.308 molding

pringles613

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I'm new to this almost entirely, although i have molded 00 buck but am looking into getting some molds to make bullets for my .308

was wondering where to acquire the molds, and what id require as far as other equipment goes to do bullets as opposed to just doing buckshot
I'm under the impression that ill need sizing dies, and lube, but what and where would i go to get these things in Canada. also any helpful tips would be nice.

i was hoping to get something in the 150 gr range and other than that am completely clueless on the rifle side of things. I've never reloaded for rifle, just the shotgun so powder suggestions would be welcome too.
 
I'm new to this almost entirely, although i have molded 00 buck but am looking into getting some molds to make bullets for my .308

was wondering where to acquire the molds, and what id require as far as other equipment goes to do bullets as opposed to just doing buckshot
I'm under the impression that ill need sizing dies, and lube, but what and where would i go to get these things in Canada. also any helpful tips would be nice.

i was hoping to get something in the 150 gr range and other than that am completely clueless on the rifle side of things. I've never reloaded for rifle, just the shotgun so powder suggestions would be welcome too.

http://www.budgetshootersupply.ca/ for most of my molds.dies, powder.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com for reloading data

Henry from budget is very helpful.

When i reloaded 308 for norc i used imr4895 and varget.
 
You'll need gaschecks if the boolit has a rebated base to hold them.

A sizing die to install the gaschecks and to size the boolit to size.

You don't need to powdercoat. If you get a LEE pushthrough sizing die, then it will come with liquid Alox, a sticky boolit lube and you can tumble lube. An old margarine tub and a flat spot to lay out your boolits to dry. Pretty low tech. I'm not setup for powdercoating, but a lot of guys are claiming to get jacketed velocities out of their powdercoat setups.

Head over to Castboolits website and waste the next day or two reading up.

Sizing dies and all the related gear is exactly the same as loading for jacketed. So any retailer that carries that stuff can help you out.

Personally, I haven't felt the need to go full velocity on my lead loads. I'm usually around the 2000 fps mark and lower. I use and have used Unique, Red Dot and TrailBoss powders, as well as some SR4759, which is now discontinued. With some of the heavier boolits, I have also gone subsonic, which turns my centerfire into a glorified .22

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook can give you lots of ideas and suggestions if you don't already have a copy.
 
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I am only doing 9mm if I use the same powder charger for coated and copper jacket my coated ones are faster. I have run near pure lead in 9mm at over 1200fps. No leading

I have made 45-70 powder coated bullets that are shot at around 1800fps with good results, although it was just 50 meters.
 
For my Lead 308
I use Unique powder
I got my molds from Higginsons well some cheap Lee ones
You'll need a sizer, like a lee push through sizer then powder coat
Or a RCBS LAM II to size and lube, make sure you get the right size sizer and top punch for your mold
 
To the OP, might I suggest finding a mentor in your area (should be easy most anywhere in Sask.). Being a new rifle re-loader and boolit caster, both have rabbit holes to fall into that can become large financial sink holes in a hurry chasing a proper formula. A beer or coffee and a couple hours spent with an experienced fellow that can actually show you the many angles/foibles of both endeavors will pay big dividends in saved cash.
 
the big dipper kit from Lyman was my first casting setup. Its a good value for the money. Lymans cast book is in the set too. Have a gander at Cast boolits website and also Castpics. , WSS and Cabelas have some casting stuff. Lee molds are a good start too. I have a nice plain base mold(no gas check) that Leo at Boomers molds in Regina built me for 30 rifles. With Unique, Red Dot, 700x, Trail boss and other pistol powders , a nice light target load with cast can be made for a few cents per round. Gun shows have some casting stuff for a good price at times. PM me if you have any questions,I'm from south east Sask maybe we are not far apart. I have a couple mentors for casting and they saved me from a few mistakes along the way
 
I remember from long ago a 200gr ish lead 30 caliber bullet.

I'm thinking of something like this for plinking out of my old school 30/06.

Lead, tin, flux, gas check, mold, bullet sizer, gas check seat, electric hot pot, temp gauge, wax.

Couple of odds an ends I'm sure.

Can't be that hard considering a lot of stuff is still available.

Don
 
I've been playing with a M700 Remington Varmint special in .308 with cast bullets, Lyman 311284, 20/1 lead/tin, .310", Alox lube, Hornady gas checks, seated into the lands with 19 and 20 grains 5744. Many rounds group into 1", with flyers opening it to 1 1/2". Will try a harder alloy next.
 
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