.308 reloading tools advice?

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Smcx

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Hey all. I have a lee loadmaster (which I like just fine), and load tons of 9,40,357,45,44.

I now have a .308 gun and need to get set up for reloading for target shooting. Apparently the loadmaster is not the way to go ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Is the 50th anniversary kit a worthwhile investment? Is the perfect powder measure good? I need all the tools that come in that kit.

Thx in advance!
 
I started off with that Lee 50th Anniversary kit and it worked well for me until I eventually upgraded the powder measure to an RCBS QC Uniflow. I never had a problem with the Lee Perfect measure with stick powders like Varget and H4895. The deburring tool isn't the greatest and I'd recommend getting a Hornady one (RCBS is similar but more expensive). Since this is your first bottle neck reloading, you'll need to get a trimmer. The Lee scale is a little finicky but once you get used to its nuances it'll get the job done.
 
I use the anniversary kit. Never tried the powder measure though, I just bought a trickler and a funnel. I reload slow, so it doesn't really affect my loading rate anyways. I did upgrade the scale to a RCBS Rangemaster 750, but I don't imagine you'd be buying your first scale with the anniversary kit if you already load other calibers.
 
There really anything wrong with the press. You just need to understand how to use a progressive. A single stage will be easier but you can treat the progressive like a single stage if you want.... or do a few steps in sequence.

The big issue is the need to lube the case to body size then get rid of the lube. I do this on a single stage but you can just run all other stages empty and let the brass go around. Once body sized and cleaned, you can add the neck die, prime, manual weigh and dump the powder into the case, seat the bullet.

It will be a very "slow" progressive but useable.

Key is good dies and a good scale. For dies, I use the Lee collet neck die, redding body die and Forster seater. Until you get very serious for accuracy, the Lee scale or any other beam scale will work just fine. Just weigh charges for best results.

Can offer all of the tools and toys if interested.

Let me know..
Jerry
 
I use a Lee 50th. Usually do up 100 to 250 rounds at a time. Check the powder measure every 5th charge, have had a variance -/+ 0.1 grain, checked on beam scale. Have made up 5000+ rounds of 45 acp and 9mm, another 2500 rifle rounds (308, 30-30, 7.62x39, 303 Brit. Did have to watch little screw on the side as it worked it self loose, blue locktite fixed it.
 
Smcx said:
Oh, while we're on the topic, do i need to resize each time if all the rounds are shot from the same bolt gun?

Thx.
Click to expand...

You will at least need to neck size. The fired rounds might chamber in your rifle. but the neck will be too big to hold a bullet.
There are some who full size every time; others just neck size. I am sure there are others who will neck size most of the time, and full length size others.
Try both and see what works best for you. You might find a difference in accuracy / consistency in one method over another. You also have to look at your accuracy requirements, and decide how fussy you want to get.

For hunting rounds, I tend to full size, even if the brass came out of the same rifle.
 
Smcx said:
Oh, while we're on the topic, do i need to resize each time if all the rounds are shot from the same bolt gun?

Thx.
Click to expand...

You can get a neck sizing die like the Lee Collect die, Forster or Redding etc. That will resize the neck only and extends the life of your brass somewhat. Most times you don't need to trim after sizing unlike when you do a full-length resize. Only use neck sized cases fired from the same rifle that it is going to be shot from again.
 
I have been reloading .308 for my 10TR on my Anniversary Kit and it works just fine. The powder measure is a pain, when using IMR4064, but works fine for pistol powders.

I also use the Lee dies and have only neck sized. Pretty happy with my loads.
 
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