A little concerned about reloading for Garand.

[2meterB]

I have the 4064 powder.
I've got CCI 200.
And 150gr .308

My brass is HXP.

I've been looking for CCI 34 vs CCI 200, but from what I've read, CCI 200 is perfectly fine, with proper primer seating depth.

I know 4064 is no problem with the op rod.

150gr is 'just about right.'

Was going to order Lee Pacesette 30.06 full length dies, and found several discussions specific to HXP brass -

-That HXP brass won't size properly unless small base is used. But others say small base isn't needed, and small base dies get stuck "very easily" and need a lot more work than just some spray lube.

And an improperly sized HXP case will "stick" on its way into the chamber and contribute to out-of-battery detonation via slamfire.

Looking for any experience you all have on this specific brass.

[bigdrunk92037]

I have reloaded quite a bit of HXP brass using Lee dies. First and foremost I use lanolin case lube (Dillon but others work). I have never had a stuck case using lanolin. Had quite a few stuck cases using other lubes.

Do you own a 30-06 case gauge? If not, get one. If the case passes after sizing you will be fine.

[fast54vw]

Lanolin, like sheep's wool?

[Citadelgrad87]

I'm pretty new. But loaded up a couple hundred hxp using dillon dies, which are full length/small base dies, iirc

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=893839

I've used dillon and one shot, and haven't stuck a case yet.

150 grain projs, and a light Garand specific load, and they shoot well.

No issues. Here are my threads and some good info.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=904232

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=895417

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=95963

[Enfield47]

HXP brass, like all military brass, is thicker than regular brass, but I haven't had any issues resizing it. I use regular RCBS dies (not small base dies) and have never had a problem. For case lube I like Imperial Sizing Wax. If you resize them properly, you won't have any issues.

[2meterB]

Sounds good. I'll probably pick up the lee or rcbs (whatever's cheaper) and get started.

Thank you.

[Divernhunter]

I use RCBS small base dies and RCBS Spray Lube. Never any problems.

I use the RCBS lube on everything from 204Ruger to 50BMG and do not get stuck cases. I have had stuck cases with Hornady One-Shot and will no longer use it.
I use CCI/Rem/Win standard and mag primers. Seat them properly and all will be fine

[thenodnarb]

I use Lee dies and HXP brass. I guess I have noticed that some cases are hard to resize completely. I'm using RCBS case lube. Usually if its hard to resize, an extra helping of case lube seems to help me get through it(that is I reapply case lube a little thicker). I'm also using a tiny RCBS jr press which may not have as much leverage as a better press. I would NOT use a commercial spray lube. RCBS case lube is basically lanolin as I understand it. It works very well.

My load with 4064 and 150s is 47 grains with a standard CCI 200 primer. For 168's I back off 1 grain. Very accurate in my garand. Since garands are on the low end of charge weights and pressure levels, I've found that "working up" a load is not necessary in a garand if you stick to the "proven" recipes. The cases wont show any pressure signs at garand-safe levels. If you see pressure signs on your brass, it means you are running the risk of damaging the op-rod.
Good luck.

[2meterB]

So no RCBS spray then either?

[chknlyps2]

I am pretty sure the RCBS pump spray is lanolin based as well as the Dillon pump spray, it makes my fingers feel the same as the home made lanolin lube I make. Imperial sizing wax is great also. The Hornady one-stuck aerosol spray lube I will no longer use on rifle rounds. 3 stuck cases for me was enough.

All the HXP I have resized with my RCBS dies plunk right into a case gauge with no problems and cycle fine in my Garand.

[2meterB]

Thanks!

Should have my dies from Fedex on Monday.

[Divernhunter]

No. RCBS Spray lube is great. I resize 223/308 and 50bmg cases which have been fired in a full-auto firearm. They are the hardest to resize.

[M1NM]

HXP brass, like all military brass, is thicker than regular brass, but I haven't had any issues resizing it. I use regular RCBS dies (not small base dies) and have never had a problem. For case lube I like Imperial Sizing Wax. If you resize them properly, you won't have any issues.

Reloaded military brass for my M1s for over 20 years. +1 on this

[rg1]

I've reloaded for 4 Garands, 3 CMP models and one Springfield made and use both RCBS and Hornady standard full length dies. Only thing I'd add is that chambers on Garands can be long and at near maximum headspace dimensions. I would highly recommend a headspace gauge such as the RCBS Precision Mic or Hornady's Headspace gauge set to accurately measure how much your sizing die is pushing the shoulder back. Headspace can be as much as .008" or so and if you adjust your sizing die to push the shoulder back to zero every time your brass won't last long and you could easily risk a case separation. Measure your fired brass in your 30-06 Garand and try to push the shoulder back only about .004". If not then carefully check for case stretching with the bent wire feeler method. Also, Garands are hard on brass. Check for bent rims. Your bullet and powder is Garand safe. Not much difference is case weight between the HXP and Remington 30-06 brass. I load RP, Win, and HXP brass with the same charges of IMR 4895 and my shooting shows very little noticeable difference in accuracy or velocity. Now if you're a top match shooter then maybe. HXP is good reloadable brass. You do need to remove the stab crimp marks before seating primers. Your case mouth deburr tool will cut them out with a couple turns or a primer pocket swager is easier and faster. USE Garand data as standard 30-06 loading data maximums are higher than wanted in your Garand. Same components in a Garand has maximums usually 2 or more grains less powder than shown for regular 30-06 loads.

[2meterB]

I used this method to set my .223 sizing die:



(30.06 pictured...)

With the .223, I get 2.161 as fired. The closest I can get is about 2.160 after sizing, and neck tension seems to be OK.
What I did was measure a lot of fired brass to come up with a consistent number,
then I'd size and measure, adjust, size and measure the next piece, adjust... Took about 5.

Do you think this same method will be OK with the 30.06?
Looks like I'm around 2.854

So as long as I size 2.850 or closer I should be good...