.308 mix and match question

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Smcx

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Well, i'm just about to start reloading for a couple of .308 guns. I've never reloaded rifle rounds before.

1st is an m305 shorty. Don't know how it groups, I've only fired it a few times and none rested.

2nd is a savage 10 FCP-K. As a noob shooter with 50 down the pipe, I'm doing sub MOA at 100 with federal bulk 150gr LC brass.

Ok here is the question:

I have LC brass, and AE brass. I have Varget and H4895. I have 150gr no name bulk projectiles, and some 168gr AMAX. I'd like to keep the brass separate between the two rifles so I can get away with neck sizing.

Which brass would you use for which rifle, and which powder?

Thx!
 
My very first recommendation would be to (re) read your load manual, and "Zediker's handloading for the m14". For combinations to start with: LC+H4895+150gr. in the M305, AE+varget+168gr in the Savage. M14 type chambers are generally quite large, LC brass will take way more beating than federal (AE). H4895 has the ideal burn rate for the m305. FL size for the m305 because it's a semi auto and again, chambers are generally roomy. FWIW, my favourite m305 load is 155 Amax, over 43grs imr 4895, in a surplus case. I don't load for a bolt .308 yet.
 
No neck sizing for the M305. Semi's require FL sizing every time. However, keeping brands separate is the easiest way of knowing which is neck sized and which is not.
Federal uses Federal brass, not Lake City. LC is high end milsurp. AE is Federal and is known for being softer than other brands. Only means it doesn't last as long before the primer pockets enlarge.
Use the LC, Varget and 168's for the Savage. It is a far better rifle. The M305's short barrel isn't a target rifle. Not really worth using expensive match grade ammo out of it. Those NM 150's will work well though.
 
It's LC brass and stamped LC. I was told it is federal milsurp. Your difference of opinion on which brass to use is interesting.
 
His difference in opinion on which brass to use is very uneducated. Federal has used LC brass, AE has also used federal and LC. You wouldn't catch me using federal brass in any semi auto, especially an m305. LC wouldn't be my first choice either, because of how high quality it is. But out of the components you have I'll stick to my original recommend.

Yomamma, thanks for clearing that up. I honestly haven't turned my valve off until just now. And I saw a roll pin on the left side lol.
 
It's honestly up to you, and how much brass you have. Keep in mind, it's recommended to use brass in the "m14" 4-5 firings max. You'll get much more life in a bolt, neck sizing.
 
No problem, we all learn together.


If you can get other brass for the M305 save the good stuff for your bolt gun. With due care you can get ten or more reloads out of them.

AE stuff I am not fond of period.

PPU makes decent brass, I think one of the sponsors sells it.

With the large chambered Norc (mine was 17 thou over go guage) you should only reload 2-3 times.

If you have a good headspace you can get away with more. That's why with these guns its important to know your headspace.
 
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