OK. I am new to the precision rifle game. Just picked up a Browning X-bolt Target in 308, 28" bull barrel, 1:10 twist. To date I have only tried a couple of boxes of ammo. It loved the PPU 145gr. Several groups under 1MOA at 100yards. Not so much the Aguila 150gr, more like 2-3MOA. Anyway the questions. I will be starting reloading soon. Have loaded a lot of handgun and 223 ammo for my Ar15 so am pretty family with the general principles of reloading. I use a Dillon 550 which I realize is not that great for precision. My range is limited to 300 yards so I can't do real long range stuff. I am looking for some good starting points for reloading, bullet types, powder etc. I figure at these ranges lighter bullets are the way to go. I know the heavier bullets are better at longer ranges but at 300yards I figure a smaller faster bullet will be better. I would appreciate suggestions.
308 Reloading
- Thread starter grinder08
- Start date
You can always charge separately and still use your dillon for precision reloading just dumping your powder into the case on station 2. Honestly i have had some really surprisingly accurate ammo come from using the dillon press' powder measure with spherical powder, cfe 223, h335 etc. easily holding 1-1.25 moa. @ 100 yards. Check hodgdon's reloading data site for load data. A lot of people will use hodgdon varget and 168 or 175 gr sierra match kings. I've had great luck there for the longer range stuff as well. 178's amax or ELD's should shoot well also and be fairly economical and should be a good bet if you plan to ever shoot out to 1000.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
I would go with the 168gr family from either Sierra or berger to start... Varget, match LR primer, prepped brass. Scale that can hold 0.1gr accuracy
good quality dies to reduce runout... have at it. The dillon is not a bad press... just measure the results at each stage to ensure you are getting what you need/want. If not, a single stage press is not much money and may be easier in the long run.
PM or email if I can help with stuff to get this going.
Good luck,
Jerry
good quality dies to reduce runout... have at it. The dillon is not a bad press... just measure the results at each stage to ensure you are getting what you need/want. If not, a single stage press is not much money and may be easier in the long run.
PM or email if I can help with stuff to get this going.
Good luck,
Jerry
I find 168's to be more stable at longer distance. I've got a 20' barrel and 155's were awful. Right now I'm loading 168 A-Max with 44gr of IMR 4064. I find it very similar to Vargent and I'll basically swap one powder for the other when I find either at a good price. If it weighs in up to 44.5 that's fine for me.
OK thanks guys appreciate the comments. This gives me a good starting point.
One thing, what is a good die set for 308? I have mostly used Dillon and Lee for the Handgun but Precision is s different game. I run a full length die for my 223 but I am shooting through an AR15. I here neck dies are a better way to go for a bolt gun.
One thing, what is a good die set for 308? I have mostly used Dillon and Lee for the Handgun but Precision is s different game. I run a full length die for my 223 but I am shooting through an AR15. I here neck dies are a better way to go for a bolt gun.
I use a Lee 50th Anniversary kit. But i use a digital scale. Works perfectly.
I just use a neck die for two or three reloads from the same brass. After that the case may start to be difficult to eject so youll have to full length it if you want to keep reloading that particular brass.
How many times you can reload a particular shell ill leave up to your discretion.
I dont bother fire forming brass alone. I just do a full reload after a full length re form and just run the ammo, so i am not taking it too seriously.
I just use a neck die for two or three reloads from the same brass. After that the case may start to be difficult to eject so youll have to full length it if you want to keep reloading that particular brass.
How many times you can reload a particular shell ill leave up to your discretion.
I dont bother fire forming brass alone. I just do a full reload after a full length re form and just run the ammo, so i am not taking it too seriously.
Running only 3 dies
As far as dies go, I am running Redding body die, resizes and pushes shoulder back without touching neck, LEE collet die, resizes neck only and decaps, Forster bullet seater
All 3 we're recommended and purchased from Jerry.
I'll second that. For one of my 308's I add a crimp die, seems to like it. I segregate my brass for each gun (I have three 308 precision rifles at the moment. That makes a difference too. - dan
