My first .308 round ever

[Pauliedad]

Thanks, that was a typical group up through 41 grains. Ill go from there next batch.
Is the reason some don't crimp that it effects consistency? I'm using dillon dies but added a redding seating die.

[SmokeWagon]

Thanks, that was a typical group up through 41 grains. Ill go from there next batch.
Is the reason some don't crimp that it effects consistency? I'm using dillon dies but added a redding seating die.

Some shooters swear it affects accuracy while still others say not crimping affects their accuracy. That's why I say it is a personal preference and just another thing you need to experiment with to see what results you get. It's quite like powder, some guns like certain powders better than others while some guns will shoot anything you put in them. To the best of my knowledge all factory ammo comes crimped and that includes match ammo so that's got to count for something. As I said those are some very consistent and excellent grouping you got there with your crimped reloads so try a few without crimping and compare to see if you can tell a difference.

[delta 1/7]

I have a Remy 700 spa been doing .308 for a while now.. and this my personal fav.
Nosler Ballistic tip 165 gr spitzer
With IMR 4320 43.5 gr

[delta 1/7]

Sorry to post again ....

It should say sps
I never crimp my rounds, and have pretty good accuracy

[Pauliedad]

I realize this is a newb question so bear with me please.
If I don't crimp, then I need to load the round directly into the chamber instead of sliding bolt and picking up the round from the magazine?
My concern was that if I'm cycling from mag I could get some set back. Neck tension has seemed good otherwise.

[atdski07]

35 gr seems to light of a load.
My 308 load with 150gr bullets are upwards of 42 gr with varget

sent from my tin foil tent via d.o.s. using a apple computer with a floppy drive

[downrange67]

43.1 grains of varget with 155 SMKs and 43.5 with 175s No crimp...

[SmokeWagon]

I realize this is a newb question so bear with me please.
If I don't crimp, then I need to load the round directly into the chamber instead of sliding bolt and picking up the round from the magazine?
My concern was that if I'm cycling from mag I could get some set back. Neck tension has seemed good otherwise.

If you are really concerned about this may I suggest that you make up a magazine full of dummy rounds. Just FL size and trim to length enough brass to fill up whatever your magazine capacity is. Then without putting primer and powder into the cases add your bullet and seat them to your desired OAL. Once you have them all made up load them into your magazine and then cycle them through your rifle catching them upon extraction as you do not want them hitting anything ground/table ect. Once you cycle them all then measure them and if the OAL is unchanged or only slightly shorter you can rest assured that you are good to go with fully loaded non-crimped rounds. This should ease your concerns and give you peace of mind.....good luck and happy trails....

[jvpark]

Easier to load compared to .223.

I spent a lot of time in the under 40 grains arena but really loved it when I went to 42-44grains (albeit I normally load a 168grain .308)

At 100 yards all is good at under 40 grains but when you go longer distances is where over 40+ grains makes a difference.

I suggest shooting at 200 - 300 and see your groups... betcha might find a higher load a bit more desirable.

Congrats!

[Pauliedad]

Smokewagon, thanks, good idea. Will check it out.

I'm taking out a bunch of 155gr a-max over 42.2 gr to a 300 yard range tomorrow to see how they/we do.
I brought some factory 168gr in case mine get ugly.
Will post some pics /results tomorrow.

[Pauliedad]

Update on my first .308 reloads



Got to shoot my loads today at 300 yards.
This was a pretty typical group.
The last flyer was me choking on the last shot.
I was almost giggling.

Thanks for the help and support.

[pennstater]

300 yards? Ok then. Try 41.0-41.5gr IMR 4895 with the 165's or 168's if you have any.[Sierra's] Also, what is your OAL?

[Pauliedad]

The 300 is once in a while. Mid feb is my next chance.
I have hornady's 155gr and 165gr
The above 155s were 2.80
The first 165s were 2.75

Before I shot my loads I shot 5 rounds of 168gr Winchester factory to warm me up. I think my ammo was more consistent.