reload vs factory vs foreign surplus?

[super jim]

The manufacture of my AR platform .308 recommends only U.S. factory .308 ammo. No reloads, No foreign surplus and NO NO
7.62 x51 NATO. I don't plan to shoot enough to justify reloading myself. Questions: Is it safe to use reloads from a reputable company (suggestions welcome). Is that safer than foreign surplus? What to watch out for if Foreign is advised?

 

[Muttt]

Re: reload vs factory vs foreign surplus?

Well, I'm sure the arms manufacturer states that simply to try to reduce the amount of liability. If he says not to, and you get one bad round and it breaks the weapon, then he can't be held accountable.

Now, having said that, there is one thing I like keep in mind. At some point in time, even with a big name US Ammo manufacturer, someone somewhere has to load that ammo. Whether it be a man on an assembly line running hundreds of thousand at a time, or a smaller manufacturer putting out a hundred at a time. I think the handloader is usually (depending on the loader) held to a higher standard (in theory).

I like to think that ammo that the handloader weighs every loaded round one kernel of smokeless powder at a time and double checks every round is going to be kept to a higher standard than run of the mill factory ammo that is loaded on a machine.

But, that's just my opinion. Now, if you decide to run handloads in that rifle, you are also going to void that warranty. So, it's basically up to the user. Every choice has consequences.

 

[azimutha]

Re: reload vs factory vs foreign surplus?

Check out the "Straight Scoop" section of http://www.6mmbr.com/308win.html, which also has some links to more on the topic. Generally, you shouldn't have a problem feeding a rifle spec'd for .308 Win with 7.62 milsurp. But you certainly might if it was the other way around. I know I would never put one of my borderline max. pressure bolt gun handloads in a semi-auto. Something like the M1A, the op rod might bend.

I've never bothered with foreign milsurp for this cartridge. Maybe there's some good stuff out there, but either it seems to be crappy or Berdan-primed or both. It's not that I'm against the foreign stuff altogether. I've fired many rounds of Greek .30-06 in my M1 and used to have a Swiss K-31 along with their exquisite ammo.

I'd try a small quantity of good milsurp or do some full-length resized handloads (always for semi-autos) with a 10% under starting charge.

 

[thefitter]

Re: reload vs factory vs foreign surplus?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check out the "Straight Scoop" section of http://www.6mmbr.com/308win.html, which also has some links to more on the topic. Generally, you shouldn't have a problem feeding a rifle spec'd for .308 Win with 7.62 milsurp. But you certainly might if it was the other way around. I know I would never put one of my borderline max. pressure bolt gun handloads in a semi-auto. Something like the M1A, the op rod might bend.

I've never bothered with foreign milsurp for this cartridge. Maybe there's some good stuff out there, but either it seems to be crappy or Berdan-primed or both. It's not that I'm against the foreign stuff altogether. I've fired many rounds of Greek .30-06 in my M1 and used to have a Swiss K-31 along with their exquisite ammo.

I'd try a small quantity of good milsurp or do some full-length resized handloads (always for semi-autos) with a 10% under starting charge. </div></div>

+1

There is some really good "foreign" surplus out there. IMO better than most of the low end factory stuff.

 

[super jim]

Re: reload vs factory vs foreign surplus?

Thanks for the info. There seems to be a lot disagreement on this subject depending on who you talk to. As far a a reputable U.S. roloading company, any inpu on Georgia Arms or USammo?