Thinking about reloading .308

[jcaoloveshine]

So, what would you guys recommend for me to get started reloading .308? After looking at .308 match ammo prices, I think this will be the only way to shoot accurately affordably. I've got a 700 Police, anyone know any good loads also? Thanks.

Also, how much does it average out per shot (just for bullets, brass, primers, etc) and can 308 brass be used more than once?

[MrSlippyFist]

308 brass can be used more than once. Also depends on if it's commercial or military brass. And 7.62 NATO will have a different case thickness than commercial 308

[-hanko]

So, what would you guys recommend for me to get started reloading .308? After looking at .308 match ammo prices, I think this will be the only way to shoot accurately affordably. I've got a 700 Police, anyone know any good loads also? Thanks.

Also, how much does it average out per shot (just for bullets, brass, primers, etc) and can 308 brass be used more than once?

Try www.reloadammo.com (or any one of a bunch of reloading websites). Get your bullet type, powder, brass, and primer list together. Check midwayusa.com for pricing. That'll get you started.

I'd start with 168gr match bullets ("shoot accurately affordably"); try a few different powders from the recipe web pages and go from there.

What I recommend may not be what your 700P likes...that you have to figure out for yourself.

-hanko

[MrSlippyFist]

What I recommend may not be what your 700P likes...that you have to figure out for yourself.

+1

I only have a semi-auto in 308, so my loads wouldn't do you much good.

[rksimple]

What equipment do you already have?

[Mikeb]

IMR 4895 is a good powder for .308. Start low and work up.
It's fun...
Mike

[jcaoloveshine]

rksimple, I have nothing at this point lol

[ocabj]

rksimple, I have nothing at this point lol

http://www.hornady.com/get_loaded.php

[rksimple]

rksimple, I have nothing at this point lol

Search through some of the old posts about reloading setups and get a feel for what your budget is. For 2-300 you could get a workable setup and be able to upgrade as needed. Good starter stuff would be:

Tumbler/media
Rockchucker press
FL die set
Imperial die wax
Lee trimmer w/ lockstud
Chamfer tool
Loading tray
Calipers
Lee auto prime w/ shellholder
Scale
Powder measure w/ trickler (something cheap like the Lee and trickle up)

I'm sure theres more I'm forgetting, but that'd get you by. And you can upgrade as needed.

[sargenv]

I have a 700V which is basically a P with a different stock. My rifle likes 125 gr Speer TNT's with 45 gr of IMR 4895. It might be because it recoils less than the 147's or 168's, but I can't be sure. I like 4895 since I have a good stock of it. Since I don't usually shoot much past 200 yards, the 125's are just fine and plenty accurate (Sub moa).

[Timberwolf]

There are several more or les std loads for a 308 bolt gun :

168 SMK

FGMM case, 210M, 42.5 IMR 4064
Same, same, 42.8 RE 15
Same, same, 42.0 IMR 4895
Same, BR2, 41.5 H4895

175 SMK

FGMM, 210M, 43.0 RE 15
Same, same, 42.2 IMR 4064

As always work up with caution