Reloading help

[infidel325]

I’m new to reloading haven’t even started yet. I have boxes full of reloading equipment I got from my uncle. I don’t have any idea how to use it. I started going through everything and only have one die for .308. What brand or die set do you recommend?
My goal is to make what I already shoot. Federal premium gold 168 grain Sierra bthp. I don’t know where to start. I have a Lyman press. I need powder, bullets, and primers. Along with dies.
There is a company near me that will reload me what I need if I bring my brass for $1.00 a round. Is it worth me trying to do it myself or just having them do it? They are very good they do my 9mm for USPSA

 

[longgunJR]

Redding type S full length sizing die & micrometer seater are a great and popular choice I use them for my 6.5CM, I also have a Forster bench rest seater and a LE Wilson bushing sizing die for my 6.5x47L. I prefer the Forster & LE winson combination simply because they're made from aluminum and SS, so no risk of rust.
I prefer to have control over my loads plus reloading is a very useful skill worth learning.

 

[BBVDD]

How much do you shoot?
In the .308, are you looking to shoot more or are you just looking at making hunting loads.
Are you looking for less than MOA or are you ok with a 2” grouping at 100yds?

I reload pistol so I can shoot more.

I reload rifle so I can put 5 shots in one hole at 100yds.

 

[Campguy308]

Since you are just getting into it, I suggest a Lee die set, some matchkings, varget, and the large rifle primer of your choice. Watch YouTube videos for loading tutorials and read a manual.

 

[Ryridesmotox]

Yea I've made a lot of good ammo with a lee 3 die set. I now have changed a bit around... but basically, I would use the Full length sizer, and then the lee seater. Now I use the collet sizer and full length size as needed and use a forester micrometer seater.

Honestly though, I was making cartridges that could shoot .75 moa out of a factory 308 howa 1500. It's more about how you use the tools, than the tools themselves.

 

[antithesis]

Joined in 2011, 3 posts --- compromised SPAM account?

 

[infidel325]

No spam account here. I get in and out of shooting along with multiple other hobbies..
I don’t shoot that much. I’m trying to stick with shooting long range. I don’t have a lot of patience so I don’t know if reloading is for me yet. If I have someone that can reload what I need for $1.00 a round with my brass I’m just looking at what would be better for me right now. I’m leaning towards having them do it.

I don’t really hunt I have been a few times and never seen anything. Just wanting to shoot prs matches

 

[Campguy308]

Buy some factory 308 and show up at a match. Then decide if you want to stick with it and reload

 

[antithesis]

Based on what you are saying (minimal time and patience) I would say it is not a good fit for a new handloader. The demands of loading quality rounds for PRS requires a decent knowledge of load development plus the time to process enough rounds.

 

[infidel325]

What has me on edge about reloading is the fact that I have to test the rounds to see what load works best for my rifle. When I go to the range I just want to shoot. Seeing how it is a stock rifle barrel idk if it is worth the investment or time until I really stick with long range. If i do stick with it I would like to get a new barrel and then start reloading.

 

[Campguy308]

If you are unsure, and don't have patience, stick with factory unless you decide you really want to get into it. Otherwise, you will give up.

 

[infidel325]

I’m a lone wolf in pretty much any hobbies I do. I shot USPSA with a friend that introduced me to it for a few months then he quit. I kept at it for about 7 years off and on won a few matches won a couple guns but it gets boring when you go by yourself. I have asked other friends to go but they are afraid. I don’t know why. I have always like sniper rifles and long range shooting. I used to shoot every weekend but it was only 100 yard range so it got boring. Now with the PRS matches at a range an hour away with 600 yards it got me back into it. There is one in October I have been wanting to go to but I only shot the 600 1 time. I can hit the man sized target with about a 4 inch group very consistently. But when I tried to hit the 5 inch plate it took 4 shots.

 

[FLIGHT762]

Reloading is a hobby. People who do it, enjoy it. I knew as a teenager many years ago, I wanted to do it. I enjoy buying tools to make the process better.

Doesn't sound to me like you have the interest. If you're not interested, you're not going to enjoy learning how to make accurate ammo. There's a bit more to making very accurate ammo.

If you look around enough, you can occasionally find Federal 308 GMM Match for @1.00 or so per round. find it for a good price and buy in bulk.

 

[Ryridesmotox]

If you really wanted to reload, you would know. If you already feel like you lack the patience, pass on it. You need patience and attention to detail to be safe about it. Dealing with little things that can blow you and your gun up if you do it wrong, is not something to be unsure about.

Keep the equipment in case you change your mind later. That stuff doesnt go bad. Just store it properly and it will keep for a long time.

 

[Anthonyc]

Just watch Johnny’s Reloading Bench on YouTube. That’s how I started. He’s got a boat ton of in-depth videos. I would watch his “A beginner’s guide to reloading” playlist. Very detailed stuff. Each video
Is about 40min-1+hour long.