Ask the Reloading Experts

[TennJeep1618]

Which websites does everyone like to order their reloading supplies from?

http://www.xtremebullets.com/

http://www.wideners.com/

http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

http://www.grafs.com/

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/

I know there are plenty more, but those ought to get you started.

 

[Stagman]

Thanks!

 

[Stagman]

I have some .308 brass that has been fired 4 times, so what do I look for to make sure the brass is still good? How many times on average can .308 brass be fired before it's time to discard it?

 

[bohica793]

Neck splits or loose primer pockets are the two main failure points. Depending on how heavy you load them and whether you only neck size of full length size will determine how long they can last.

 

[Stagman]

Neck splits or loose primer pockets are the two main failure points. Depending on how heavy you load them and whether you only neck size of full length size will determine how long they can last.

I full length size. Which makes it last longer neck or full length sizing?

 

[bohica793]

Full length size new brass then neck size only after firing in your rifle. Makes them last a lot longer. Full length sizing is completely unnecessary after the first firing if you use the same brass in the same rifle as the case expands to the chamber size ("fire-forming"). Only the neck needs to be resized in order to return enough tension to retain the new bullet. This goes for all bottleneck cartridges, not just .308.

 

[3 men & a boat]

I was under the impression that any ammo to be fired in a semi auto should be full length sized also, is this incorrect?


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[Hunkyfish]

I was under the impression that any ammo to be fired in a semi auto should be full length sized also, is this incorrect?


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Yes,,,

 

[Stagman]

I am about to start loading Barnes TTSX 130 gr. in my .308 and I am wondering if I need to try a different powder for lighter bullets. I currently have IMR 4064, but I have been looking at buying Reloader 15, IMR 4895, H4895, or Varget. Should I try to load it with 4064 first or spring for a different powder?

 

[bohica793]

Hodgdon has published data in .308 Winchester with IMR 4064 with bullets from 125gr up to over 200gr. No reason to switch powder unless you are unable to find a load with that powder that works for you

 

[bohica793]

I was under the impression that any ammo to be fired in a semi auto should be full length sized also, is this incorrect?


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In bottleneck rifle, all I have are single shot so I cannot comment from personal experience. From reading various opinions, full length is preferred for semi-autos.

 

[JohnAL]

I use a load from the Barnes manual. 48gr IMR 4064 maximum (compressed in a Lake City case), standard primer. Barnes says 3100 fps. That's about as good as it gets. The primers show some flattening. Remember that Barnes also recommends a mild crimp with the 130s due to the bullet's short shank.

 

[Stagman]

I use a load from the Barnes manual. 48gr IMR 4064 maximum (compressed in a Lake City case), standard primer. Barnes says 3100 fps. That's about as good as it gets. The primers show some flattening. Remember that Barnes also recommends a mild crimp with the 130s due to the bullet's short shank.

I don't think I have a crimp die.

 

[TennJeep1618]

I don't think I have a crimp die.

I've got one you can borrow. I don't plan on using anytime in the near future.

 

[Stagman]

What happens if I don't crimp?

 

[bohica793]

Crimping keeps bullet from being pressed farther into case (which can result is dangerous pressure increases and rifles going KABOOM!) when used in magazine fed rifles. Additionally, crimp will provide for more complete ignition prior to the bullet entering the bore resulting in less/no unburned powder in the bore.

 

[Dan1612]

What happens if I don't crimp?

Also keeps bullets from slightly coming out under heavy recoil.

 

[Stagman]

I've got one you can borrow. I don't plan on using anytime in the near future.

Thanks for the offer but I went ahead and ordered a Lee Factory Crimp die from Midwayusa.com.

 

[bohica793]

I get all of my Lee items from these guys. Highly recommended and usually the lowest price.

http://www.titanreloading.com/

 

[TennJeep1618]

I get all of my Lee items from these guys. Highly recommended and usually the lowest price.

http://www.titanreloading.com/

I think my Lee purchases have been split between Titan and FS (https://fsreloading.com/).