.308 Reloading Cases for Springfield M1A

[Stkx66]

I'm looking to reloading .308 and am searching for advice as to which cases would be the best and most durable for running in the Springfield M1A. Powders would be Bl-C (2) and Varget on my single stage with either 147 or 168's. Also, any opinions or experience with Starline .308 cases? Thanks.

[Divernhunter]

I have yet to get any brass from Starline that was not excellent. That said I have not used their 308 brass but would expect it to be good also.

I have run all sorts of brass in my M1A with no trouble.

[edgerly779]

I am on my last federal match I got from the swat snipers few yaears ago. I loaded with 168 bt hp.

[LRShooter]

Varget doesn't meter very well. Are you loading for accuracy and planning to trickle each charge?

[highpower790]

Varget doesn't meter very well. Are you loading for accuracy and planning to trickle each charge?

Varget meters good enough to provide +/- .2gr,which is all a service rifle needs.

[Paseclipse]

M1A's LOVE 168 BTHP's. For cases try LC cases. It also helps a lot knowing your headspace dimension.

If you reload for an M1A, download and read Zediker's "Reloading for the Match M14"- http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf

A classic reloading recipe for M1A's is 168 gr SMK BTHP, 41.5 grains of IMR 4895, loaded in an LC case.

[smoothy8500]

I use mixed commercial brass and get about 4 to 5 reloads before the cases start showing signs of impending separation. LC cases got the same number of reloads before tossing. I didn't find LC worth the trouble of paying a premium price. A lot of people hate Federal brass claiming "loose primer pockets" or excessive stretch, but I haven't had issues.

[Stkx66]

Varget meters good enough to provide +/- .2gr,which is all a service rifle needs.

I will be trickle charging with a Dillon balance scale and a digital scale as well all verified with check weights. Fine tuning for accuracy will come down the road. I bought an RCBS Chargemaster with extruded and flake powder in mind awhile back that I have yet to unbox.

[highpower790]

I will be trickle charging with a Dillon balance scale and a digital scale as well all verified with check weights. Fine tuning for accuracy will come down the road. I bought an RCBS Chargemaster with extruded and flake powder in mind awhile back that I have yet to unbox.

Dont overthink the matter.

[Bill Steele]

Put me down in the hate Federal GMM cases camp. Way too soft for my taste.

[FLIGHT762]

I've had very good luck with the more recent Federal 308 GMM brass. It has blue primer lacquer around the primer.

I agree the older GMM brass is soft and primer pockets will give out in 2-3 loads. Not good brass, especially if you're purchasing it.

With this newer brass, I've been easily getting 10+ reloads out of them. Federal must have changed something in the annealing of the cases.

I've used a lot of 308 GMM brass over the past 30 years since I was fortunate to have a free supply of once fired cases.

[Bill Steele]

Good to know. It has been over 2 years since I loaded any 308 and I was working off 500 new Lapua cases for a couple of years before that. I actually unboxed all my rifle reloading bits a week ago. Everything is out now, so the only thing holding me back is getting the sprinklers working, flushing the tankless water heaters, servicing the Generac backup power, etc. etc. etc.

[Stkx66]

Thanks for the help. I ordered IMI Winchester cases and 147's with the cannelure to start with. Thanks Paseclipse for the article.

[acoop101]

I have been reloading the Turkish ZQI brass with good results, I get 5-6 loadings before I leave it on the floor. Being able to get the ammo loaded for 45 cents a round which shoots decently for me.

Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

[ducky_0811]

I've loaded Win, LC, LC match, and FGMM brass, all were just fine. Never had to retire a batch of brass from the piece itself wearing out, but the rims will sure get chewed up! Ejection is very violent and the extractor will really chew up your brass. FGMM and LC match brass have given me best results with 41.8 gr of 4064 or 42 gr of 4895 under a 175 smk. I've also loaded 155 a max over 40.5 gr of 4064 for good soft accurate load.

Good luck!