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Reloading newbie, quick questions #6307027 05/22/16 03:25 PM
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Nivlac Offline OP
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So I've finally decided to start reloading for my .308 rifle in order to achieve consistent accuracy and save money. Due to an awesome rebate and sale price at Cabelas I've decided to get the RCBS starter kit. Anyways, I'm wondering what to look for in dies for my .308...will the standard dies work well for precision shooting or do I need the more expensive "competition" set? I'm not a competitor, I just enjoy target shooting.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/reloading/reloading-dies%7C/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/535998780/rcbs-reg-rifle-die-sets/731753.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Freloading-dies%2Frcbs%2F_%2FN-1113654%2B1000004440%2B4294383537%2FNe-1000004440%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_535998780%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/reloading/reloading-dies%7C/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/535998780/rcbs-reg-competition-rifle-two-die-sets/731771.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Freloading-dies%2Frcbs%2F_%2FN-1113654%2B1000004440%2B4294383537%2FNe-1000004440%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_535998780%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

Also one more question can someone recommend a powder to use. I plan to be shooting 168gr bullets.

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6307049 05/22/16 03:50 PM
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Standard dies will serve your purpose just fine. All my RCBS dies are the standard set.


People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf
Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6307051 05/22/16 03:51 PM
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Standard full sizer dies is good enough just for target shooting. I used RCBS dies to start 25 years ago, the more you get hooked into the reloading hobby and punching bugholes then you would need to upgrade to a competition level.

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6307054 05/22/16 03:56 PM
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I have always had good results with the standard dies. The comp dies among other things, will let you seat the bullet just off the lands. For the diff in the price I would go with the standard dies, to each his own.With the 168 I would use R12. Other's have their favs also. BTW, I not sure there a lot of savings in reloading today. When I started yes, now not so much.

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6307083 05/22/16 04:31 PM
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I like the Redding dies, they have the feature of using a Carbide sizer button, cuts down on lubing necks, really smooth.

But the RCBS stuff is great. Get some digital calipers, cheap and you will use them a ton.

I love Varget or RL-15 with you chosen bullet weight but there are a TON which will work great!!

Lots of knowledge here to help you just be ready for 1000 different answers (opinions) as there are allot of "experts" here too bolt


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6307098 05/22/16 04:48 PM
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Varget is one of the gold standards for 308.


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Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6307944 05/23/16 01:11 PM
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Nivlac Offline OP
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Thanks folks. I'm going to shop around and see if I can find some Varget locally to avoid hazmat fees

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6308068 05/23/16 02:41 PM
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Sometimes Varget can be hard to find, but there are plenty of good powders for 308. One good option is IMR 3031, and since it isn't one of the new 'popular' powders, it's usually easy to find. I use it for the grandson's 308, and accuracy is excellent.


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Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6308388 05/23/16 06:35 PM
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4064 has always been a good 308 powder for 168gr loads.

Last edited by glocker17; 05/23/16 06:35 PM.
Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6308651 05/23/16 10:40 PM
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I'll likely get laughed at here, but I'd start off with one of those all-in-one Lee Loader setups. $30.00 and you'll learn a LOT from that little kit. Also Chapters 1-10 of the Lee Reloading manual has a wealth of information whether you use their gear or not. Sure, they hawk their wares here and there, of course, but there's some really good basic information in those pages. Have fun and be safe!


"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

A. Einstein

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6308674 05/23/16 10:53 PM
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lol35



Just Kidding, I started with one in 20ga.


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Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6308727 05/23/16 11:31 PM
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I blew up a few primers reloading with the Lee -Loader crazy


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6308753 05/23/16 11:50 PM
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Read,read and read some more. Welcome to the addiction.

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Blackout Bill] #6310912 05/25/16 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted By: Blackout Bill
Read,read and read some more. Welcome to the addiction.


Says it all.. You might also consider looking into the below links..

http://grip-n-pull.com/
http://www.neconos.com/details3.htm - Quickload ballistic Program

Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6311150 05/25/16 07:10 PM
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Be careful, be safe and don't get creative with your charges and pressures. Take your time and give lots of attention to details. It'll save you a bunch of problems. texas


always room for another buddy!



Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6312103 05/26/16 01:32 PM
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Nivlac Offline OP
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I'm still getting all my supplies but have been reading up in the meantime. Ya'll are right this is addicting. So much info out there.

Last edited by Nivlac; 05/26/16 02:22 PM.
Re: Reloading newbie, quick questions [Re: Nivlac] #6312610 05/26/16 09:23 PM
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It's about as bad as fly fishing.....I alwys find myself stumbling across some new "must have" item for the bench, but continue using the same 30 year old stuff. It's fun, though, and most of the little doo-dads aren't expensive at all. The new stuff that IS pricey, like some of the new brass prep stations, is worth the bank, to me at least.

Last edited by Slow Drifter; 05/26/16 09:24 PM.

"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

A. Einstein

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