Reloading BS thread

I understand, been there and done it, Ive been reloading for 30 years.

 

Well I bought a .308 in the last few weeks and after buying 240 rounds I have decided I should get into reloading so I can shoot more for the same cost.
To my knowledge all I need is a set of .308 dies, bullets, powder, primer, powder scale, casing trays and possibly a primer system (I can't remember if we have one or not).

Probably gonna get some SMK's and gonna see what will work for a hunting bullet so I can build a load for my rifle.

 

I love the 308. Does everything I need it to, with pussycat recoil. I push light-for-caliber bullets as fast as possible for deer. Currently running a 130 gr TTSX in my mountain rifle, pushing it around 3200 fps in my whitetail load.

 

Anyone in here LOVE GOLD like me.

3,000-.400 hollow point bullets going in some 10mm Starline Brass

 

dont forget brass...

 

I've got 240 rounds of hirtenburger 7.62 from '78 that should work well for reloading as long as I can find berdan primers.
If not I'll find some brass.

 

heres an article...some work involved but I guess it would work. Theres also youtube video about it. As I believe berdan primers are hard to find.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?143855-Converting-Berdan-primer-pockets-to-Boxer

 

Good 308 brass is readily available and not expensive. I'd buy new brass.

 

yeah thats what I would do.

 

That's what I'll probably end up doing, gonna build the bench this coming weekend and then start digging stuff out of storage.
Before I spend to much on reloading I've got a few more things to buy (Plate carrier, plates, weapon light).

 

Getting into reloading as a hobby. My dad left me a 1968 vintage Lee Loader. I picked up a primer pocket cleaner, a Lyman manual and the new Lee dippers. I de-primed about 150 cases, cleaned the pocket and primed about 20 cases. Going to take it slow (which it appears is the only way it happens with the Lee Loader). I was a bit more concerned about popping a primer than it appears I needed to be. Trying to decide on what powder/projectile to go with. Not looking to set the world on fire. I think I am going to start with 38 Special (that is what I have the most brass for) target loads. I want to duplicate the 130 grain FMJ Winchester target ammo that I had or as close to it as I can get.

 

I got started as a kid with a Lee Loader. I reloaded 30-30s back then. Nothing like making ammo with a hammer!

Before long you will be hooked and looking to upgrade.

 

There are many good powders for the .38 Special.

Get yourself a good loading manual or 3, and try different loads until you find you and your gun both like. Be very careful about trusting any load recipe you find on the internet.

I use Unique for my .38s - old school, but it is a great powder for pistol cartridges.

 

Very solid advice.

 

Yeah. Like I said, I picked up a Lyman 49th edition. I was looking at Unique for the 38 special loads as well. My plan was to start light and work up (if I need/want to). For the 357 I was thinking IMR4227 (The Lee Loader calls for it and I have the dipper in CC's and the old red dipper for .357.) My understanding is that the Lee Loader specs have about a 10% built in margin for safety. I am leaning away from duplicating that load as it seems a lot easier to find some 158 grain SWC and load data in the Lyman manual is solid as well as the Lee Loader instructions. I just want to put holes in paper for now. After getting some experience with it, I might load some for hunting, but that would be a ways down the road. Thanks for the input!

 

Finished my first round of 38 special. Settled on 4.6 grains of Unique with a 158 grain plated Berry's Bullets FP. To me it seems the best way to do the reloading with the Lee Loader is to batch all of the steps. Decap all your brass, then size and prime all of it, flare, powder, seat the bullet and then crimp. Can't wait to take my first batch to the range and try it out!

 

I have an RCBS setup (single stage) and I process brass in batches. It is easier to do the same operation 100 times, than constantly switching the operation you are doing.

I will clean, deprime, resize when I have some time - I might not load the brass for months.

Just keep track of your brass - how many times fired, what processing has been done, etc. Good notetaking is important in reloading.

 

If you like the results and enjoy doing it, you will soon be wanting a press. It's fun playing with a hammer for awhile, but it does get old and takes a long time. You can get a small press and a portable stand fairly inexpensively. This is what I had in College: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/155024/frankford-arsenal-portable-reloading-stand
You can mount any press on it and store it in the corner or a closet out of the way. I still use it if I want to do any reloading away from home. I have a rockchucker mounted to mine, but almost any press will work on it.

 

Started building a bench today, everything was free except the plywood (3/4") gotta put a shelf in the bottom to help brace it and I may have to add some other bracing but I'm pretty happy with it, got a 4ft LED shop light to hang over the bench so I can see.
Also the runners under the edge at the front and back are 3"x4" boards so I have good strength on the edges.

 

Put a back board on it with a shelf or two and a 1/4" raised lip around the sides and front. Way easier to find dropped primers and small parts on the table than whereever they may roll on the floor.