Precision reloading: Lee Classic Turret vs Single Stage (Rockchucker, Co-AX, etc)?

[adrenaline681]

Hello, I'm reloading 308 for my Tikka T3x CTR, I've managed to get my group sizes to an average of 0.8 MOA with a max for 1.0 MOA and min of 0.6 MOA. I'm using A-Max 168gr bullets, Varget and Winchester Brass.

I would love to get my groups down to an average of 0.5 MOA. I've tried playing with seating depth and amount of powder but it seems like I can't get it to go lower.

My reloading setup is the Lee Classic Turret and Lee 308 Ultimate Rifle Die. So I'm wondering if the wiggle on the Classic turret 4 hole turret could be the cause of higher group sizes. And if so, would another press like the Rockchucker or the Co-AX will make a difference to be worth the price.

I'm also wondering if a better die set will help more than a single stage press. Or better brass like Lapua.

Where do you think I should invest my money first? Better Press, better dies, better brass?

Thanks!

 

[Fastestmanalive]

I would say quality brass but you need to provide more info about what you currently use.. If the press is the issue, your measurements with the caliper would tell you (base to shoulder and base to ogive). Clock your loads with a chrono, this is a good evaluation of your reloading. Low Standard deviations and extreme spreads in muzzle velocity are signs you and your equipment are doing a good job. The opposite tells you something is wrong or that you are not in a node.

Good luck. The journey to sub half MOA is not always easy.

And neck tension, it matters and it is another ball of wax.

 

[littlehughey]

I would invest in tools to measure variance before I invested in a new press. Get a concentricity tool and check for runout in the brass or the seated bullet.

 

[Pr589]

A better scale may also help depending on what you currently use. +1 on tools. Chrono, COAL measurement. Run-out measurement.

 

[adrenaline681]

A better scale may also help depending on what you currently use. +1 on tools. Chrono, COAL measurement. Run-out measurement.

I have a scale that is accurate up to 0.001g. I also have the Hornady bullet comparator which I use to measure COAL consistency. As well as the headspace comparator.

Chrono is something I've been wanting to get but I've read that the cheaper 150 dollar ones are not very accurate and the last thing I need is trying to get a load with the lowes SD when the equipment is not accurate. I feel that would be a bigger headache. So I will have to save some money before getting a decent one like the Magnetospeed or Labradar.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Bed the action properly and make sure the barrel is well free floated

higher mag scope... wind flags. Try a Sierra 168gr MK. If all of this doesn't change your result...

New barrel and it will shoot better.

Jerry

 

[cosmic]

As you are a relatively new shooter, you need to realize that the accuracy you achieve on paper is based upon your capabilities and that of the rifle. For example if you are a 0.8 moa shooter, and you have a 2 moa rifle, you are going to get 2.2 moa on paper. (calculated by the square root of the sum of squares) If your rifle is a 0.8 moa shooter, then the paper result will be 1.1 moa. If your rifle is a 0.3 moa shooter, the paper result will be 0.9 moa.
The point being that the shooter can often be the controlling factor in group sizes, and that efforts to improve the performance of the rifle will have a marginal effect.
FWIW - You should let someone else shoot your rifle with your best load....