able to throw rounds from 500-1000 yards at steel plates.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The dies you linked to are opposite ends of the spectrum. Lee is the cheapest, and Redding competition is the most expensive. I recommend you buy a product in the middle.

RCBS, Forster, Hornady...

What kind of rifle will you be reloading for? If it is a bolt-action gun, I would recommend getting a die arrangement that allows for full length sizing, necksizing/shoulder bumping, and seating.

How tight is your budget? If you can afford $175, I recommend the Forster "ultra-mic" set, which comes with a FLS die and a micrometer-head seating die. Also, get the Forster bushing/bump die set with three bushings. You will essentially NEVER need to upgrade this die set. You could spend more on Redding, but you won't need to.

If you are really, really balling on a budget, Lee works.

For a press, I highly, highly recommend you skip the hand press. You will really hate doing all your loading on it. Get something that mounts to the bench.

You don't need the primer-pocket cleaning tool. A small flathead screwdriver works fine, and you probably already have one.

I have been using an ebay special electronic scale for a number of years, that I've been pretty darned happy with: AWS Gemini-20 It was less than $25 shipped. Resolves to .02gr (not a typo).

You MUST have a caliper for measuring things. Certainly doesn't need to be electronic. A $15 Harbor Freight dial caliper works just fine.

You MUST have case lubricant for resizing. Get a tin of "Imperial sizing wax".

A PTG or Sinclair "hex-style" bullet comparator is a very very nice thing to have on the bench and well worth $18

Eventually, you'll need a case trimmer, but you can get away without one for a while. I would recommend you search around for methods of measuring how long your chamber is, so you know the maximum permissible length of your brass. When your brass gets that long, you need to retire the brass, or trim it.

You'll also want a method for cleaning up your brass after firing. In the short term, a couple pads of steel wool will dandy up your brass just fine, but you'll probably want to get yourself a vibratory tumbler/polisher. Start with the steel wool...when you're sick of it you'll buy the tumbler.


</div></div>

1) I am reloading for a sako trg 22 in 308.

2) I wouldn't say my budget is very tight, but I don't want to end up spending $1000 either.

3) as far as the press, I am certain the hand press is the route I will go because of space constraints. I literally don't have the room for a press.


<span style="font-weight: bold">"How tight is your budget? If you can afford $175, I recommend the Forster "ultra-mic" set, which comes with a FLS die and a micrometer-head seating die. Also, get the Forster bushing/bump die set with three bushings. You will essentially NEVER need to upgrade this die set. You could spend more on Redding, but you won't need to."</span>

Now as far as the statement listed above, what is the benefit of getting this set? I'm quite nwe to reloading and I have no idea what an FLS die or a micrometer head seating die is.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

A full length size die sizes the entire case, along its entire length. This is required for semi autos, but only occasionally for most bolt guns. For bolt guns, you need only necksize, so that a bullet is again a "press fit" into the case.

The bushing/bump die allows you to choose what your neck diameter is going to be - by selecting an interchangeable bushing. The "bump" is pushing back the shoulder a little bit to make chambering nice and easy.

The micrometer seating die, by Forster, has a spring loaded "chamber" that gets the bullet and case into nice alignment prior to seating the bullet. Straight ammo is happy ammo. The micrometer controls the seater, so you can easily "dial" your seating depth, and change it based on the reading on the mic. This is a $30 premium. Without it, you screw the seater stem a little, seat the bullet, measure, and repeat until it's correct. $30 well spent IMHO.

I still recommend a real bench-mount press. Bolt it to a bit of wood and clamp the wood to your work surface when in use, then unclamp and store it when your done. The bench mount press isn't any bigger than a hand press for storing purposes.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Oh - you need to get, and read, some reloading manuals.

The Speer manual has a pretty decent section on "the how" to reloading. Get several, and read. You'll need it.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I still recommend a real bench-mount press. Bolt it to a bit of wood and clamp the wood to your work surface when in use, then unclamp and store it when your done. The bench mount press isn't any bigger than a hand press for storing purposes. </div></div>


+1.....I would recommend buying a reloading book and spending a little bit of time reading before jumping into purchasing "this, that, or the other". There are also some pretty good step by step how to videos on Youtube that you can watch to gain an idea of what you need. Just type in "reloading for accuracy" or "precision handloading".

