New to rifle loading

[ar15barrels]

Thanks it's the 308 ultimate die set neck sizer 90695

Measure your collet mandrel diameter with a micrometer (not a caliper) in the area where the case neck would be during sizing.

[steelholder]

Measure your collet mandrel diameter with a micrometer (not a caliper) in the area where the case neck would be during sizing.

I would if I owned one, ill see if I can borrow one.

[kevins750]

You are loosing the value of minimal work hardening of the brass that neck sizing only produces.

True, if you dont anneal.

[boiler1]

Correction to my 1st post.
Yes lube after tumbling and before sizing. I tried others but RCBS or Dillon pump spray lube have been the best. That is why I said tumble to remove the lube after sizing. 20min or so in treated corn cob with used dryer sheet cut into 1/4's.
Only trim if needed or you feel better doing it each time or for new brass. I do new hunting brass just because.
something I forgot is to deburr flash holes after trimming if you choose to. I found Win brass is the worse for needing it. I have a Lyman hand tool for this.
Yes 1st thing to do is get the Lyman #50 reloading manual and read it. That will answer 90% of your questions.

If you are loading for hunting in Ca you will need a non-lead bullet. I prefer the Barnes TTSX or LRX depending on the cartridge. get Barnes 130gr TTSX for the 308win and load to max loads with the top relief groove just showing. You must use Barnes data for Barnes bullets. Get the Barnes book or data off their website or sometimes the Hodgdons website has data for the Barnes bullets. The TSX and TTSX data is the same.

[the_tunaman]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I am loading for precision only. Keep the responses coming please.

For my precision loads, I deprime first using a Lee hand press and a universal depriming die while sitting on the couch in the evening.

I then run them through my wet tumbler with stainless pins - the brass looks nearly new when finished.

I then carefully inspect each piece of brass to be sure none are developing cracks or signs of excessive wear.

Next up is lube, size/prime on my 550, and trim as necessary.

I prime the cases using my RCBS Chargemaster, then insert the projectiles on my 550.

Lastly I run the loaded rounds through my vibratory tumbler with corn cob media to remove any remaining lube.

[divingin]

Any thoughts on Imperial sizing wax? Or is it passe?
Also any thoughts about weighing empty cases, or is that later on?

Imperial is great. It's slow to use, and tough to lube the case neck interior, but it works well. I use it for my 6BR (no speed involved in loading for that.)

[kevins750]

Work up to MAX don't start there. Not all rifles and components are the same.
Chambers, brass and primers are variables.

[JagerDog]

For my precision loads, I deprime first using a Lee hand press and a universal depriming die while sitting on the couch in the evening.

I then run them through my wet tumbler with stainless pins - the brass looks nearly new when finished.

I then carefully inspect each piece of brass to be sure none are developing cracks or signs of excessive wear.

Next up is lube, size/prime on my 550, and trim as necessary.

I prime charge the cases using my RCBS Chargemaster, then insert the projectiles on my 550.

Lastly I run the loaded rounds through my vibratory tumbler with corn cob media to remove any remaining lube.

FIFY

[JagerDog]

Work up to MAX don't start there. Not all rifles and components are the same.
Chambers, brass and primers are variables.

^^^^this.

Diver just said the Barnes bullets tend to provide better accuracy near max. His max may be different than your max.

IME most rifles/rifle bullets like it near max.

[steelholder]

A question regarding the lee bullet seating die - im getting inconsistent OALs. Loading for 308 and aiming for 2.80, some come out at 2.805 ill adjust down a bit and get 2.80 then the next one is 2.792, back it off and the next one is right at 2.80, the one after that is 2.809 (after I adjusted to 2.80). Very frustrating.

I'm using the same projectile, make sure the primer is seated well and not protruding, trimmed all brass to same length, all brass is same brand once fired, die is locked down and not loose and I'm using consistent force. What else am I missing? This happened with other projectile types, fmjbt, hpbt, fmj rebated tail.

[baih777]

A question regarding the lee bullet seating die - im getting inconsistent OALs. Loading for 308 and aiming for 2.80, some come out at 2.805 ill adjust down a bit and get 2.80 then the next one is 2.792, back it off and the next one is right at 2.80, the one after that is 2.809 (after I adjusted to 2.80). Very frustrating.

I'm using the same projectile, make sure the primer is seated well and not protruding, trimmed all brass to same length, all brass is same brand once fired, die is locked down and not loose and I'm using consistent force. What else am I missing? This happened with other projectile types, fmjbt, hpbt, fmj rebated tail.

What bullets are you using ?

[steelholder]

What bullets are you using ?

Happened with Hornady 150gr fmjbt, and hornady 179gr hpbt

[J-cat]

Your COAL variance is normal. Mass produced bullets vary in length. Measure some factory ammo.

[gixxnrocket]

Your COAL variance is normal. Mass produced bullets vary in length. Measure some factory ammo.

Agreed!
(The bullet seating die does not align and seat from the bullet tip)

There is also the option of purchasing in bulk and then measuring bullet base to Ogive and then sorting.

Bullet profiles will differ slightly but atleast you can control cartridge head to Ogive. This should also get your jump to the lands more consistant.

[JagerDog]

A question regarding the lee bullet seating die - im getting inconsistent OALs. Loading for 308 and aiming for 2.80, some come out at 2.805 ill adjust down a bit and get 2.80 then the next one is 2.792, back it off and the next one is right at 2.80, the one after that is 2.809 (after I adjusted to 2.80). Very frustrating.

I'm using the same projectile, make sure the primer is seated well and not protruding, trimmed all brass to same length, all brass is same brand once fired, die is locked down and not loose and I'm using consistent force. What else am I missing? This happened with other projectile types, fmjbt, hpbt, fmj rebated tail.

Actually, you're using a different projectile (from the same box).