.308 Reloading and need HELP.

Crazy.kayaker

Crazy.kayaker

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Hello everyone. Just getting in to shooting and now reloading. We got the Lee 50th Anniversary Reloading Kit. I am now looking to get some dies and powder.

I have an M88 that will be shooting 150 and 165 grain bullets gonna look at either Core lok, Game Shok or TSX bullets. I plan on hunting deer mostly and some Moose if the lotto loves me.

I've been shooting Federal 150gr. Game Shok and my rifle loves it and some Remington 150gr. Core Lok. I want to try and create something similar. What would be the best Die set to get and which gun powder would you recommend I try out. Also which primers are best to use with the different powders. I was planning on using my empty Federal, Winchester and Remington first since I have a few empty boxes of them. I don't know if you need to know something else let me know.

Thanks.

C.K
 
get small base sizer die set, it will help smooth the chambering in the lever action. As for powder, lots of good options, but topping the list - Hodgdon Varget, RL15, IMR 4064. Any large rifle primer will work well
 
todbartell said:
get small base sizer die set, it will help smooth the chambering in the lever action. As for powder, lots of good options, but topping the list - Hodgdon Varget, RL15, IMR 4064. Any large rifle primer will work well
Click to expand...

Is there a specific company that makes a better die set or are they pretty much all the same.
Got a Reloading book on route via library system.
 
Tod told you right get the small base die, the gun will probably shoot any of the powders he has said the only other that I would try would be H4895.
Bullets try Nosler 150 or 165gr Balistic tips to work out load, they are okay for deer in open country but just get some Partitions same weight or the accubonds work well also for big game like bears and moose
 
"...book on route via library system..." Go buy a Lyman manual. You'll be needing one you don't have to give back.
The .308 loves 165 and 168 grain bullets with IMR4064 or Varget. 150's are good for deer sized game with the same powder.
"...the best Die set..." There really isn't a best die set. However, RCBS and Redding are on my bench. Redding dies are less expensive with no drop in quality. A full length sizer die will do nicely. You don't absolutely need an SB die. You will need one or the other though. Lever actions are like that. So are semi-auto's.
 
If you have a buddy with more experience, enlist him for "hands-on" help!

Never, ever forget to clean, then lube your cases before resizing. Buy a stuck case puller 9cheap), because you inevitably WILL forget to lube, at least once.
Check OAL of loads your rifle likes against your magazine, if you are anywhere near close, consider going to bullets with a cannelure and applying a (SLIGHT) crimp.
 
Keep the brass separated by brand.If you develop a load with one brand,it may not even be safe with another brand of brass due to variances in capacity.

As for Dies,I prefer RCBS or Redding.For primers,I prefer Federal.
 
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for 150 grain I use IMR 3031 or 4895, and a lee three die set, depriming/sizeing, neck sizeing, seating

P.S. the only reloading manual you will ever need http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
main_menu.asp
 
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You have a great manual in the Lee book that came with your kit. Other data is available all over the internet at websites like Hodgdon's, Nosler, Reloader's Nest, etc.
 
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