Decided to start reloading for 6.8 SPC

[nedro]

So I've been going crazy trying to find good 6.8 factory ammo. There's not much available besides the new Remington that only Sportsman Guide seems to carry.
So I found a new Lee Turret press here on CG for $50.00.
I just bought a Forster ultra micrometer seater die and full length sizing die.
I also want to buy a reloading guide/book. Anyone have a preference between these two or other suggestions:
Nosler "Reloading Guide 8" Reloading Manual
Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" Reloading Manual
Both can be found at Midway USA.
Any starter kits of good quality or which accessories to look at?
Again;
New to reloading
So far I only have a Lee Turret press (Bare), a seater die and a full length sizing die.
I will start reading the reloading 101 sticky tonight. Is there a shopping list of needed supplies and tools in that thread? I guess I'll find out.
Any help for an extremely green reloader is welcome.
Thanks.

[bubbala]

Where are you located? You can go crazy following all the different advice you'll get on line. If you keep to the lee manual at first, you should get the basics down. I ask your location because someone might be able to help.

[bigdawg86]

The Lee Classic Turret is a good press, but I think you won't get the same precision as a solid single stage would get for match type rifle rounds. I think these are the bare minimums.

1.) Press
2.) Dies, cheapest would be a two die RCBS set. If you want better control over your brass get a set with neck bushings.
3.) Trimmer. Lyman universal is good for low to medium volume, for high volume I like the Little Crow Gunworks Worlds Finest Trimmer II
4.) Scale, I prefer the RCBS 5-0-5 scale over digital.
5.) Powder dropper, depends on your intended use if you want to use the Lee for the turret, or just get a quality steel one like RCBS or redding. If you go with Lee you will need the double disk set for rifle reloading I would imagine.
6.) Tumbler
7.) Caliper, Dial or Digital. Your choice.
8.) Get a reputable load manual. Read it.
9.) Loading tray.
10.) The Lyman universal case prep kit is pretty good and includes everything you need for brass prep. I doubt 6.8SPC needs swaged so I didn't include that
11.) Lee factory crimp die.
12.) OAL gauge is / case gauge is helpful but not absolutely required. The case gauge will allow you to ensure you brass is sized properly. I purchased one for my AR in 6.5 creedmoor, but my once fired brass shows that what the gauge calls "in spec" is actually resized much more than I actually needed. You can just shoot a box or two of factory ammo out of your gun, then use the once fired brass as a guide to your chamber size and how much to resize. YMMV. The OAL gauge will allow you to fine tune bullet seating depth to the lands (rifling). This may not be needed because in magazine fed guns you are limited to what the magazine accommodates. You would just load to max OAL to fit in magazine.

That should get you started without getting into the fringe stuff. If I think of anything else I'll add it.

For fun here is a video of me loading 9mm on a Lee Classic Turret.

[Shab21]

Are you loading for an AR? If you are you need a gauge to measure head space. I have a L.E. Wilson. Also go to 6.8 forums and start reading, after a reloading manual they have a ton of great info on bullets and powders. Plus a ton of info on OAL. Make sure you get a crimp die if you are reloading for AR as well.

[nedro]

Thanks for the tips. I've been looking here and there to get more info on everything.
I live in Campbell (South Bay Area)
My 6.8 is an AR.
I'm looking at getting the lee auto disk powder hopper and a Lee Factory Crimp Die.
I do have one question now. Do most of you prime the cartridge out of the press? Or do you use that primer that hangs off of the press?

How about a suggestion on my first reloading manual?
These are the two I mentioned above;
Nosler "Reloading Guide 8" Reloading Manual
Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" Reloading Manual
Are either one a good starting point?
Can you suggest a better one?

It looks like I need to do some (allot) more research before even asking you guys any more questions though.
Thanks.

[dwalker]

I have some 6.8SPC brass round here somewhere.

I have a lee autodisc setup for sale as well, but no FCD in 6.8

[God Bless America]

I use a Lee press and Lee dies and shot a 1 MOA group last week. And a somewhat bigger one too, about 1.3". The POI changed when I adjusted the scope.





S&B brass, H322 powder, 95 gr TTSX bullets from an AR with a 3-9 Vortex scope from sandbags. I weighed each charge, cases were trimmed with a Lee trimmer and flash holes deburred.

No need to overthink it.

[Divernhunter]

Buy and read the Lyman #49 or #50 book. Then you will have answered about 90%+ of your questions.
Then get back to us for help where you could not get the answers from the book. Then you will understand enough so answers posted here make more sense.

[roadglide2003]

Lee and Lyman are great books to have for reference and good reading. Previous post to check out 6.8 forums is excellent advice. Alot of people like AA2200 for 68 spc. My barrel enjoys Hogdon 4198. Good luck. 68 is a ver fun round to load and shoot.


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[someoneeasy]

instead of the auto disc, maybe take a look at the auto drum?