Advice on using brass and primers for beginner .308 win

Manwithoutastar

Manwithoutastar

Member
Rating - 100%
9   0   0
Location
Saint John, NB
As I’m slowly setting up a reloading space and reading a couple manuals (Lyman 5th edition, Nosler Guide 8) until I get some more, I’ve got components that correspond with the load data from the manuals. ie. powder(Imr 4064, varget) and projectiles(165 accubond, Barnes Ttsx 150), however the brass and primers listed in the data do not correspond. In this case Remington brass and cci large rifle primers are what I have. Both manuals suggested different brass and primers with their load data, save for the Lyman does use Remington brass. I should note I’m starting with . 308 win. How much of a roll will this play in my overall ability to develope accurate loads. Do most people follow the load data to a “T” when it comes to brass and primers? Thanks

Also, if you do have a Barnes manual that has the load data published in it for .308win with Barnes ttsx 150, would it be possible to send me a pic of the page ?
 
Last edited:
It don’t matter, , I just use the same headstamp brass, I just work up a load until I find what my rifle likes.
The manual data might be using a 26 inch barrel, where as I use a 20 inch barrel, so I just use their data as a starting point. Every barrel shoots a bit different.

I’ve found that primers do make a small difference in accuracy.
So depending on what your looking for, it may take a lot of different combos to get what your after.
 
If you want to get picky, you can take your same brand of Brass,( Remington) and weigh it for consistency.

For hunting, just use same headstamp, start at min load and make five rounds of each recommended load, pick the best one and work around that, in .3 g increments if you need to.
If I find a load shooting MOA or less, that’s acceptable for hunting, for me.
 
To start use the same brass, and primers and prep on all brass, and work up your load. I look at a couple of manual's and pick up a starting load and load in half grain increments from starting to max load and watch for pressure signs. I have had good luck with IMR 4064, IMR4895, Varget, TAC, W748, IMR3031 in my 308's. Make up 3 or 5 round batches of each load and shoot them, once you find your accuracy nodes, tweak powder and seating depth from there. Best of luck and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Cheers
 
I’d also start with the Varget first, it’s the best .308 powder I’ve used.
You should not even have to use the 4064.

Load 5 of each for the recommended data, there’s usually 4 or 5 listed.
That’s 20-25 bullits, you may find what your looking for without further testing.

If you find one load that shoots well, just load up a few more 5 round batch’s at .3 increments, above and below , your best group.

If you don’t find what your after, move to a different bullit.
 
Last edited:
depending on whether it is a semi or bolt will determine how you head space the brass. semi may not like the softer Remington. depends on how many times you re use the brass. set the primer deeper for floating firing pins. plenty on the net.
 
Brianma65 said:
If you want to get picky, you can take your same brand of Brass,( Remington) and weigh it for consistency.

For hunting, just use same headstamp, start at min load and make five rounds of each recommended load, pick the best one and work around that, in .3 g increments if you need to.
If I find a load shooting MOA or less, that’s acceptable for hunting, for me.
Click to expand...
Thank you, this information is very helpful. When you say use the same head stamp are you referring to using brass all from the same lot?
 
For best and safest results, dont mix anything - Varget may give you best results, and dont be afraid to try different powder/bullets.
I tried TTSX and TSX and had no luck with, but accubonds and game kings shot very well. You will get your own results of what works in your gun.
Remember, accuracy over velocity<<<<<<<<<<most common mistake seen with new loaders (i was one!)
 
Avoid federal brass for reloading. It is too soft and not ideal for reloading. The federal 210 or 210M primers are very good though. Winchester or Lapua brass has provided best consistency for me.
 
DonnieM said:
Avoid federal brass for reloading. It is too soft and not ideal for reloading. The federal 210 or 210M primers are very good though. Winchester or Lapua brass has provided best consistency for me.
Click to expand...
Winchester is readily available, however so is the Remington brass which is what is listed in the Lyman data I’m referencing. Any experience with Remington brass?
 
Manwithoutastar said:
Winchester is readily available, however so is the Remington brass which is what is listed in the Lyman data I’m referencing. Any experience with Remington brass?
Click to expand...

I only used Remington brass in my 220 swift years ago. I didn't find much difference between Win and Remington. I think I got more reloads out of Win though, and got neck splits on Remington more frequently. There was a noticeable difference in brass thickness at the case mouth (neck), I could and still can, differentiate between Win and Remington brass by looking at the case mouth. I've only shot Win or Lapua since in different calibers.
 
CECFCE4A-71FB-47DE-9282-82EA3F178B15.jpg
Manwithoutastar said:
You’re saying you start in the middle and make batches of loads .3 increments above and below that point?
Click to expand...
No,
If my Hornady, nosler, manual has five or six loads listed for my bullit, I skip the first( min) and last( max)
I then load the other recommended loads, find the best one and then work around that, using .3 g increments.

I found if you use their recommended loads, you’ll usually find one that works, and for me, it’s usually in the middle.

For instance, in this pic , I skip the first and last ,and use the rest.
 

Attachments

  • CECFCE4A-71FB-47DE-9282-82EA3F178B15.jpg
    CECFCE4A-71FB-47DE-9282-82EA3F178B15.jpg
    41.6 KB · Views: 101
For stick powders (Varget and 4895, 4064) use any stnadard primer. CCI is a good choice.,

For any ball powder (H335, BLC2, 748, H380) use a magnum primer or a Winchester standard.

Ball powder meters perfectly and is excellent for hunting quality ammo. For match ammo, Varget.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom