First Try at Reloading.....

[essexboy]

Without meaning to sound offish etc, with a question like that I think the best thing you can do, as others have said is buy a good reloading manual.
Everybody has to start somewhere and some times these things can seem to be a bit daunting, you can normally find someone in your local club that will be more than happy to help you along and point you in the right direction.


Essexboy

[LeighC]

Not offish at all, Essexboy. I've got a Lee manual and a number of other books, but none of them seem to include the powder/bullet combination I have on the shelf. Everyone I've spoken to at my club seems to have a different point of view and I've always learned better by doing rather than listening, but this isn't really something you can afford to be cavalier about or go down the 'trial and error' route! All constructive comments gratefully received.

When I started all this, it looked fairly straightforward, but I had underestimated the difference in loads for each individual powder........If I'd thought about it, a quick visit to the Vihtavouri site would have told me all I needed to know to get started.

I'll call one of the old boys in the morning, see if I can't borrow him for a few hours. If you don't hear from me again after Sunday, you know I've cocked it right up!

[Alpha1]

Alpha1 wrote:

Vitavouri don't quote for 175 grain in there .308 reloading data. 170 and 180grain but no 175grain.


They do in edition 8...I've got it in front of me in black and white...

Ok no problem I stand corrected.

[essexboy]

If you don't hear from me again after Sunday, you know I've cocked it right up!

I would prefer that you didn't cock it up as I'm shooting Sunday and the idea of bits of rifle flying around stickledown really dose not appeal
As long as you stick to listed loads in a manual you will be ok. I say in a manual as although the Internet is a wonderful thing it allows any old Billy bob to post his so called demon load that can shoot the legs off a gnat at a 1000yds and shows " no signs of pressure in his rifle" but just happens to be 5 grains over a listed maximum.
I always think that reloading is almost a 2nd hobby and the sense of achieving better scores/groups than are available with factory ammo is a fine thing.
Good luck and welcome to a brand-new world.

Essexboy

[John25]

You have all you need, the bits, books and good advice.

I would add only that reloading requires consistency and above all, concentration.

No radio, TV or other distractions and don't reload when you are tired. Believe me, I know.

Also, don't be put off by scare stories about disasters, you will be fine if you follow the book.

You should also be aware that you are about to sell your soul to the devils of 'I must have (one more bit of kit) and would it be better if I.....

Good luck in convincing your missus ( if you have one) about the extra kit.

[LeighC]

Don't worry, Essex, I'll be nowhere near Bisley.

Thanks John, I'll turn the radio off before I start

[lapua338]

In my .308 rifle (26" barrel) I was using 42.3 grains of N140 in a Prvi Partizan and/or Lapua case and a 175 Sierra HPBT bullet.

Since changing to TR140 (which seems to have similar characteristics to N140) I've been using the same load with no evidence of dangerous pressure levels.

[LeighC]

I'm still here Shot 35 of the 180 rounds that I loaded up yesterday, didn't notice any real improvement in accuracy over factory loads, but then I'm in it for the fun, not the competition.

I was careful to be methodical about it, made them up in small batches and it was a very enjoyable experience. I will be investing in some new kit though, doing everything with a single stage press is somewhat time consuming!

[Alpha1]

I like to load full bore rifle especially .308 on a single station press I enjoy the whole process. I have tried progressives and turret presses and finally settled on my Lyman crusher it is the only press I use.
I have recently acquired a Arbor press now all my .308 ammo is built using this and Le Wilson dies. If I am developing a load I normally start with 30 rounds. I shoot three shot strings starting with my reduced load in for example six rounds. I shoot the two three shot strings then the next six will be plus .5 of a grain and I work up from there.
I would not load lots of ammo because if it is not right you have just wasted powder and components. Once you find that sweet spot then you can go for a decent run.
If you are developing a load for a new rifle you will be a very lucky man if you get the load right first time. Make small batches and work up.
180 rounds is a lot for load development.