Reloading for a CETME

[TooTaxed]

Am planning to reload for a CETME for range use to 500-yd with a scope. Can get pulled M80 147-g FMJBT for $55/1000 plus shipping, though I'd like to find some 168-gr FMJBT. Have some IMR 4895 to start with, but would like to get some less expensive bulk powder.

Any suggestions on loads/powders/other bullets? Sources (am currently in Columbus, GA but travel to gun shows)? I get free cases at the range, but some have been already fired in fluted chambers. Are these reloadable? The ones I have show flute marks but don't appear to be actually deformed...will full-length resizing work OK?

I appreciate the fruits of your experience!

 

[Zak Smith]

IMR4895 is a great powder for .308. It meters reasonably well through my Dillon 650, also.

Some alternative powders are Win 748 or BLC-2 -- both ball.

I'm loading 44.5-45.0gr IMR4895 with 125gr Ballistic Tips for my AR10.

-z

 

[Dave R]

Taxed, I have not yet shot reloaded ammo through my CETME, but I will before too long. I have brass that's been through a CETME, complete with flute marks, but have not got around to reloading it yet.

Looks to me like the flute marks are cosmetic, and not structural.

I'm planing to just duplicate the milsurp load and find a charge that sends the 147gr bullet at about 2700 fps.

I have heard people on the CETME forum caution about the possibility of case head separation, because the CETME extracts so violently. Some have reported case head separations with commercial ammo, such as Remington. I would stick with brass that has milsurp thickness--IMI or the Winchgester "USA" box that has a NATO headstamp, or the Hirtenberger that I will be using. And I would reload it no more than 3-4 times. And examine carefully after firing.

Disclaimer: if you are risk-averse, just stick with suplus ammo. Its possible that reloaded ammo can blow up the case, your CETME and/or you.