Satarting a new caliber (308) for M1A

[nettlle]

I am waiting delivery of a M1A (Monday) and am starting the task of setting up a new caliber from scratch. Midway had their 308 Redding Premium die set on sale last week so I have that. Powder Valley had Accurate 2520 in stock so some is on the way. Primers? Well we all know how primers go. Trying to decide on bullets. Whether to buy premium 308 bullets or go with 308 RMR bullets. I have had excellent results with RMR's pistol bullets but never tried their rifle. RMR has some excellent prices on their 308 bullets.

 

[dgod]

Either will work well, good luck..

 

[Charlie98]

I would get me feet wet with the less expensive bullets... even just FMJ... until you learn the ropes, then spend your money on them high dollar boolits. You will still have to work up a load with the better bullet, but you will have some amount of experience handloading for your new rifle, so that will be to your advantage.

As far as primers... some people recommend arsenal primers like the CCI #34 which are less sensitive, and less likely to slamfire. They are a Magnum primer, however, and your load and/or powder may not necessarily like a Magnum primer. I found that out when I ran up my test loads with TAC. Standard primers are fine... but, as was mentioned previously, you need to make sure that primer is seated at least flush with the case head, if not slightly rebated. A primer pocket uniformer comes in handy here.

 

[bullseye308]

For bullets I'd get a bunch of different ones to try and see what the gun likes. Some will be good for varmints, medium game, large game, plinking, target, or distance. you just have to try and let the rifle decide. Congrats on the new rifle.