There is a lot of reloading equipment out there that contributes to making consistent handloads and can add up in a hurry. I would suggest starting with a Lee single stage kit as it will come with most of the basics components you need to get started. Get yourself a decent set of dies and an inexpensive digital scale to check your powder charge. The Lee press is a good press and will serve you down the road, even as you continue to add on to or upgrade other components to your system.

Beware, handloading precision rounds is addicting. Once you get going, I think you'll find it to be fun and relaxing as well.

Good luck,

K9-
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

No matter what set you decide, you may want to consider a small press rather than the hand press. I had a hand press and it works but seating the bullets can be a pain.

Lee makes a portable stand that sits in a corner, you can tuck it away when you are not using it. Also some guys have made portable stands that are the size of a bread box. Just google portable reloading setup
pb12.jpg


ReloadingStandFullyLoaded.jpg
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Just answer yourself 1 question. Do you want to load "precision rounds"? If your answer is yes then you will want either Redding type S FL bushing sizing die or the Forster like it and the Redding Competition Seater die with the micrometer head or the Forster like it. I use the Redding and get a consistent .001 runout. (runout is the measurement of out of round).

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/271533/redding-type-s-match-bushing-2-die-set-308-winchester

You can add a concentricity gauge to your loading kit at some point to measure this.

Use Lapua Brass Just buy some and use it.

In my opinion you will need a good press. I bought a lee myself to use to seat bullets at the range but have not used it due to it not being as precision and other presses. I use a RCBS rock chucker at home and a RCBS partner press at the range. The partner press is small and you may be able to find a way to use it as your only press.


The only thing lee I use is their primer tool. It works great.

I will share a little bit about how to use the dies above. First remove the expander button you dont need it. Once you determine the correct size bushing you need

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...358#Post3200358

you will size the brass after firing and you will have .001-.002 neck tension. And it will be extremely concentric.

The other guys above me have also posted good information and I agree about reading up on the process before you start.

After you start making "precicion rounds" you will turn your attention to buying things that either do a better job or save time. I could not even consider reloading without a Chargemaster for instance. The time it saves is awsome. A giraud trimmer is a real time saver too and does a great job but I would not make this one of the first things I bought if my budget was around $1000. But you may want to add it at some time. Pretty much any digital caliper around the $50 range will be fine. I use a RCBS but others work fine too.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll definitely look into the portable reloading setup, but I have no idea where I would clamp it down to.

To answer the question above, I do want to make precision ammo. If I didn't want to do this, I wouldn't of bought something like a TRG to begin with.

Which dies would you guys absolutely recommend that I acquire first? I can always add other dies later on, but would the a decent three die set from one of the companies recommended in this thread suffice for the time being? If I counted correctly, I think six different dies have been recommended so far, which which ones are absolute necessities?
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

There will be no consensus on "the" die set. You've received good feedback; take it, perform your own due diligence and make a purchase.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

I'd skip the Lee and only focus on Forster if you are on a budget. Definitely need the full size press though. Rock Chucker or nothing I would say.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

i know you said you want to start with a hand press

but i promise you, that you have room for a single stage

here is what i use at the range

IMG_20120403_212914.jpg


just clamp it really well to your coffee table, dining table etc...
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charger442</div><div class="ubbcode-body">so.... this set

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/851964/forster-ultra-2-die-set-308-winchester

plus this set

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/814070/...-308-winchester

will do what i need. plus the bullet comparator mentioned before and it should all be good? </div></div>


That would be if you wanted to neck size and the full length sizer does not have bushings so when you FL sized you would not get the correct tension you want. I would not go that route. I looked on MIdways site and didnt see the Forester Full Length sizer with bushings.

But anyway you could Buy this

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/395095/forster-ultra-micrometer-seater-die-308-winchester

and this

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/668734/redding-type-s-bushing-full-length-sizer-die-308-winchester

or buy this set

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/271533/redding-type-s-match-bushing-2-die-set-308-winchester
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

I don't see how the FL forster set with the bushing set I posted, as suggested previously, is any diff than the redding set. Not the mention the redding set doesn't come with any bushings
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Somebody can correct me if i am wrong but i dont think the FL Forester is a bushing die. So it will size the neck very small and then expand with the expander button. Which is not what you want.

You are correct that the redding bushings are a seperate purchase. You will need to determine what size you need and buy it. Refer to my first post about what size to buy. It depends on alot of factors.


Do yourself a favor and buy some Lapua brass.....
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

On "which dies"

I own good dies from RCBS, Hornady, and Redding FL 2 dies

I own a great 30-06 die set from RCBS that's older than my father.

