I'm gearing up to start loading 308. Looking at the Midway site for a die set and my head spins with all the choices! What set is decent?

 

This will be my first attempt at rifle reloading. Been doing 38 and 44 for a few months now.

This is the set i use..has full length sizer die.. 2nd set this one is on my wish list when i get back into rifle shooting sometime in the near future..

 

http://www.midwayusa...-308-winchester

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/792423/redding-competition-bushing-3-die-neck-sizer-set-308-winchester

I have these,http://www.midwayusa.com/product/538030/lee-pacesetter-3-die-set-308-winchester I'm not reloading rifle anymore so if you might be interested in them and some other stuff, PM me.

If you are reloading .308 for a S/A, you may want to consider small-base dies.

If you are reloading .308 for a S/A, you may want to consider small-base dies.

 

That's exactly what I'll be reloading for!

That can be tricky. I also load for M1A. My rifle does not need small base resizing dies. I try not to use them if I dont have too because they really work the brass more and shorten its usable life if you dont need them. Basically you will small size the brass then blow it back up to normal size every time you fire it. I do have 1 tight chambered AR that really prefers SB sized brass and one that doesnt care. Unfrotunatly theres no may to tell til you try.

Ken

That can be tricky. I also load for M1A. My rifle does not need small base resizing dies. I try not to use them if I dont have too because they really work the brass more and shorten its usable life if you dont need them. Basically you will small size the brass then blow it back up to normal size every time you fire it. I do have 1 tight chambered AR that really prefers SB sized brass and one that doesnt care. Unfrotunatly theres no may to tell til you try.

Ken

 

On average, how many times can you reload your rifle brass before it has to be retired to the scrap bucket?

On average, how many times can you reload your rifle brass before it has to be retired to the scrap bucket?

 

I reload 308 for an old mauser so it is on the lower end of the load data. 8 times before i chuck it..

I like redding dies. If you are starting out then I would get a full length resizing die. If you want to spend more money at the get go then get a redding full length S bushing die. You can customize the neck diameter w/ diff sized bushings that way you don't stress the case neck as much. You will need to buy a diff bushing for each brand of brass you use though b/c they all resize differently.

 

Brass life depends on brand of brass. Federal brass is very soft so I only reload 5x at the most. Winchester and black hills is great brass and will last much longer, maybe 20-25x. Lake city also heavy duty. Lapua is the best and most expensive. You can reload 40-50x though.

On average, how many times can you reload your rifle brass before it has to be retired to the scrap bucket?

The M1a will have the brass all chewed to hell by the 6th go around. Most people (myself included) dont go past that. The numbers BullzeyeNJ posted can be had with a bolt gun but not the M1a.

Ken

The M1a will have the brass all chewed to hell by the 6th go around. Most people (myself included) dont go past that. The numbers BullzeyeNJ posted can be had with a bolt gun but not the M1a.

Ken

i agree here the m1a chews the hell out of brass but if its your brass and your specific rifle you should be able to only neck size and bump the shoulder