Precision Rifle - Getting started

[leatherneck448]

Hey fellas, I’m finally at the point where I can start reloading for my bolt gun, and wanted to check up with everyone here to make sure I wasn’t going to do something stupid before I dropped cash on anything.

Ive been planning on buying a Forster Co-Ax, and some combination of Forster or Redding micrometer dies, along with other basic stuff like a tumbler, calipers, etc. I kinda ballparked myself at like 1200 bucks for a turnkey setup. Is that a good estimate or not enough?

What are some things that you guys would recommend, or things you can’t live without on the bench? Obviously a comprehensive list of stuff would be awesome but anything is appreciated.

Keep in mind I’m only trying to load for a single gun/caliber, so speed doesn’t really matter to me as long as whatever I’m using consistently turns out a quality product.

On to the gun part, the rifle I’m feeding is a .308, 26” barrel with 1:11.25” twist. The only thing I’ve ever shot out of the gun has been FGMM 175’s, so I’ve got brass handled for the near future. Do you think 175 SMK’s would be a good thing to stick with or are there better bullet options out there for .30 cal these days? Do you think there would be a solid starting bullet/powder combo to start with?

Thanks,
Kenny

[MarkCO]

I think you can get in for a bit less and still be good for quality. Get a reloading manual and read it before you invest. I don't use a lot of Lee Products, but the Lee Manual is a good basic reference that combines a lot of recipes and tells you how to evaluate them.

Tumbler, corn cob with Lucas Oil metal polish is a great place to start and Franklin Arsenal makes a decent one for like $50. I love the Franklin Arsenal Platinum case prep center. You can spend a lot more to get less, but it is a really good place to start that will keep your brass prep time working instead of ruining cases.

If you are on FB, check out 76Highboy Reloading Community, if not, check out his YouTube channel. He is a great resource.

[Tim K]

You'll want comparators for bullets and cases. You'll probably also want some way to throw and weigh powder. RCBS Chargemaster is a popular and decent enough choice.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Your twist rate is perfect for 175. I would stick with that weight. Lots of good bullets to choose from. TMK, ELDX, VLD, Scenars to mention a few. Varget is a great go to powder for 308 and is a extreme powder so very temp stable. Buy your powder in 8lb jugs primers by the case same with bullets. Lots of these components can be different and load development isn’t as much fun as smacking Steel at distance.

As far as gear is concerned buy once cry once. Don’t skimp on dies. Bullet runout is effected by your brass and how you treat it. Put your brass through quality dies like Redding or Whidden. Same goes for your press. If your gonna do single stage a forester COAX is amazing. Nothing says you can’t load Precision ammo on a 550.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Get bushing sizing dies.

You need a way to trim your brass. I use a forester when trimming by hand and like it a lot. Zombie Steve uses a Lyman and he has been happy with it.

[C Ward]

Go buy and read Zedikers book , https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...4Q-ZzjtOKYJWFB , before buying anything .

Tons of good information in there and just because he shoots high-power doesn't me it isn't applicable .

[KS63]

Forster dies are also in the same league as Redding at a lower price point. Their micrometer seating dies are fantastic. Brass prep is key.

[KS63]

Also forgot to add that if you’re serious about your reloads, a chronograph is a must! I personally use a Magnetospeed and it works quite well.

[Hoser]

Good choice on the Co-Ax.

As noted above, Forster and Redding bushing dies are the way to go.

I load 99% of my precision ammo on a tweaked Dillon 550, but my Co-Ax still gets some love. I put it on a Dillon strong mount just to raise it up a little bit because I stand when I reload.

[XC700116]

Again, spend the extra on the Forster, it's worth it.

I run Redding Sizing dies (bushing dies) and Forster Micrometer Seaters for pretty much everything I load as far as precision rifle stuff. That said, for a single cartridge and not getting too crazy OCD about it, I'd just get a set of Forster dies with the Micrometer seater.

Tumbler, Chargemaster, a calipers and both bullet and case comparitors should get you started, might want to get a OAL tool and modified case as well. (click hyperlinks for examples)


Your rifle obviously likes the 175 SMK's by the way you shot at Raton last weekend so I'd start there with Varget and Fed primers if you can find them if not CCI200's will work fine.