Noob .308 reloading question...

[LRS_Ranger]

I have an interesting question that I don't think I have seen discussed before. I have been loading for a little while, but this has been my first attempt at loading some match grade stuff. I am reloading for a FN SPR a1, using once fired (in my gun) Federal GMM brass. My issue is that my loaded rounds are binding on one side of the bullet ogave and the opposite side of the case body immediately back from the shoulder. If my Hornady runout gauge is showing runout to be less than .005", does that mean that my chamber is out of alignment? Could it have something to do with the chrome lining in the chamber not being completely even? It's sticky to chamber, but if I rotate the round 180 degrees, there is no problem. I am using a Redding competition seater if that makes any difference.

Here is what I am cooking up; please tell me if I am doing it wrong!

once fired Federal brass
CCI Benchrest primers
Varget, 45-47.6gr in .2 gr steps
155 Scenars
2.841 COAL (.02 off the lands)

 

[Boblor]

Re: Noob .308 reloading question...

I had a similar problem with a .308 Win chamber in one of my target barrels. I could only chamber a fired case in the rifle if it was "indexed" exactly like it was fired. The chamber was not cut straight, barrel slighlty set back and rechambering fixed the problem. I do not think you can get a chromed chamber set back and rechambered with out removing the whole chamber.

Try using a Small base full lenght sizing die and see if the small based sized case will enter the chamber no matter which position it goes in. Be sure to trim your brass to the correct length and do not expect quite as many reloads from the small base sized brass.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Re: Noob .308 reloading question...

Thanks for the Re.. BTW I went out and shot the ammo in question yesterday. Only one round was sticky to chamber, and I flicked it with my finger and it went in with no issues. It was most likely my anal-retentiveness getting the best of me again. I shot the ladder at 250 yards, Which was pretty close to get much out of it it seems. I want to try again at 400 or so. My top velocity was 2827FPS with 175 SMK's and 45.4 Gr of Varget. No pressure signs on the case though. Seems pretty fast for a 24 inch bbl. I think that I will do it again and try to shoot a bit further.

 

[vman]

Re: Noob .308 reloading question...

Wow that is fast for a 175 smk!

Push the ladder out to about 400 yards and you should start to see more deviation between rounds... makes it easier to read

Just be consistent with your shooting and make sure you aim 100% on the same point each time.

You might wana go back to 42.0 grains with the Varget and work your way up from there. 45.0 grains is compressed and 45.4 pushing 2827 is crazy fast. If you had of said between 2650-2700 then thats normal but 2827 is fast

Double check your chrony is set up right