Reloading for Tactical Matches

[dpreston]

Im just getting into tactical matches. I have reloaded for benchrest competitions, but doing all these steps for tactical matches seems unnecessary when you fire upwards of 100-150 rounds in a day. I don't want to spend days in the reloading room.

Starting with brand new Lapua 308 brass.... what are the minimum steps needed for consistent ammo.

Full length size the new stuff? or just load and shoot?
Primer pocket uniforming, flashole deburring, trimming OAL?

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

I deburr the flash holes, uniform the pockets, and run all new brass over thru a FL die with the expander to fix the necks, deburr the necks inside and out, plan on losing 30-50%.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

For new Lapua brass:

Run through neck size die to fix necks. I do nothing with primer pockets except inspect that the flash holes are in fact drilled. I do deburr inside with a VLD tool. I check each case to insure they are under Max length. That's it and reload.

 

[ISP 5353]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

Just like 427 Cobra said. Do it right and it will pay off.

 

[oneswithfunes]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I deburr the flash holes, uniform the pockets, and run all new brass over thru a FL die with the expander to fix the necks, deburr the necks inside and out, plan on losing 30-50%. </div></div>

This is what I do.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

Prime, charge and load.

If something seems amiss after a visual inspection of the case, I'll act accordingly.

 

[Joe-n-TX]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Prime, charge and load.

If something seems amiss after a visual inspection of the case, I'll act accordingly. </div></div>

what he said.

But really, if you've loaded for BR why do you ask?

 

[Downzero]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

He's asking the minimum steps.

I'd size the new cases (FL), chamfer, prime, charge, and load.

 

[dpreston]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

I only have about 2 years of reloading experience under my belt so i was just trying to get a general consensus of what reloading procedures the tactical guys go through. neck sizing and jamming vlds into the lands is what most of my reloading consists of. So I am assuming most everyone for sniper competitions full length sizes each time to eliminate mag feeding problems and provide clearance in case some dirt/debris gets into the chamber?

Also, if I were to use a bushing neck die, wouldn't I need at least .002 neck tension to prevent anything changing in my ammo during recoil in a mag fed rifle?

 

[Willys46]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

Just like BR, what level of accuracy are you looking for. For a Tactical match, .75 MOA is usally good enough. In tactical its more about the shooter than equipment unlike BR.

Like everyone has said, you will lose cases, so all the work that you put in is lost in blink of an eye, but to be competitve who cares. Another reason I shoot Winchester brass and not lapua. I'm cheap and Lapua brass is to expensive to let fly with no cares.

For new brass, run through a expander ball to round out necks, chamfer inside, prime, and shoot! After the first firing, i simply size to bump the shoulder tell the rounds cycle easy. Reliability is what your looking for.

Hope this helps,

 

[dpreston]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

thanks everyone, that was exactly what i was looking for

 

[223ai]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

I prime, throw powder, seat the bullet, fire, and then worry about brass prep. I figure the bullet will round out the case mouth, and the initial fire will get the brass formed to my chamber. From there, I FL resize without the expander ball, tumble in stainless media, and then trim on my Giraud.

I really enjoy reloading, but I enjoy shooting more. I just can't see a benefit for me when it comes to neck turning/flash hole prep work.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I deburr the flash holes, uniform the pockets, and run all new brass over thru a FL die with the expander to fix the necks, deburr the necks inside and out, plan on losing 30-50%. </div></div>

I do these steps every reload cycle, and with a batch (100) of Win brass and 24 reload cycles on them, I still have 100 cases in the lot.

What is this loss of 30-50% on brand new brass?

 

[Chiller]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

Depends in large part how small of a hole you want to drill and at what ranges you are looking to drill them at.

 

[4Rail_Gunner]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchAlsup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I do these steps every reload cycle, and with a batch (100) of Win brass and 24 reload cycles on them, I still have 100 cases in the lot.

<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">What is this loss of 30-50% on brand new brass?</span></span> </div></div>

His name is boltripper, he hides just behind your line of sight while your shooting snatching up your brass one at a time.

Tactical Matches often have stages where you will shoot in on position and then pickup and move to another position while the timer is running. SO we opt to leave the brass lying and go, rather than pick it up. Sometimes you can pick it up after the stage, but usually the next person shooting the stage is often getting set up to shoot as soon as your last shot was fired.

 

[4Rail_Gunner]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

Mitch,
Just noticed you were from texas also, keep a close eye out, he could strike at any time. He usually hangs out by cameras also.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Reloading for Tactical Matches

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 4Rail_Gunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mitch,

</div></div>

Kinda reminds me of (sigh) me.