New to Reloading help

[exedotbat]

I am new to reloading, and so far I just picked up Speers reloading manual #14.

Based on some recommendations and research on this site I plan on picking up a forster Co-ax, and Varget powder.
What brand dies would you recommend?

Also is it typical that the ballistic coefficient is different in the book as compared to the data you see midway for example? I checked several bullets from speer and midway list the bc lower than what is in the book.

My rifle is a Remington 700 5R

The bullet that I think I want to try is a 30 Match BTHP 168 Grain. Would this be a good start?

Thanks in advance, I am sure I will have more questions

 

[Wil]

Re: New to Reloading help

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660

Seek your answers in that thread... once you have read through it you will have a better understanding in order to ask the correct questions...

 

[rrflyer]

Re: New to Reloading help

search the .308 thread.

If you can swing it RCBS is making a badass starter kit these days. Its about 700 bucks but it has everything you could want.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: New to Reloading help

Go pick up another manual or 2. Definitely get the Sierra manual if you are thinking of shooting 168 gr BTHP, and maybe the Hornady too. Don't worry too much about slight discrepancies about the BC. It is possible that some bullets have variable BCs, so one place may be posting them at a different velocity than the other. BC is mundane detail if you read into it too much. Just use the number as a ball park reference.

 

[exedotbat]

Re: New to Reloading help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660

Seek your answers in that thread... once you have read through it you will have a better understanding in order to ask the correct questions... </div></div>

I have read through that post, lots of good info. I guess I was more getting hung up on the BC. I don't like when I see discrepancies.

 

[exedotbat]

Re: New to Reloading help

Is there a place where I can find a definitive chart that compares bullet weights to barrel twists?

 

[918v]

Re: New to Reloading help

Ther's no chart because bullets vary in length from one manufacturer to another. A 175gr SMK is 1.235" long. A 168gr Amax is 1.300" long. As you can imagine, this anomaly would make the chart confusing.

I think that a 1.3" length is about max for 1-12" barrels. Any longer than that and you should use a 1-10".

 

[exedotbat]

Re: New to Reloading help

why don't they list the bullet lengths on the manufacturers website?

 

[bdh308]

Re: New to Reloading help

Exedotbat,

Bullet length is not as important as the measurement taken from the base of the bullet to the ogive. Invest in a bullet comparator. Sinclair and Hornady make one that will fit onto your dial or digital calipers that are inexpensive.

 

[918v]

Re: New to Reloading help

It is for the purpose of deciding what twist rate to use.

 

[918v]

Re: New to Reloading help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: exedotbat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">why don't they list the bullet lengths on the manufacturers website? </div></div>

Because they vary from lot to lot. I have an older lot of 175 SMK that measures between 1.225" and 1.235" and a new lot that measures between 1.245" and 1.255". I also have an old lot of 168 Amax that measures 1.3" and a new lot that measures 1.280".

 

[exedotbat]

Re: New to Reloading help

So what would you recommend for 11.25 twist. From what I understand 168 would be fine. Any other recommendations?

 

[Clark]

Re: New to Reloading help

I got the RCBS rockchucker reloading kit when I started rloading in 1999.
The following thing came in the kit:
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainSer...p;route=C04J148

<span style="color: #FF0000">1) Rockchucker press .. don't use it anymore, now use Co-ax.
2) "Speer 12" reloading manual... loads in it are a joke, I find my start load with Quickload software.
3) Bottle of glycerin for lube... don't use it any more, now use Redding imperial die wax.
4) Pad for applying glycerin... don't use it, I use my fingers.
5) Brush for lubing inside of case neck.. don't use it any more, I remove the expander ball so I don't need inside lube.
6) Loading tray made of plastic... don't use it. I throw cases into a TV dinner tray. I seat bullets as soon as I charge the case.</span>
<span style="color: #006600">7) 5-0-5 scale [Ohaus OEM]... I still use it.
8) Uniflow powder measure.... I still use it.
9) Inside outside neck chamfer [ Wilson] I still use it. </span>

 

[918v]

Re: New to Reloading help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: exedotbat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what would you recommend for 11.25 twist. From what I understand 186 would be fine. Any other recommendations? </div></div>

I dunno how long the 186 is, I suspect it's less than 1.35" long and should work with your twist rate, but you are pushing the envelope. I'd stay with what works in all 1-12", i.e 168/175 SMK and the 168 Amax.

 

[DaveV]

Re: New to Reloading help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: exedotbat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess I was more getting hung up on the BC. I don't like when I see discrepancies. </div></div>

Remember, BC's are directly related to velocities. The manuals only give a few samples so I'm not sure you're going to get the detailed info you are looking for. I don't own Quick Load but maybe it would be the direction to look for more specific BC info. Bryan Litz is a guru for BC's and posts here on SH. I'm sure he can steer you the right way.

 

[exedotbat]

Re: New to Reloading help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 918v</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: exedotbat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what would you recommend for 11.25 twist. From what I understand 186 would be fine. Any other recommendations? </div></div>

I dunno how long the 186 is, I suspect it's less than 1.35" long and should work with your twist rate, but you are pushing the envelope. I'd stay with what works in all 1-12", i.e 168/175 SMK and the 168 Amax.

</div></div>

I meant to say 168 Sorry

 

[918v]

Re: New to Reloading help

I thought you were talking about some weird Berger VLD.

The 168 and Varget are Gold in the 308. I think it is the perfect start. Then you can mess with specialty loads that require extensive load development.