I am new to reloading and I am getting ready to run my first batch of reloads. I have a few questions regarding my first load and my once fired brass.
The rifle is a Remington 700 AAC -SD, 1"-10" twist, 20" barrel.
I will be using once fired Federal Brass. All 308 head stamp. Some of it was from FGMM and other was from some basic Federal 308 ammo. Is there a difference in this brass? I cannot see any different markings on it.
I will be loading Varget and 168 grain Hornady AMax.
I have always shot 175 FGMM SMK's out of my rifle and want to work that load up eventually, but I had to make due with what was local for now as I did not have time to order 175 SMK's in and I have a moving target clinic coming up next week and no ammo. I have range time this weekend to establish new DOPE for this new round.
One of my questions is whether or not it would be ok to run a middle of the road load of say 43 - 43.5 grains for this weekend. I know this is not ideal, as I am not working a specific load up for my rifle. I am curious if this makes sense and would work. I think it would, but I am looking for the voice of experience.
Second question is related to my chamber and my once fired brass. When I chamber a once fired piece of brass it is tight closing my bolt, when I chamber a new FGMM cartridge it is tight closing my bolt. When I check the measurement on a once fired case using a Sinclair Bump Gauge it measures under the book SAAMI Spec, yet is still tight to chamber. Should I disregard the book on this aspect and just bump my shoulder .002 as recommended?
Thank you in advance for the advice.
Josh
The rifle is a Remington 700 AAC -SD, 1"-10" twist, 20" barrel.
I will be using once fired Federal Brass. All 308 head stamp. Some of it was from FGMM and other was from some basic Federal 308 ammo. Is there a difference in this brass? I cannot see any different markings on it.
I will be loading Varget and 168 grain Hornady AMax.
I have always shot 175 FGMM SMK's out of my rifle and want to work that load up eventually, but I had to make due with what was local for now as I did not have time to order 175 SMK's in and I have a moving target clinic coming up next week and no ammo. I have range time this weekend to establish new DOPE for this new round.
One of my questions is whether or not it would be ok to run a middle of the road load of say 43 - 43.5 grains for this weekend. I know this is not ideal, as I am not working a specific load up for my rifle. I am curious if this makes sense and would work. I think it would, but I am looking for the voice of experience.
Second question is related to my chamber and my once fired brass. When I chamber a once fired piece of brass it is tight closing my bolt, when I chamber a new FGMM cartridge it is tight closing my bolt. When I check the measurement on a once fired case using a Sinclair Bump Gauge it measures under the book SAAMI Spec, yet is still tight to chamber. Should I disregard the book on this aspect and just bump my shoulder .002 as recommended?
Thank you in advance for the advice.
Josh
