If you're on Seattle guns there is a guy by the name of sagewa that does reloading sessions at his place, I'm not sure if he's still doing that or not though, he lives in Renton. He's also a modearator for the site and sells reloading supplies. I picked up some smk 175 off of him for trade. SeattleGuns.NET check him out.
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- Thread starter -Nick-
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As far as a safe case, visual inspection for cracks/imperfections. If the primer pockets start to get loose in a couple, I'll toss the whole batch. Blown primers are scary.
As far as case sizing, try to set the sizing die per the instructions. It should size most of the neck, and enough of the body to chamber in your rifle.
Thats my short take and I'm sure I left lots out.
As far as case sizing, try to set the sizing die per the instructions. It should size most of the neck, and enough of the body to chamber in your rifle.
Thats my short take and I'm sure I left lots out.
right on, yeah i did notice a few of my rounds were a little stiff when locking the bolt. I may need to make some adjustments.
FedCop, I use my rifle to help in sizing the case. Start with a fired case, put it in your rifle and try and close the bolt. Usually if its fired from your rifle it will close on the fired case with some resistance on the bolt handle. I then take a permanent marker and color the neck of the case. I start with the sizing die a little high and resize the case. I look to see how much of the marker has been rubbed on the neck. I then check it in my rifle. I don't want to bump the shoulder on the case much at all. I keep adjusting until I get as much of the neck being sized and when the bolt handle just starts to close easier. I like the bolt to still have some resistance as it lets me know that my magazine feed properly, without having to lose my check-weld on the stock.
Marker trick also good also when you are setting your OAL of the round. You can use it to see if the bullet is getting pushed into the case and to see if you are touching lands. I work mine to where they are just off the lands. Once I am all done I keep this dummy load to setup my seating die.
Marker trick also good also when you are setting your OAL of the round. You can use it to see if the bullet is getting pushed into the case and to see if you are touching lands. I work mine to where they are just off the lands. Once I am all done I keep this dummy load to setup my seating die.
NICE!! thanks for that, i have been all over the reloading board trying to figure out how to properly check this. i was sort of getting it with the sticky write up using a lighter to "smoke"the case but didnt really understand. The permanent marker explination you gave just made it all click. THANKS!!
One more question, will that OAL work with any grain of bullet? ie: OAL 168 smk and 200 smk is 2.825? in the same rifle of course.
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I setup one dummy bullet per projectile type. Due to different bullet shapes where they meet the lands will be different, even if the have the same OAL. The only real use for an OAL length measurement is to clear magazine length limitations. If you load to your very max magazine length you will eventually also get caught with rounds that drag as the metplat's aren't uniform on the SMK's. In a factory chambered barrel its not uncommon to run out of length in the magazine before you reach the lands.
I run 43.5 grains of Varget, 175 SMK, CCI BR2, LC 66 match brass, I seat to ogive, not COAL, but the length is right around 2.815.
Velocity out of a 24 inch DPMS LR308 is 2667 FPS.
Velocity out of a 26 inch Sako TRG22 is 2652 FPS.
I presume that the DPMS rifle's shorter throat causes higher pressures resulting in a higher velocity..Some day I want to get one of the Pacific Tool and gauge tools that allows me to clean up the throat. The DPSM rifle has had a short throat ever since I got it..I sent it in once, and they moved it forward, but it is still a pretty short throat.
Velocity out of a 24 inch DPMS LR308 is 2667 FPS.
Velocity out of a 26 inch Sako TRG22 is 2652 FPS.
I presume that the DPMS rifle's shorter throat causes higher pressures resulting in a higher velocity..Some day I want to get one of the Pacific Tool and gauge tools that allows me to clean up the throat. The DPSM rifle has had a short throat ever since I got it..I sent it in once, and they moved it forward, but it is still a pretty short throat.
Fedcop buying the right tools for reloading will always help make things easier and more consistent. A little money up front for a lifetime of use is well worth it.
Here's some things you can shop for to get everything you need for the questions you have.
Buy this to easily check the length of your bullets OGIVE to your rifles lands
Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gage Bolt Action
You'll also need these to attach to your overall length gauge, I've shown the .308 one but you would have to buy others for different calibers
Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gage Modified Case 308 Winchester
Buy this set, it should cover you for most of your reloading needs in checking the length of your bullets to your OGIVE and for seating consistency.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 6 Inserts
Here's the part to use with red comparator from the kit above to check your head space measurement and to verify a .002 to .004 bump of your shoulder
Hornady Cartridge Headspace Gage Bushing 400 Diameter
If you have any questions while doing anything feel free to PM me for my number and I'll see if I can help you along.
