6.8SPC in the works, now need to learn to reload

[PaperPuncher]

So, I decided that for my next AR style rifle I would build a 6.8SPC that I could use for hogg hunting. The main reason I did this is because it would push me to start reloading. I have always thought about reloading but didn't really have anything chambered in a round that offered my a decent advantage over buying factory. I also didn't really have a need to shoot .5 MOA groups. Now that I am building the 6.8SPC I have given myself the necessary excuse to begin this process. Eventually I will go progressive but for now I am looking into single stage for the accuracy.

What I would like to know is if there are any classes local to the north or east bay area that will teach me the basics of reloading. I am very mechanically inclined and OCD when it comes to detail so the thought of reloading doesn't really frighten me however I do not know much about brass and QCing my used brass. Anything that will help with the safety aspects and the like would be great. I have seen a ton of videos online and read several articles, posts, papers, etc. but I feel a class with live hands on practical experience would be great. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it.

Thanks -

[krzgoat]

Welcome to the beginning of reloading PaperPuncher. Funny my next build is a 6.8SPC as well I just haven't gotten there yet as everything seems to be funneling into reloading components.

I have in the past put on a reloading clinic, free of charge in Vallejo. I am hoping to put together another clinic soon. If you look in this forum you should find a listing for Bay Area Reloading Clinics. There may be some others in the works, planned or scheduled.

Or if you'd like a one on one session I'd be happy to help schedule that as well.

[joelogic]

My $.02, start looking for components now. Brass, stick to a uniform primer pocket size. Ssa makes small pocket high quality brass. Bullets, find some nice hunting hpbt's. Powder, there are many choices.

OP- What city do you live in?

[PaperPuncher]

Welcome to the beginning of reloading PaperPuncher. Funny my next build is a 6.8SPC as well I just haven't gotten there yet as everything seems to be funneling into reloading components.

I have in the past put on a reloading clinic, free of charge in Vallejo. I am hoping to put together another clinic soon. If you look in this forum you should find a listing for Bay Area Reloading Clinics. There may be some others in the works, planned or scheduled.

Or if you'd like a one on one session I'd be happy to help schedule that as well.

Thanks for the tip. I will look around the site to see what I can find for clinics. I was thinking of gathering all of the components for reloading first but then I figured maybe I should start by shooting the SSA stuff first 1) to break in my WOA upper, 2) I could build up a collection of good once fired brass while doing this that I can use later to work up a good load 3) I will be able to get an understanding of the round, BC, and all the other knowledge that goes along with shooting a new round (new round for me anyway). Not sure if this is the right way to go but I have trouble controlling my spending when it comes to things that go "Boom", imagine that???

Man, what an offer, a 1 on 1 clinic. I may have to take you up on that one. I am in Livermore but am of course mobile. I will take your advice and look around here to see what I find but I really appreciate the offer. That is an incredible gesture.

[PaperPuncher]

My $.02, start looking for components now. Brass, stick to a uniform primer pocket size. Ssa makes small pocket high quality brass. Bullets, find some nice hunting hpbt's. Powder, there are many choices.

OP- What city do you live in?

I had that same initial thought but when I started looking into components more questions kept coming up. For instance small primer vs. large primer (I see a lot of different opinions on the net, pros and cons for each), then with the different bullet weights, twist rates, different chamberings (SPC II, Rem. chamber, then there was this other one I found which sort of a culmination of all the good aspects from both) you get the idea. Basically this made me feel like I should try a few different rounds out to get a good idea of what shoots best in my rifle and then work a load up from there. I could be putting the cart before the horse but I had no idea and since I could get what seemed to be good factory ammo from SSA I just started building the rifle.

I am having WOA build me a LH 18" upper with the SPC II chamber, 1:11 twist. Should have it soon after the first of the year but I am not going to rush them since I feel like this may just make me too excited. I have been looking around to see what loads people have put together for these specs but there are so many different ones I couldn't bring myself to start buying components until I felt somewhat commited to a certain spec or base line.

Anyway if you have any advice that might point me in a specific direction or on how to work up a couple loads for those specs that would be awesome.

And BTW...I am in Livermore.

[bruceflinch]

You can come over to my house & I'll show you how to load some 308's for me...