Texas Hunting Forum

New to reloading 308

Posted By: bhendoo

New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 01:52 AM

I have scar in 308 . I am having an issue with reloading the ammo to get it to cycle or even fully chamber. The problem is once fired at the base of the neck it blows a small ring that the sizing dye does not correct. Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can fix this. Thanks
Posted By: RHutch

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 02:00 AM

Small base dies will fix that expanded portion of the web of the case.
Posted By: bhendoo

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 02:25 AM

This will fix the base of the neck. Ive been using Hornady dies.
Posted By: DStroud

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 02:41 AM

Probably need to post pictures of the “ small ring” at base of neck.... that does not sound correct.
Did you setup your die per Hornady directions.
Posted By: glocker17

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 02:50 AM

Post a pic please.
Posted By: bhendoo

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 03:18 AM

[img]http://[/img][Linked Image]
Posted By: glocker17

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 03:50 AM

Die adjustment issue I think. Is the shell holder contacting the bottom of the die? Its helpful to have a Lyman ammo checker when setting up dies for a semi auto if you can acquire one.
Posted By: kmon11

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 04:04 AM

What dies are you using, looks like only partial neck sized from what I see there.

Is the base of the die in contact with the shell holder when case is fully inserted in the die?
Posted By: ChadTRG42

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 02:38 PM

That is 100% incorrect die set up when sizing. The die must make full contact with the shell holder during sizing. If you raised the ram, locked your die down to touch the shell holder, it was set up incorrectly. You need to lower the die down a few full turns to make solid contact.

Also, your FN SCAR is NOT a 308!!!! It is a 7.62x51. The difference is the pressure rating the weapon can handle. 308 Win is rated up around 61K to 62K psi, where the 7.62x51 is rated about 55K psi. This equates to about 2 grains of powder LESS than 308 Win data. So, make sure you load your ammo to 7.62 pressure, and not 308!!!
Posted By: unclebubba

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by ChadTRG42
308 Win is rated up around 61K to 62K psi, where the 7.62x51 is rated about 55K psi. This equates to about 2 grains of powder LESS than 308 Win data. So, make sure you load your ammo to 7.62 pressure, and not 308!!!


This is something that I never knew! So the 7.62 to .308 pressure relationship is opposite of the 5.56 to .223 relationship? Do ammo factories typically load the .308 down a little bit so that it functions safely in 7.62 rifles?
Posted By: ChadTRG42

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/26/21 03:08 PM

Correct, the 308 Win to 7.62 is opposite to 223 Rem to 5.56, in regards to pressure.

Another thing on the FN SCAR. It is a 7.62x51 rifle. FN states that it is ONLY warranted when shooting suppressed with their own (or some specific) suppressor. This is important for 2 BIG reasons. 1-The rifle has a selector switch at the gas port for shooting suppressed or shooting non-suppressed. When shooting suppressed, you MUST switch the gas block over to the "suppressed" setting. Second, when shooting with a suppressor, it adds about 3K to 5K additional PSI to the round. So the problem with the FN rifles is shooting 308 Win rated ammo in an FN, which is now already over gassed. Then add a suppressor for an additional 3K-5K psi and leave the selector switch open for non-suppressed (when actually shooting suppressed) and you have a time bomb waiting to happen.
Posted By: bhendoo

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/27/21 12:27 AM

I honestly have not had any problems shooting Hornady precision hunter 178 gr ELD-X. Which is a 308 win load. I’ve shot them suppressed un suppressed and smoked anything that I have hit with them. They are extremely accurate and the weapon cycles with no issues . Listed on the FN America website lists the scar as a 7.62x51 / 308 win. Basically the civilian version as I understand it.
Posted By: ChadTRG42

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/27/21 03:34 PM

I have spoken to the techs at FN about the FN SCAR 17, and it is 100% chambered and rated at 7.62x51. I looked, and I do not see anything about 308 Win on their website or in their spec sheets. For all intended purposes, it should function with 308 Win ammo. Hornady Precision Hunter ammo is known for being slow, so it would not surprise me that it would be in the 7.62 pressure range. I only mention this to you from my past dealings with FN and 308 Win ammo.
Posted By: bhendoo

Re: New to reloading 308 - 01/27/21 11:55 PM

Thanks for the information
© 2024 Texas Hunting Forum