Here's some things you can shop for to get everything you need for the questions you have.
Buy this to easily check the length of your bullets OGIVE to your rifles lands
Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gage Bolt Action
You'll also need these to attach to your overall length gauge, I've shown the .308 one but you would have to buy others for different calibers
Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gage Modified Case 308 Winchester
Buy this set, it should cover you for most of your reloading needs in checking the length of your bullets to your OGIVE and for seating consistency.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 6 Inserts
Here's the part to use with red comparator from the kit above to check your head space measurement and to verify a .002 to .004 bump of your shoulder
Hornady Cartridge Headspace Gage Bushing 400 Diameter
If you have any questions while doing anything feel free to PM me for my number and I'll see if I can help you along.
Im going shooting at UNSC Saturday if anyone wants to meet up there. I am a member so I can take a guest with me if any of the new guys want to go.
awesome, yeah this is some stuff i am missing. Thanks all for all the help. Hopefully i will get the art of handloading down eventually.
bring a gun, i would have been super sad if i wasnt talked into brining my rifle to the first shoot. its a great group of guys and a ton of fun. I would bring a rifle just in case and all your gear and if you decide not to shoot thats ok but you will prolly shoot.
Doing good bud !
Unknown,Kevin and Nick are making sure to keep the UNSC range open for when you get back from school
Madrtcw do think about showing up early enough to go through the new shooters safety orientation at least, that way even if you don't shoot the next time you can show up later.
No better way to see what its like though than just shooting the match, we're all there to learn and help others do the same.
What you come away with is knowledge of what works and what you need work on and that's what its all about anyways.
Greetings. A buddy and I set two steel targets up at the uptanum. One at 1000 yds. And one at 800 yds last fall... finally made it out to make some shots at them yesterday.
The 800 yrd target was still there but the 1000 yrd target is gone ... grrrr
I wonder if someone mistaken this as part of the setups of their group?
It was 12x14x1/2 steel, painted yellow with chain welded to the back side and hung on two tee posts.
Please don't get me wrong I'm thinking there must be some mistake made ... never dreamed anybody would walk out that far and carry it out. Lol
I'm just wondering about were it might have gone and if you guys meet up there to shoot lr rifle then maybe let me know so I could join in on the fun. Thanks
Hugh
Hugh so many people other than just us here use that place it doesn't surprise me. The other people here that set-up targets know what is and isn't theirs. I highly suggest before leaving either taking them down and setting them on the ground or at least painting over the metal with a flat dull color so people can't see them. This is why I prefer to drive a little farther and go to the Moses Lake area. Sorry to hear about your steal though man. That sucks and is exactly why we don't post our spots up anymore.
Thanks Nick,just thought I'd ask...
Hope no offense taken ...
Happy shooting
None whatsoever man. It never hurts to ask and hopefully we're all looking out for each other and the equipment.
Typically I shoot locally at the cascade field & stream club with steel out to 450 yrds. For learning longer shots we set steel elsewhere ... figured any others would would only enjoy this target to shoot and not take the trouble to hawl it in... no big deal, live and learn
I will be taking my 260 out to Paul Bunyan tomorrow to chrono some loads if you want to bring your 308 you can use it. If anyone else wants to chrono their loads they are welcome to come out. I'm a member there and can bring quests so let me know what time works for everyone. I'm on vacation this week so I can be there anytime tomorrow.
Doing good bud !
Unknown,Kevin and Nick are making sure to keep the UNSC range open for when you get back from school
Madrtcw do think about showing up early enough to go through the new shooters safety orientation at least, that way even if you don't shoot the next time you can show up later.
No better way to see what its like though than just shooting the match, we're all there to learn and help others do the same.
What you come away with is knowledge of what works and what you need work on and that's what its all about anyways.
I'm not sure I'm going to get to come home for the summer. The PR director/ student recruiter of the college is wanting me to travel over the summer doing PR.. I may get two to three weeks off at the end of July if I'm lucky.. At this rate it might not be until Christmas that I get to go home.