I have some GREAT GREAT dies from Forster and Redding in the Competition Die bushing sizer sets. Pricey, but without going to full custom dies from someone like Warner Tool they're the way to go.

The Warner dies are quite literally in a class of their own. I've never seen or used anything that is as nice as their custom dies.

I have the Redding Comp Set for my 6.5CM and the Forster Comp set for my 308.

The Forster NS bushing die comes with 3 bushings, I think they're 332, 334, 336 but I don't remember for sure. I know that 332 and 334 are in there.

I use Win brass in my rifle with the 334 die.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: repiv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Somebody can correct me if i am wrong but i dont think the FL Forester is a bushing die. So it will size the neck very small and then expand with the expander button. Which is not what you want.

You are correct that the redding bushings are a seperate purchase. You will need to determine what size you need and buy it. Refer to my first post about what size to buy. It depends on alot of factors.


Do yourself a favor and buy some Lapua brass..... </div></div>

You are correct. The Forster FLS die us NOT a bushing die, although it doesnt size necks particularly small.

Their bump die uses bushings for neck sizing only. A nice piece of kit.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

My only Forester die set is a custom honed one. Pretty cool that they only charge an extra $10 for that service or at least that was what it cost when I had mine done. Based on the fact that they dont have a FL with bushings I would get the Redding sizer for sure then. If you use Lapua brass I think you may need larger bushings than those the Forster comes with too. I use a .338 with my redding and Lapua brass. The Lapua is thicker.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

In reference to scales, would you always go with an electronic over a traditional weight based scale? The only reason why I ask is because RBCS has a nice kit with everything you need, seen below:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit


I ended up pricing out a kit individually with just a micrometer resizing die and a seating die, and it came out to around $360 without the powder dispender, reloading book and ammo holding tray. The one linked above has everything except the dies, but the scale is not electronic. Im, assuming the electronic scale is worth the premium and I should avoid this kit?
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

i dont see the advantage of an electronic scale by itself.

where it really shines is when you have an automated thrower along with it ie chargmaster


if i were you, i would just get the balance scale
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: justinbaker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i dont see the advantage of an electronic scale by itself.

where it really shines is when you have an automated thrower along with it ie chargmaster


if i were you, i would just get the balance scale </div></div>

I've used scales in the past when I use to be a college student (labs), but wouldn't it be easy to over/undermeasure the powder using a scale? Unless these scales are super accurate, lining up the needle on weighted scales is usually hard to do.

I assume these scales are built to where it is easy to account for deviance.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

It looks like you need to choose whether or not you are going to spend a little extra money and start out with a Chargemaster or not.

If yes then dont buy the kit in your post above. If no then go ahead and buy the kit and use it for now, upgrade later.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

The Chargemaster is kinda bulky, and deserves a dedicated home - not to be packed/stored/unpacked all the time, so I would not recommend it to someone short on space.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: repiv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It looks like you need to choose whether or not you are going to spend a little extra money and start out with a Chargemaster or not.

If yes then dont buy the kit in your post above. If no then go ahead and buy the kit and use it for now, upgrade later. </div></div>

Even with the non electronic scale? For some reason, it doesn't seem very precise to me.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Beam balances are crazy accurate and most are magnetically dampened to prevent excessive hunting, but they are definitely slower than something like a chargemaster. I found the Lee Perfect Powder measure to be a highly accurate alternative to weighing individual loads--usually within 0.1 grains with the occasional 0.2 grain outlyer in a 100 round loading session. This was well within my accuracy node. Most handloaders are too anal to accept +- 0.1 though.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

I do not own any dies that include vernier adjustment knobs.

Once a conventional die is adjusted properly, I believe it will function as effectively as the precision die. I don't make such adjustments often enough to justify such an added capability in my personal opinion. Mostly, I use standard RCBS 2-sie sets.

The only press I have ever owned is a Dillon RL550B. It is equal to most tasks better than most other presses, is built like a Cadillac, and has the best warrantee in the business for when that's not enough. My Dillon has never screwed me in over two decades, and I bought it used. This press can be operated exactly as if it were a single stage press, and can also produce relatively excellent ammo in full progressive mode. In some ways, the progressive mode can help eliminate human error. Based on reliability and versatility, I can recommend none better.

I use an RCBS digital scale. I also employ RCBS Water Soluble Case Lube. Be aware that any electronic device can get 'glitchy' in the preeence of magnetic fields, and this can include fluorescent lighting, even the compact fluorescents now in vogue.

