308 match or 308 win

[Fire8523]

Hello all I'm currently building a 308 rifle. I went to order my reamer today and noticed the 308 match reamers. I have looked around online but have a couple of questions. If you chamber to a 308 match does that mean regular 308 win rounds are out? And can you still use 308 win dies on a match grade ammo?

Thanks

 

[lightman]

There is no real definition of match. Usually it means that the specs are on the tight or minimum side. There are also lots of different throat combinations. They may even require neck turning.

Match chambers are nice if you shoot in competition, buy new brass, use bushing dies, and don't mind turning necks.

A regular reamer with a no turn neck can shoot very good in a custom barrel, and will let you use once fired cases, and regular full length dies.

I have a couple of match chambers that will not chamber factory ammo because the necks are too thick. So, you may or may not be able to shoot factory ammo. Also, a regular die will over work the brass fired in a tight match chamber.

You should really be confused now! This has been my experience with several custom barrels, and I hope it helps you, at least a little. Lightman

 

[john wall]

Do you really want a rifle that will not shoot factory ammo?

I typically get sub .3 MOA groups with factory chambered rifles using brass that is not neck turned.

Standard procedures, such as sorting by headstamp, and especially weight, along with uniforming primer pockets and deburring flash holes works for me.

The icing on the cake is that one rifle has 1.634" and the other has 1.635" headspace. Both guns shoot any NATO spec ammo. I prefer military brass in the one with the more generous chamber. Yes, sub .3 MOA with Military brass.

 

[USSR]

Match reamers in .308 are typically not designed to produce chambers that will not accept factory ammo. Usually they are designed for the use of specific match bullets. Check the neck dimensions.

Don

 

[Jim Watson]

Maybe the vendor would tell you where and by how much his "match" reamer differs from standard if you asked him.
I would KNOW before I paid.

My PacNor barrel has their "sniper" chamber which turned out to be a standard body and neck but throated for 175 gr SMK at maximum magazine length.

 

[john wall]

Good advice here, what ranges are you wanting to set up for?

Be realistic, every one wants a 1000+ yard rifle, but what are the distances on ranges that are easily available to you?

Over 600 yards? the above mentioned 175 gr SMK is the ticket. Most ranges have a 200, or at the most, a 300 yard range. This is where the 168 SMK lives.

Simply buying a factory heavy barrel 24"-26" model will in all likelyhood be more than you need. Perhaps an aftermarket trigger.

FWIW, I prefer a 1-11" twist if a custom barrel is to be used.