Reloading for M1A Standard .308

[Cypriss32]

I load 308 for my M1As on my 550. However I FL size all my cases on my single stage RCBS press.

[rm1911]

[Mr Blu]

Tons of good info. Thanks.

[divingin]

For the OP's benefit, the bushing is a sleeve with internal 7/8-14tpi threads. On the outside is a locking system that mates with the opening in the press. The die is screwed into the bushing, then the bushing is inserted and locked into the press. Changing a die involves about 1/6 of a revolution to release and the same to lock, rather than screwing the dies out and in with multiple revolutions each way.

Lee uses interrupted thread bushings. Hornady uses bayonet mount bushings. While both work, they are not interchangeable (not sure if you were implying that or not.)

While the bushings are handy, you can do the same thing on a standard threaded, non-bushing, press by using the lock rings on the die as the preset. You just have to turn the dies in and out more.

[lordmorgul]

For the OP's benefit, the bushing is a sleeve with internal 7/8-14tpi threads. On the outside is a locking system that mates with the opening in the press. The die is screwed into the bushing, then the bushing is inserted and locked into the press. Changing a die involves about 1/6 of a revolution to release and the same to lock, rather than screwing the dies out and in with multiple revolutions each way.



Lee uses interrupted thread bushings. Hornady uses bayonet mount bushings. While both work, they are not interchangeable (not sure if you were implying that or not.)



While the bushings are handy, you can do the same thing on a standard threaded, non-bushing, press by using the lock rings on the die as the preset. You just have to turn the dies in and out more.

You can also do basically the same thing with a Lee classic turret press if you remove the center rotator temporarily and manually switch between dies. I do this for batch processing rifle loads, and put the rotator back in with different turret for each pistol for set so all does stay adjusted.

A single stage press will get slightly better accuracy and repeatability but just slightly. Spot checks of die settings works well when starting again on new turret/caliber.



Andrew - Lancaster, CA
NRA Life Member, Calguns.net contributor, CGF / SAF / CRPA / FPC / NAGR / NRA-ILA contributor, USCCA member

[Sailormilan2]

My set up is a Hornady Lock N load progressive. Most of my dies are my old, and I mean really old, RCBS dies that I got back when I started loading on a RCBS Jr press. The only Dillon tools I have are the primer pocket swagger and their case trimmer.
Many people recommend using small base dies if reloading for a semi auto, especially the M1A/M14 platform. That may or may not be necessary with your gun. Brass life will be short, probably in the neighborhood of 4-6 loadings before needing to be tossed.
Ball powders meter more consistently. W748 and Bl-C2 being very similar to the military's WC846. However, most match shooters use, and much of the military's match ammo is loaded with, IMR4895 and IMR4064. Of the two, IMR4064 is slightly slower, and a little better for the heavier bullets, but IMR4895 meters better.
Shooters Pro Shop often has blem and over run bullets in the Nosler Custom Competition style on sale. They will be much cheaper than lead free.

[Rockzilla]

First off nice "toys" you will be happy.

Glen Zediker has some great info on loading the M1A, and a good starting
point. Have both the Garand, M1A's in different configurations, Match, Super
Match, plus standard plain Janes.
For 308, IMR-4895,IMR-4064,IMR-8208 or WC-846 if you can find it (cheap)
Presses: RCBS Rock Chucker is a great choice, built like a tank, Redding Big
Boss II, Forster CO-AX, single stage presses all will do what you want and
100 rounds will be no problems. Progressive, Dillon 550, 650, Hornady LNL-AP
for more volume, less time spent. Also note that you can use Hornady bushings
in the Rock Chucker, they make a conversion set. Scales, like the old "beam"
scales, Find an old Ohaus 10-10, RCBS 10-10, Lyman M5, made in the USA.
Have digitals but always end up using the beam scales, get a set of check
weights. Dies, RCBS, Redding, some use Small base sets, but haven't found
the need to use them, so use Full length. One thing on brass if you buy military
some may be fired in Machine guns with loose chambers, may take some effort
to resize. may need Small base but have still used F.L sets. Trimmers it's a toss
up, Giraud for large batches, Giraud Tri-way (driven by a small motor or drill)
smaller batches, Forster manual also. Buy once, cry once.

If I reload moderate number of rounds I do them in batches, use a old Lee
Autoprime (round trays) while watching TV.
Bigger batches, clean, prep, size..rest in progressive.



-Rock

[17+1]

For the OP's benefit, the bushing is a sleeve with internal 7/8-14tpi threads. On the outside is a locking system that mates with the opening in the press. The die is screwed into the bushing, then the bushing is inserted and locked into the press. Changing a die involves about 1/6 of a revolution to release and the same to lock, rather than screwing the dies out and in with multiple revolutions each way.

Lee uses interrupted thread bushings. Hornady uses bayonet mount bushings. While both work, they are not interchangeable (not sure if you were implying that or not.)

While the bushings are handy, you can do the same thing on a standard threaded, non-bushing, press by using the lock rings on the die as the preset. You just have to turn the dies in and out more.

Sorry no I didn’t mean to imply that, they’re a totally different design, same concept though. I really like that concept, reminds me of the ball lock, sleeve, and receiver bushings we used to use on ‘quick change’ CNC mill fixtures. On a cast aluminum press like the Lee I would imagine the large diameter interrupted threads on the bushing help slow down wear on the aluminum threads on the press. I use a very light dab of grease from time to time either way.

All the RCBS dies I have use the lock ring with set screw to keep the die position consistent, same idea. I’d prefer a dual lock ring setup which functions like a jam nut over the cheap set screw setup. Doesn’t matter though because you don’t use their lock ring with a Lee bushing.

[jtv3062]

I'm doing lead-free because CA is crazy like that.

Are you going to hunt with it? You don't need leadfree if you're not.

[dogrunner]

More than pleased with the Dillon dies on my 550..........Frankly, bit by bit I seem to be gravitating toward that brand for most of my tinkering.

Rifle's a James River....stock 14 configuration......Not into the non lead projectiles tho, and hopefully it'll stay that way here...still, using Sierra #2140 I get exceptional accuracy and excellent game results.

[micro911]

I reload for my Match M-1A for either match or practice. I use a Foster Co-Ax single stage press using Redding Competition die set. My loads are very accurate.

[JagerDog]

One more for the mix:

Redding T-7 press. Uses regular dies (cheap to premium, your choice). You can keep both calibers ready in one tool head. Easy to go back to a station to fix a screw-up, or even just decide you want another 100 (or 500).

My rifle dies are all Redding (except for the Lee mandrel neck-sizers for bolt guns) regular dies. My pistol dies are mostly Hornady.

What are your expectations? How much reloading time do you have? How do you value your reloading time?

Few shoot non-tox at paper beyond developing a load for hunting. Just too expensive.