Suggestions for getting into Rifle Reloading

Fusilier

Fusilier

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I've been reloading for pistol for about 6 years using a Dillon Square Deal B and a Lee single stage press. Now I'm in the process of buying a M14S (7.62 NATO) and a Stevens 200 in .308 Win and I will likely be wanting to reload for the two new toys.

Any suggestions on what additional kit I should pick up to get into the rifle reloading? I'll be reloading relatively small quantities - probably in the dozens at a time and likely only a few hundred a year.

First I'll need dies. I've been pleased with the Lee dies I have. Any suggested priorities for purchasing a die set?

I'll also need a case lube set up. I've seen the ink pad type and I've seen a tweezer set up on S.I.R.'s web site. I suppose there is also some sort of just spray on lube. Any suggestions on the easiest/quickest way to go?

I have a digital scale and a powder funnel with interchangeable tubes. Do I need a trickler? Should I just spring for a bench mounted powder measure?

My SDB primes my pistol brass at the powder station. What is a reliable and safe way to prime rifle brass? Should I use a hand primer or go for something that works on the Lee press?

I'll have to dig into my copy of the Lee reloading book and I expect I can pick up primers, powder, and if I'm lucky bullets locally.

I know that 7.62 NATO and .308 Win are close (but not exactly) to the same round. That said, can I use the same dies and other components? Should I be looking for a full length sizing die for rounds to be used in the M14? Perhaps only neck resize for rounds destined for the bolt action?

Thanks for your help in advance. I'm sure I'm not the first person here to run into this situation.

Cheers,
 
I don't have a .308 but I always thought that 7.62 Nato & .308 were the same round.
.308 being the commercial name & 7.62 Nato being the military name.

But I have been wrong before.
 
from what i read they are very similar and a nato can fit a .308 but supposedly some .308 may have fitment problems in a 7.62 rifle. but its a slim chance they wont work in either gun,
 
For limited quantities of rifle your Lee is fine.

7.62 Nato(51) and 308 Win are identical for all practical purposes.The semi auto may be more sensitive,so you should full length resize;with the bolt action,you might neck resize only.Depends upon how close the 2 chambers are.If I were not a precision shooter(I'm not!!),I would load the same round for both rifles.

I would add a bench mounted powder measure,and a Lee or similar hand priming tool.

All the best.
 
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the 7.62 brass will have less capacity from being formed thicker for diff reasons but both should work in one another .watch that you dont load to heavy for the semi. it will not take hot loads for very long
 
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