Many handloaders employ far more complex and precise equipmenrt than their shooting applications can justify.

For example, if your firearm is chambered according to SAAMI spec, activities based on achieving perfect concentricity are probably being done in vain. SAAMI chambers are too loose in the neck for exceptional concentricity to make more than a minimal difference in accuracy.

For example; seating depths can be overly precise. In my experience the only real criterion that matters is that the bullets either all jump, or all don't jump. Variations in the third decimal place are typically inconsequential, in <span style="font-style: italic">overall</span> accuracy, once one factors in human marksmanship error and condition changes which are beyond human ability to both identify and compensate.

It's easy enough to make good ammo, as good as our selves and our equipment can employ to peak advantage. It's also easy enough to get obsessed with details that serve little purpose beyond personal conceit.

Start simple, add complexity as real needs demand. Confirm any actual improvement.

Greg
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gene Poole</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Beam balances are crazy accurate and most are magnetically dampened to prevent excessive hunting, but they are definitely slower than something like a chargemaster. I found the Lee Perfect Powder measure to be a highly accurate alternative to weighing individual loads--usually within 0.1 grains with the occasional 0.2 grain outlyer in a 100 round loading session. This was well within my accuracy node. Most handloaders are too anal to accept +- 0.1 though. </div></div>

That is quite interesting. I've never used a balance beam scale that has been REALLY accurate, but I guess the standards are a bit different when measuring gun powder.

I ended up putting in an order last night, seen below.

z8jih.png


I know there are going to be a few questions regarding what I ended up purchasing, so i will try to address the ones I know will come up.

1) hand press vs single stage. I know many in here suggested that I go with a single stage portable setup, but I literally don't have the room anywhere to put it or mount it when the time to reload rolls around. Another reason why I went with the hand press is that it will always be needed as a true portable device, i.e if I go to the range, I can take it along and what not.

2) the dies. I ended up getting the rbcs competition 2 die set with the micrometer adjustment per recommendations from this thread. As far as other dies, I'll do some reloading and determine which ones to purchase next.

3) lack of a powder depositing apparatus. Again, this was omitted because of space and it isn't really needed right now. I can always just measure the powder out using a scoop or spoon and purchase one later if needed.

4) scale. I went with an electronic scale because I'm a firm believer of electronic scales over mechanical scales.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Well, there you go. You'll find the rangemaster is a good scale and you'll find a good number of people who've had good success with RCBS dies.

I personally don't understand how your situation could be that as to where you don't have the room for a portable set up with a single stage press as I think you're going to find you will need the same amount of room with the hand press, but to each their own.

The main thing is you have made the financial plunge into the realm of reloading. I didn't see any reloading books in your purchase so please make sure you get a hold of one and do some serious reading. I think your going to have fun.

Good luck and please keep us posted.


K9-
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

I would add a crimp die(I like Lee Factory Crimp dies) and a powder trickler. Both are inexpensive and will help with the consistency of your loads.

I would say a neck sizing die would also be a good addition. I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned that brass fired from your rifle does not need to be full length sized to be fire from your(bolt action)rifle.
Neck sizing will increase the life of your cases and is arguably(?) better for repeatable accuracy.

ETA:
You will eventually need a case trimmer and case length gauge of some flavor.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

You are also going to need a shell holder for the press. The auto prime shell holder does not work on the press ram. You will probably want to get enough quick change bushing for all of your dies(how ever many you wind up with) as this makes it much easier to change dies and keep your set up consistent.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: K9-</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, there you go. You'll find the rangemaster is a good scale and you'll find a good number of people who've had good success with RCBS dies.

I personally don't understand how your situation could be that as to where you don't have the room for a portable set up with a single stage press as I think you're going to find you will need the same amount of room with the hand press, but to each their own.

The main thing is you have made the financial plunge into the realm of reloading. I didn't see any reloading books in your purchase so please make sure you get a hold of one and do some serious reading. I think your going to have fun.

Good luck and please keep us posted.


K9- </div></div>

thanks. I have a relatively small room and no closet space. On top of this, I don't have anywhere to put the vices to lock down the portable apparatus if I made on.

As far as the books, I will probably pick one up and flip through it.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvmy40</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would add a crimp die(I like Lee Factory Crimp dies) and a powder trickler. Both are inexpensive and will help with the consistency of your loads.

I would say a neck sizing die would also be a good addition. I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned that brass fired from your rifle does not need to be full length sized to be fire from your(bolt action)rifle.
Neck sizing will increase the life of your cases and is arguably(?) better for repeatable accuracy.

