SCARED OF AUTOLOADERS...

[swerv512]

Firstly, I DID use the search function and i was able to find alot of advice- not certain which was good and which was bad though...

I started reloading recently for my rem700 .308. I love how wonderful it feels to shoot nice groups knowing that i made the round with my own two hands.

Ok, back to the topic. I want to start reloading .308 for my autoloader. I currently use 4064- what i believe to be standard issue powder (very compatible) in the military and i'll have to find some FMJs- (or something other than my accubonds for the autoloader). Should I crimp? The autoloader will be mostly for the range- it wont get roughed up too much. And i'm thinking that since the rounds and brass for the rem700 and the autoloader will be completely separate, that i wont have to full length size my brass, correct.? And now the primers- I'm using BR-2 right now for the rem700- probably too nice a primer for an autoloader but the real concern is accidental slamfire. are BR-2 primers more suseptible to slamfire than say a winchestor or remington primer. is there a risk here? that's all for now folks.
I appreciate any and all advice. thanks in advance.

[spareparts]

What the rifle make that you are loading for?

I would recommend IMR 4895 or H4895 for your auto loader, that's closer to milspec I believe and what I use for my M1A and Garand.

I do a very light crimp, others don't bother. You'll have to decide what's best for you.

You will need to full length resize your brass for the autoloader each time you load it.

I think the BR2's are too sensitive. I would do a bit of research on primers before deciding on one. I use WLR and have heard good and bad about them. But my experiences are all positive for years.

Do a bunch of research and reading before you fire your first reload in an autoloader.

[swerv512]

the autoloader in question is a PTR-91 and possibly an M1A. I know the PTR is very hard on brass- i'm looking at getting a port buffer for the PTR.
I'll look into that IMR 4895 powder. Thanks.

[tujungatoes]

4064 sounds about right to me, I use it in my 30-06 load for the garand.

Always FL size brass for an autoloader. I've only loaded for a few automatic rifles(garand, ag42, sks, ak47). I don't crimp, and have never found my bullets walking around on me. As long as you have good neck tension you should be fine. But if it makes you feel more comfortable go ahead and crimp. It certainly wont hurt. Also keep an eye out for signs of head separation, as auto's tend to kill brass much faster than bolt guns.

Like spareparts, I also use WLR primers. So I don't have any experience with the br2's, but I'm sure someone here will.



Toes

[spareparts]

If you go with an M1A make sure that your loads aren't too hot and that your powder burn rate is proper. Otherwise you'll bend the op rod and not be happy. For plinking with my M1A I'm using 41.5 gr. IMR4895 with a 168 fmj from Golden West Brass.

[swerv512]

thanks for the advice!

[Faust]

I would do as spareparts says; aditionally I would full length resize, trim my cases and crimp, there is too much work involved at any given time to skip a step and have a problem with your loads or your rifle.

[mif_slim]

A rule for Rifle reloaders:

"There is no short cut to reloading."

I crimp all my rounds for autoloader. I didnt have to, I gone a few thousand rounds with no crimps but I ran into one problem where the bullet set back into the case from one of my non-crimp rounds. Its my fault, but that single round from the 1000+ rounds that I shot without crimp gave me enough reason for me to crimp all my rounds from that point on.

But, you dont have to if you dont want to. I know some of the club shooters never once crimped their rounds and they've shot 10x more ammo then me.

[swerv512]

i guess i've decided to crimp. i dont shoot all that many rounds so it shouldnt be a big deal to crimp.

[Faust]

I hope you've decided to trim as well because it has far more consequence than crimp/no crimp.

[1859sharps]

Sierra has a pretty good write up for reloading semi auto rifles.

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloadbasics/gasgunreload.cfm

you can also call sierra if you have any questions. they have a toll free help line for any reloader.