Bonanza .308 benchrest die issues

[wakajawaka]

I got these dies many years ago 'cause they looked unused, were ridiculously cheap, and I figured one day I might own a .308.

Well, finally got a .308.

Cases sized with these dies are able to be chambered but not easily. There is a bright scuff mark on the case head left by the closing bolt.

The die set did not come with a shell holder so I'm using what I have on hand.

Was there something unusual about Bonanza shell holders?

Is a particular brand of shell holder known to provide more sizing?

Should I just head to the grinder with the holder I have and keep it with these dies?

I could grind on the die body but I'd rather not...

 

[wakajawaka]

Grind it is.

 

[Clark]

I have ground enough 308 [Mauser case head] shell holders until they were paper thin... for wildcats.

I have ground the bottom off enough dies... for wildcats.

But you don't know if your headspace is too short in the rifle or the die is too deep... per SAAMI 308 Drawing.

Having a go gauge would help.

 

[wakajawaka]

Go guage closes, no problem.

No go, a few ° worth of bolt engagement using light, two finger pressure.

I've now tried reloads from two other shooters, chambered fine.

No one I shoot with has any factory loaded cartridges to try.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

To the best of my knowledge, Bonanza didn't use shell holders. If you need to shorten your cartridge headspace take it off the shell holder, they are replaceable, cheap.