ETA:
You will eventually need a case trimmer and case length gauge of some flavor. </div></div>

I'll ponder on the crimping die and purchase one later if need be. In regards to the powder trickler, is this really necessary? isn't it just a speed thing?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: luvmy40</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are also going to need a shell holder for the press. The auto prime shell holder does not work on the press ram. You will probably want to get enough quick change bushing for all of your dies(how ever many you wind up with) as this makes it much easier to change dies and keep your set up consistent. </div></div>

the shellholder is the first item in the list on the pic.


************


Now a few questions I had for everyone. If you guys could chime some light, I would greatly appreciate it.

1) A tool I did not include was a measuring tool to measure things like OAL, case diameter or group sizing. Is this absolutely necessary if I am just beginning, or is it something I can invest in later once I get my feet wet after a few hand loaded rounds?

The only reason why I ask this is because I'm afraid the seating depth may vary, but since I have the micrometer seating tool, this wouldn't really be THAT big of an issue would it?

2) In regards to powder, it looks like people are loading anywhere from 37.5 grains up to 45 or so grains for the 168 amax bullet. Just to stay on the safe side, I may load up 40 grains of powder and just deviate from that if my appetite for change develops. As far as powders are concerned, it looks like varget or IMR 4064 is the consensus choice for a lot of reloaders. Is there any other popular and readily available powder I should consider if my local gun store doesn't carry the varget or IMR 4064?

3) does anyone see a hole in the set I ordered? As stated previously, I am looking for the things I absolutely need to reload, then I can custom tailor whatever else I need later on.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

I hope you do more than "flip through" the manuals.

Yes, you NEED a caliper. An essential tool for ammo manufacturing.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Honestly brother I think you are one of those people that likes to learn the hard way.

You did say you wanted to load "Precision" right? I guess "Precision" means different things to different people.

Like Turbo said get a caliper.
Oh and your shell holder is for the primer tool NOT the press.

Good luck with your loading
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

First, get several different reloading manuals and READ THEM. I don't mean that you need to memorize all the load data, but you need to make sure that you take hand loading seriously. This no place to take short cuts or start wild catting without a whole lot of experience. Always cross reference your data if possible. There are errors in manuals and the more info you have available the better for safety and getting good results from your labor.

As repiv said, the shell holder that you ordered is for the Auto Prime tool. It will not fit the press ram. You need a shell holder for the press.

If you are just trying to get a feel for reloading then you really don't <span style="font-style: italic">need </span>the competition dies,though the money is not wasted by getting quality first. You also do not <span style="font-style: italic">need</span> a digital scale or powder trickler. The Lee balance scale and dippers will work if you stay well below max charge/pressure. But you are not going to get the consistent results that you need for dialing in a repeatable, accurate load for your rifle.

Hand loading for precision is all about consistency. The trickler is a tool that helps you get exactly the same charge with every cartridge.Speed has nothing to with it. You are not hand loading to save time if you are serious about loading for precision. I knock out 200-300 9mm rounds in an hour or two, I will load 150 .223 plinkers without using a trickler(well below max charge),but I may spend an hour or more on 20 .308 or .243 cartridges to try for a tighter group at 200 or 300 yds.

You want every round fired to be <span style="font-weight: bold">exactly the same in every aspect</span>. This is to ensure that the hardware is doing the same thing every time you pull the trigger. This makes it easier to isolate what you are doing right or doing wrong mechanically. A load that works for one rifle will not necessarily work for another rifle even if they are the same make and model, and someone's favorite recipe for a complete different rifle <span style="font-style: italic">may</span> be your magic potion.

I am no sniper and my gear is not even the on low side of high end. The rifle you have deserves to be fed the best you can produce.
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Thanks guys. Noted everything.

I ended up going to a local store and picked up the hornady reloading manual, some IMR 4064 powder, cci benchrest primers, an electronic caliper and a bullet puller. I have some reading to do this weekend.

As far as the powder trickler, is this needed along with the powder measure, or could I just use the trickler to tap on the exact amount of powder after I dump a rough scoop onto the scale?
 
Re: New to hand loading for 308. Questions about dies

Your life will be much easier using a powder trickler in conjunction with your powder measure and scale. Powder measures are not always spot on. The trickler allows you to add tenths of grains in a controlled manner. Remember precision = consistency. You can pick up a powder trickler under $20 at Walmart.


K9-
 
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