How is reloading .308 for Bolt vs AR-10 different?

[Walstr]

Not new to reloading, but new to AR Platform. I've been cautioned about reloading techniques for these high power magazine fed thunder sticks. Where might I obtain info re: crimping,, resizing issues, die sets to avoid, etc. Does this site have a 'sticky' for AR-10 home brew newbies?

Thanks pards.

 

[AZgeek]

I would add two others:

Small base FL resizing
Stay away from max changes

 

[1jonathan1994]

Use a faster powder for gas guns so the action won't be trying to unlock while the powder is still producing psi.
Varget, Tac, etc for the heavies as the slowest.
Light bullets use H4895, XtermVariety, 8208, 10x, etc or faster.

 

[Walstr]

Thanks 1Jonathan1994 re: powders. I acquired 10+# of IMR4198 & Hodgdon BL-C(2) last year, not knowing what to do with it. Now I've got plenty powder for load eval, eh.

Tell me a little aboiut the die set I'll need. #1-Ball expander, full length resizer & decap, #2-seater, #3-taper or collet crimp?

 

[opeagle]

About any full length dies will do. I adjust them for the press and go.

Personally I use a Lee die to deprime as a stand alone stage. I tumble the brass then as suppressed AR10 gets the brass really dirty.

The Forster full length die, just with out the de-cap pin. Forster seating die, and a Lee factor crimp die.

 

[hafejd30]

When I loaded for my AR10 (RR LAR 8 308) the bolt worked as a bullet puller

I crimped to the point of crushing the case but the action slamming forward would move the bullet .005-.010” forward

That was the only frustrating thing for me. Only loaded for this AR10 and apparently have much to learn

 

[Walstr]

When I loaded for my AR10 (RR LAR 8 308) the bolt worked as a bullet puller

I crimped to the point of crushing the case but the action slamming forward would move the bullet .005-.010” forward

That was the only frustrating thing for me. Only loaded for this AR10 and apparently have much to learn

Very interesting precaution for me, thanks for replying. I'm a novice AR guy [don't even own one, but borrow my kids] & from hearing their discussions, I'm visualizing a buffer spring that is too strong, might accomplish what you're seeing? The cartridge is seated with so much force, that the bullet's inertia takes over & forces it to travel out of the case. I'll definitely keep an eye out for that. Thanks again for sharing.

Wally

 

[1jonathan1994]

Bullets getting pulled forward depends on the gun.
Many manufacturers use stiff springs, stiff extractors, heavy buffers and too much gas.
Mine have lightweight carriers and adjustable gas and scs. I'll check some coal before and after loading a few times.