.308 reloading equipment & supplies

[Butthead]

I need some advice for getting started reloading for .308

Rifle: Tikka T3 Super Varmint

Objective:

1st Learn to shoot rifle at various distances up to 600 yards using match grade ammo then switch to hunting ammo shooting out to about 300 yards.

2nd Start reloading my own, developing two loads, one match style and one hunting.

I currently reload for my .50 and have a Lee classic press, electronic powder dispenser and scale.

What I need (I think):

Inital match ammo (bought a case of FGMM 168 already)
Initial Hunting ammo (Deer, pig, and maybe varmint)

I would like to be able to re-use the brass from initail purchases for reloading if possible.

Reloading supplies:
Dies
Powder
Primers
Bullets (hunting and match)
Brass (if needed)
Trays
Load data

I dont mind buying quality products and materials so $$$ does not scare me away however any info as to where to purchase for less (I dont want to throw $$$ away) would be appreciated. If I missed anything here please let me know.

Sorry for the long post but I know its hard to recommend anything without knowing what I have and what I am trying to do.

Thanks,

Butthead

[Beelzy]

Benchrest primers, and maybe a case trimmer.

I achieve the best performance with Sierra and Hornady bullets, and follow
their recipes. I did notice that the newest Hornady book has load data that
is a little more tame than the 20yr old book I am using. Damn Lawsuits!

[Butthead]

Benchrest primers, and maybe a case trimmer.

I achieve the best performance with Sierra and Hornady bullets, and follow
their recipes. I did notice that the newest Hornady book has load data that
is a little more tame than the 20yr old book I am using. Damn Lawsuits!

I have a two trimmers and will order a new case holder for my Giraud in .308.

Are the Bench rest primers large or small primers? Are the Sierra bullets Matchkings? Are the Hornady's A-Max? That's what I shoot in my .50.

Thanks

[Beelzy]

Federal 210 Match primers for your 308, and Matchkings are what I have been using for long range shooting in my 243Win.

[rksimple]

If you already have reloading equipment, then your list is good. The amaxes are great match bullets and hunting bullets. I've used 155 amaxes in my 308 for the last 2 years for deer and bear. They kill stuff quick. The 168 amax, if it shoots well in your gun, will be functionally identical to the matchking. Except the amax is much better on game.

For my match loads now I'm using 155 scenars loaded to about 2850 with 44.5 of rl15, 210m's and winny brass. It would be lapua brass all the time if I didn't lose brass at matches.

[Butthead]

Sounds like A-Max's might be a good choice for me as I would only have to develope a single load for both hunting and paper punching. Is there much of a difference between the 155 vs. 168 A-Max's? Is it just whatever the rifle likes best or ??? In .50 cal I only have one weight choice, 750.

Who makes the RL15 powder? Is there any other powders that work well with the A-Max's? Is Lapua the preferred choice for longevity? How often (if ever) do you anneal? What about the Federal brass that is on the FGMM ammo.

Sorry for all the questions, thanks for all the help.

[Whitesmoke]

You can reload the Federal brass....but it's known to not give you many reloads as the primers get loose quick. I would stick to Winchester, LC or Lapua brass if you buy any more brass......

I use the 175 and 168 Sierra Match kings with great sucess...as well as the Nosler 168 Custom Competition 2nds (MUCH CHEAPER when available!!!)....the A-Maxs should be good too. I also have used IMR 4895 power with great sucess as well. RL15 is also a good choice.....with Varget being popular too.

I just use regular CCI 400 Large Rifle primers so far...when those run out, I'll probably try BR primers and maybe even the Russian primers.

[rksimple]

The 155 amax isn't as good as the 168 or 178. Its BC is low for what a match 155 should be. I'd stick to the 168, or even better, the 178 amax. That would be one load to do all from hunting to competition at 1k.