Reloading help with bushing size for Win 308 brass?

[happy trigger]

I'm ready to start reloading for the first time. I went with Randall's less expensive list of items for match grade 308 win. The only thing I need to get started are the neck sizing bushings, so here's the question. I'm shooting a Rem. 700 5r and using new Winchester brass, and Federal brass from once fired " in my same rifle". The Federal brass is from new American Eagle 168 grain OTM, the M1A Matches stuff. What size bushings do I need to get for this Brass, and any recommendation on brand. Thanks in advance for any help on this, and thanks again to Randall for all the great info, without it I'm sure I wouldn't be as far in this as I am.

[FLIGHT762]

Take a loaded round of the ammunition brass that you are going to use. Measure the outside diameter of the neck (use a mic or a digital caliper).
When you get your measurement,deduct .001" and that will be your bushing size.

I use a .337" for Federal brass, .333" for Hornady brass and .331" for Winchester brass.

[Ahhnother8]

new Winchester - .333
3x fired or more Winchester - .332

Redding TI Nitride bushings

[RaymondMillbrae]

Just went through something similar recently.

I believe it was SWAT SNIPER above who set me on the straight and narrow.


Hornady brass - .333" neck bushing
Winchester brass - .331" neck bushing
Federal & Lapua brass - .336" neck bushing (.337" works for Federal brass, but Lapua uses a .336" neck bushing. So I went with the .336" neck bushing and killed two birds with one stone).


I'll be calling you again soon, Jerry.


In Christ: Raymond

[Fjold]

I like use the bushing that is at least .003" below my loaded round's neck diameter because you will get .001" of spring back of the cases after sizing which leaves you .002" of neck tension.

[Tox]

.336 works

I use a .336 for loading Fed brass for my 5R, and that seems to work fairly well. I certainly wouldn't go any tighter than that with my components (1-5x FGMM brass, SMK175s).