Reloading .308 Feeding issues

[chrt396]

I am new to the reloading aspect of the sport and have dove head first into it. Loving it and the challenges. However....

I'm having problems while feeding into a bolt rifle, my reloaded .308 ammo. When it gets to the point of locking down bolt, it feels as if it's binding as I lock down the bolt. As if..the cartridge is too long.
The measurement comes back exact at 2.80 OCL. The naked cases are at 2.005.
I resize using a Hornady die. The directions state to bring the shell holder all the way up and run the die down until it touches and lock it down. I'm wondering if the bottom part of the case is not being sized and it's being left expanded, therefore not going in all the way! I'm a little confused on the issue and could use some help. :banghead:
I put the finished cartridge in a Lyman head space guage and all the cartridges fit within minimum to maximum standards. I'm down to process of elimination at this point. Your ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Cherokee]

Two things I think of: 1. Headspace & 2. bullet touching rifling.
For headspace, try a sized unloaded case. If you get the binding, try turning your die a little closer to the shell holder 1/4 turn, size another case and try that one. Could be your chamber and the gage do not agree. As for the bullet, using an unloaded case as above should avoid that complication. If headspace is good, then seat a bullet, mark it up with black felt marker and try it. If there are marks on the bullet, seat deeper. If neither of these work, let us know.

 

[medalguy]

Could also be the case shoulder is not being set back enough. Do you have a case gauge such as a Dillon? I never reload without a case gauge.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25547/catid/3/Dillon_Rifle_Case_Gages?item=4094#4094

 

[GLShooter]

Turn it in a tad more. You are probably almost there but setting it down another 1/4 turn will get it sized that extra 0.002 you need.

Greg

PS: I had a Hornady 308 die that WOULD NOT size it down enough. Two fixes is to face off the top of the shell holder to get more sizing depth or send the die to Hornady and they will cut the die back for free that will let you move the sholders more..

Greg

 

[Seedtick]

Hey chrt,

Check out this thread. I believe it will help.

Shoulder Bumping & Case Head Clearence

Seedtick

 

[chrt396]

Cherokee...I'll try the empty cartridge technique. That sounds like a logical 1st deduction.
GL Shooter... I bought the Hornady and every time I use it..I swear I'm going to return it and get a RCBS. I'll give the 1/4" turn a shot after all else fails! I'm a little concerned about it bottoming out and taking a way the flange at the base. Is that possible..or am I just overly reading in to this!

 

[loadedround]

I had a similar problem when I started reloading for the 30-06 cartridge many years ago. Possibly you have set your seating die to giv a slight excessive crimp causing a very slight bulge behind the seated bullet. When you are locking down your bolt, you are ironing out that bulge. Check a round w/o any crimp what so ever and see if there is a difference. Just one more suggestion.

 

[GLShooter]

GL Shooter... I bought the Hornady and every time I use it..I swear I'm going to return it and get a RCBS. I'll give the 1/4" turn a shot after all else fails! I'm a little concerned about it bottoming out and taking a way the flange at the base. Is that possible..or am I just overly reading in to this!

Not sure what you are referring to as a flange but most dies will not completely size the very bottom of the case head down. Taking it down as far as it will go will not hurt you in the least.

Oddly enough that Hornady 308 die is the only one of their brand I have had issues with and I have around a dozen or so of them on the shelf as I type this plus three or four other brands. It could be you have a very minimum chamber and that was the issue with this particular rifle causing me fits.

Greg

 

[chrt396]

A classic mistake...as new as i am to the hobby. I was taper crimpimg the bullet!! I found out, that was not needed. I figured, what is good for the 45 acp..is good for the 308. WRONG!! You were correct!! That buldge was there and eliminating the taper crimp..they feed perfectly! I was shooting a tad over 1/2' groups last weekend with a stock savage .308. I'm striving for perfection..however..me thinks I be having to upgrade to a better rifle!!