What powders and primers to start with?

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I am setting up to reload my own ammo. For the moment, I am interested in two basic loads:

1) Hornady 150 gr. FMJBT .308 for my M305
2) 168 gr. Sierra Matchking HPBT for my Savage 10TR

I know I am getting a RCBS Supreme Reloading Kit for my birthday, and it will have a manual for reloading as part of the kit. I'd like to lay in a stock of some basic powder, but I have no idea what to get. Based on what I am trying to do, what do you folks suggest? And similarly for primers?

Also, I want to buy a set of dies in .308. Based on what I have read, I like the idea of the Lee ultimate Rifle Die set, which gives you the option of full length resizing or neck sizing only for fire formed brass. Any thoughts or alternative suggestions?

Finally, I like the idea of the Hornady Lock n Load bushings, and it would be easy to add this to the RCBS press. Do these affect ultimate accuracy? What do people think of this system?

Thanks in advance for any advice or sugestions.
 
grey said:
I am setting up to reload my own ammo. For the moment, I am interested in two basic loads:

1) Hornady 150 gr. FMJBT .308 for my M305
2) 168 gr. Sierra Matchking HPBT for my Savage 10TR
Click to expand...

I'd start with Varget powder and CCI large rifle primers.


Finally, I like the idea of the Hornady Lock n Load bushings, and it would be easy to add this to the RCBS press. Do these affect ultimate accuracy? What do people think of this system?
Click to expand...

The LNL bushings won't affect accuracy. I use them in my Lee single stage press and love them, they make die changes so much quicker, I highly recommend them.
 
While you wait for your press grab a copy of the Lyman 49th edition. It will give you loads and some reading to do while you wait for your press.
 
Basicly you want to look at the primers and powders used for 308Win with those bullets in your reloading manuel and make a list. Then go down to your local gun store and see if ANY of them are available. Start with one that is
Sad but true theese days.
 
I would recommend the lyman 49th as well. RCBS kits come with the speer manual. I have one and it isn't my favorite book. Lyman covers many bullet types and manufactures. Speer is about speer.
 
I love my rcbs press, it's a good pick and won't leave you wanting to upgrade. Unless, of course, you want to pump out high volume.

As far as loads go...

When I start a new one I check the online resources like nosler and hodgdon. They will point you in the right direction. They're up to date. I have a bunch of reloading manuals but buying every one can add up.

Now some guys will just say google it, others will say don't trust what you read on the internet.
Both are true in a way.
If I google "hornady 150 308 loads " and spend my time reading A LOT I'll get the idea of what powders to use to point me in the right direction. Basically what has worked for others.

Then I'll refer to a trusted PUBLISHED source for my min/max loads and go from there.

My final advise is definitely pick up at least one good manual (like Lyman, hornady, nosler etc.) and read, read, read.

It's a very rewarding, frustrating, never ending endeavour.

Have fun!
 
I started a thread on my 10TR success so far. I skipped the 168gn and went to 178 A-MAX. I want to shoot out to 700yds and beyond, 168gn is likely to not get there supersonic. I tried it on another gun with less than stellar results.
I use IMR4064, and seems accurate from starting loads up to max. I used Lee data and had no pressure issues. I did not chrony, but that is on my to-do list.

I loaded the 150gn with Hogdon BL-C(2) to a medium charge and it cycled no problem in my M305. I cannot say if it was accurate as I seem to be having trouble with seeing through the sights. The starting load cycled but it did not throw brass very far.
 
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