Fedcop: you should sign up for membership at the SPAA. Get discounts and use of the LEO rifle range there or at least i think you can. Not to many people shoot there so you could do a lot of testing. Not the best range but it's private for the most part. Seattle Police Athletic Association Home Page
I have been there but ne er used the range. Its a bit far for me to drive for some testing. I want to find a good spot to shoot out to 1k somewhst close.
I just noticed that you live in Puyallup. I was thinking Federal way because of you Screen name :/
MADrtcw,
I really recommend that you bring your kit with you on the 18th. If you want, you can sit through the orientation/safety briefing, and do the short shooting exercise that is a part of the safety briefing. Then you would have the option to shoot, or not.
The matches are much more of an organized practice, with competition taking a back seat to everyone simply trying to improve their own skill level than trying to be the "top dog". The fellows really enjoy sharing tips and hints with everyone else. This cooperation helps everyone improve much, MUCH faster. And it makes for a much more relaxed shoot where everyone has a lot more fun, without all the pressure and stress that are usually at most matches.
I really recommend that you bring your kit with you on the 18th. If you want, you can sit through the orientation/safety briefing, and do the short shooting exercise that is a part of the safety briefing. Then you would have the option to shoot, or not.
The matches are much more of an organized practice, with competition taking a back seat to everyone simply trying to improve their own skill level than trying to be the "top dog". The fellows really enjoy sharing tips and hints with everyone else. This cooperation helps everyone improve much, MUCH faster. And it makes for a much more relaxed shoot where everyone has a lot more fun, without all the pressure and stress that are usually at most matches.
In fact the only pressure and stress added are all self induced
Someone needs more heckling...
Yeah i don't really have the proper gear at the moment, if i get what i need by that time we'll see. The cheap glass i got right now probably won't work so well, i got a good bi-pod though but if anything i'll go through the safety briefing.
I just received my order from Powder Valley. Tibor, & I went in on 1000 Berger 230gr Hybrid targets for our 300WM's. I will start my load work in the next weeks.
Lee claims that when you crimp with THEIR die it will shrink your group. I've had good luck in my 308s with the lee crimp. I use a light crimp
Crimping may have a small effect on accuracy as in some instances it can create more consistency in MV, especially in loose chambers. However it is only necessary in gas guns, & not all gas guns either. I have never crimped a bolt action load in my life. And many here can attest to the accuracy of my loads. Imho if you are running a gas gun then it would be a good idea to crimp a little. Otherwise just pay attention to your neck tension for consistency.
Of all crimping gizmos that I have seen, the Lee is the best one. Taper crimp for rifles has NOT given me good results. The violence of feeding and chambering can sometimes move the bullet with resultant change of pressure, velocity, and accuracy. I would avoid crimp unless needed, but you will need to test to determine if you need it or not. Most of my gas guns do not need a crimp, but I do crimp for one rifle.
A worthy benefit match in Wilbur WA
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...field-match-wilbur-wa-6-15-a.html#post2484199
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...field-match-wilbur-wa-6-15-a.html#post2484199
Alright guys, paper targets just aren't cutting it anymore. I miss the steel targets, so I think I may order one or two, what can you guys recommend for a kid on a college budget?
I picked up 6 boxes of FGMM 308 175gr SMK at work for anyone looking. I'm asking $165 for all 6 and I can either get it to someone at the match or you need to come pick it up from me. I'm only asking what I paid and I know some guys were looking for it earlier.
Thats a darn good deal right now, my buddy just called said sportco in Fife selling the same box at 39.99 a box. Price is dumb!
Dude if you know someone looking let me know. I thought someone else still needed them, so I picked them up for him but he turned around and said he didn't need them anymore. If someone in Seattle needs them I'm close to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. They could always walk over on the ferry and I can meet them at the terminal. You only pay one way for the walk-on passenger.
Nick,
That really sucks that you tried to do someone a favor, and get burned as a result. I sure hope you find someone who wants it. If you don't find a buyer for it, talk with Kevin and I at the match on the 18th, and we will see if we can work something out.
That really sucks that you tried to do someone a favor, and get burned as a result. I sure hope you find someone who wants it. If you don't find a buyer for it, talk with Kevin and I at the match on the 18th, and we will see if we can work something out.
You will sell them, if you have them by the shoot on,the 18th ill buy a couple of boxes.
