Brand new to this I need advice

[Duffy1298]

Ok guys, I've reloaded for Years, but I'll admit that this is my FIRST. batch of "match" ammo if you will. I am Shootin g a 308w and just have a few questions about load data.
So far here's what Im working with. Federal match brass, federal match primers, Berger 168 bthp, and rl 15. I've trimmed my brass to 2.005 and cleaned the primer pockets and flash holes, I am seating the Bergers just off the lands from what I gather 1-2 thousandths. And my starting work up loads are 40,41,42,43 gr of rl15.this is about as far as I've gotten and from here I'm clueless. Do I just stick to whatever powder charge works best? Do I need to go into .10 grain Increments? And do I need to play with seating depth? And when do I know I've hit my max powder load? I've heard of pressure signs but am unsure what exactly they r. Thanks for the help

 

[308sako]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

xxx

 

[SONIC SAAMI]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

You are on the right track.
Find the charge that works best/most accurate and then play with seating depth.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

Do some reading on "OCW method".

When trying new bullet or powder, I always do a basic ladder test, to find peak pressure.

Then I do an OCW, with the bullet on the lands.

Then I vary seating depth.

Here is what TOO MUCH PRESSURE looks like:

What you're looking at is the circular mark, which is actually raised metal, between the 2nd "A" in Lapua, and the "N" of Win. That is where the brass case has actually begun to flow into the ejector hole in the boltface.

Please note this is an EXXAGERATED incidence!! ANY circular mark left on the casehead is telling you there is excessive pressure.

 

[Duffy1298]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

ok so i have 50 rounds made now, all in 5 round increments, 40,40.5,41,41.5,42,42.5,43,43.5,and 44 gr. well see how it goes.

 

[308sako]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

xxx

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

Buy a bullet puller - lol

 

[josephberry]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

1-2 thousandths? I like to be in, at least 10 thousands or out ten. Bullet variaton at 1-2 will put some bullets touching and some not, causing different pressure spikes, and poor SD. Go in,or out.

 

[Duffy1298]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

why would i need a bullet puller? do you have suggestions to keep me from wasting some expensive assed bullets?

 

[JoeBUtah]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

Duffy- I too just started loaded for accuracy/precision in .308. Before I decided on dies, the first thing I bought was a .30 cal collet for my rcbs bullet puller. Mistakes happen regardless of caliber; I have them for my pistols and .223. It doesn't leave an appreciable mark and I decided a while back that my kinetic puller works just fine as an ornament hanging at the end of my bench.

 

[Duffy1298]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

i think I'm going to ditch my shitty hornady brass and get lapua. it shot ok but i wasted like 30% of them cause my primers wouldn't fit correctly. i was pissed and ill never use hornady brass again. i got like 3/4 minute groups which won't cut it and i refuse to accept that my brass should have such a tight primer pocket that primers get smashed trying to go in.

 

[sic65stang]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

I agree duffy, move to lapua and do not look back! Really changed my ammo loads, I was very surprised how my groups shrunk with good brass.

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

I'd get a Hornady OAL guage, to measure your "lands" depth with different bullets. VERY helpful!

 

[Skum]

Re: Brand new to this I need advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Duffy1298</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why would i need a bullet puller? do you have suggestions to keep me from wasting some expensive assed bullets?
</div></div>


say if u make 5-10 of each test load .. once you find you OCW why would you waste time shooting the left overs.. pull em and reload em to your ocw.. same goes for seating if there seating to far down pull and reload

$25 kinetic puller has gone along way for me... and if you make any mistakes you can salvage