Equipment advice on loading for accuracy.

[boyzuker]

I've been reloading on my Dillion XL650 for nearly a decade cranking out .223 and pistol ammo but now I want to load for accuracy instead of bulk. I'm looking for some advice on equipment.

To start I'll only be loading .308 for both a bolt gun and a 308 AR. I'd prefer to go with RCBS as much as possible.

I have a lot of experience reloading but when it comes to hand loading I'm a total dullard.

[damndave]

Since you asked about equipment, this is what I suggest.

RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press
RCBS Universal hand priming tool
RCBS Precision mic
Redding Type-S FL Bushing die set
Redding Neck bushings (dependant on brass)
Hornady Comparator set

If you need a scale/dispenser I highly recommend the RCBS Chargemaster Combo

[the86d]

Since you asked about equipment, this is what I suggest.

RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press
RCBS Universal hand priming tool
RCBS Precision mic
Redding Type-S FL Bushing die set
Redding Neck bushings (dependant on brass)
Hornady Comparator set

If you need a scale/dispenser I highly recommend the RCBS Chargemaster Combo

Can't you prime (for accuracy) on the RockChucker?

[BSlacker]

Look over on the RCBS website they have a new press that is more for your desires, low volume and accurate. I have a RCBS Supreme and a Forester. Get the Forester for low volume accurate ammo. Use RCBS dies if you want. Unless you like primers all over the floor. For your low volume needs prime off the press.

[gemoose23]

Keep using your dillon650xl, as a starting long range shooter, buying new presses isn't needed..

Do the following things:

• Pay more attention to die setup pertaining ammo fitment to your guns.
• Use good components, those bulk bullets won't get to where you want to go.
• Consider your powder choice to ensure it is very consistent with the Dillon Powder dropper or consider purchasing a uniflow and die adapter.
• Brass prep is king...

Some reading at the bottom of the article... http://www.jarheadtop.com/articles_ReloadQuant.htm

[krwada]

I would not worry about getting a new press. What gemoose23 said is pretty much what you need to pay attention to. The best tools you can get are the ones that measure:
1. Headspace
2. Concentricity
3. Neck wall thickness and uniformity

Make sure you get good components
Brass prep is very important ... other than component selection, this is one of the few places where you can make a difference

[damndave]

Can't you prime (for accuracy) on the RockChucker?

Yes you can prime on a RC. Some people like to prime on the press, some don't. I honestly have not seen any difference.

[CK_32]

Since you asked about equipment, this is what I suggest.

RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press
RCBS Universal hand priming tool
RCBS Precision mic
Redding Type-S FL Bushing die set
Redding Neck bushings (dependant on brass)
Hornady Comparator set

If you need a scale/dispenser I highly recommend the RCBS Chargemaster Combo

This is a pretty solid list right here. Only thing I could add is a ogive gauge.

[CK_32]

Can't you prime (for accuracy) on the RockChucker?

You can but it's a pain in the a**. Ask me how I know


I also like the hand priming tool because you can feel the seating tension once seated. Not so much wih the press primer. The hand primer is better all around IMO.

[HighLander51]

You can load plenty accurate in .223Rem on a Dillon 650. Most 3 gun shooters run 650's. What distance are you going to shoot at?

[ExtremeX]

+1 on what Allied Armory said.

+1 on the hand priming tool...

For my rifle loads, I love my competition seating dies with a micrometer top and bullet guide.

[boyzuker]

Keep using your dillon650xl, as a starting long range shooter, buying new presses isn't needed..

Do the following things:

• Pay more attention to die setup pertaining ammo fitment to your guns.
• Use good components, those bulk bullets won't get to where you want to go.
• Consider your powder choice to ensure it is very consistent with the Dillon Powder dropper or consider purchasing a uniflow and die adapter.
• Brass prep is king...

Some reading at the bottom of the article... http://www.jarheadtop.com/articles_ReloadQuant.htm

What king of consistency is the dillon powder measure capable of? That is the reason I was thinking an additional loading setup was going to be required.

You can load plenty accurate in .223Rem on a Dillon 650. Most 3 gun shooters run 650's. What distance are you going to shoot at?

Starting at 300yds and moving out as my skills increase.

[damndave]

What type of powder are you planning on using? If it's something like Varget or R15 you will get charges ranging from 1gr apart. If you use something like 2000-MR you can get pretty consistent charges which would most likely spread a +/- .2gr range.

The key to accuracy is consistency. That's why precision shooters mainly load on single stage presses and weigh each charge.

More or less any decent 308 bolt gun with glass will be plenty accurate out to 6-900 yrds even with factory bulk ammo. But it comes down to if you want to hit the steel pig or hit the same steel pig's eye.

[rsrocket1]

What king kind of consistency is the dillon powder measure capable of? That is the reason I was thinking an additional loading setup was going to be required.

Starting at 300yds and moving out as my skills increase.

That doesn't really matter. Start out by hand weighing loads. I hope you have a scale. Use the Dillon PM to throw a charge into the scale, trickle up and dump it into the case. As the others said, component selection and consistency is the key. Only if you start measuring inconsistencies in what the 650 delivers (if any), should you buy something else.

[xray30]

I pretty much agree with what most people are saying here. Consistency is key in precision. What kind of budget are you working with? What type of accuracy are you looking for?