Seaters for 308

[Paddy]

So I'm looking to start loading for 308 and I have a few questions. First, is it necessary to obtain a 308 seater or can i use a 300winmag seater that I already have? If not what are suggestions. I like the sliding sleeve types like Hornady, i seem to remember seeing another brand who was using this design. Seems like it helps me to keep from finger pinching.

 

[Laphroaig]

Part of the function of a seating die is to align the case with the bullet so the bullet is seated straight. That is important for function and accuracy. A 300 win mag die would leave the .308 case just floating with no support. You need a .308 die.

RCBS also sells a competition die with a sliding sleeve.

Laphroaig

 

[Paddy]

That's what I figured. Thanks for the reply!

 

[lightman]

Redding, Hornady, Forster and RCBS all make competition type seaters. So do a few custom outfits, like Whidden and Neil Jones. These are nice, and do a good job but you can load really good ammo with just a regular 2 die FL set of any brand.

 

[A-FIXER]

This

http://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/RM3512.pdf

is all you need

 

[Paddy]

I ordered a forster comp seater (non mic) for 53$ at midway. This will complement my existing hollywood FL size die.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I ordered a forster comp seater (non mic) for 53$ at midway. This will complement my existing hollywood FL size die.

I got the impression you were trying to save money because you were trying to use a die not meant for the cartridge you are loading but I guess I was wrong since you are paying $53 for a seating die. That's a big number. I bought a 2 die RCBS .308 die set for $35 and they work well...

 

[Paddy]

I was just making sure that I wasn't buying a die that I essentially already had, but I feel stupid for even asking because I sort of knew the answer anyway, and while I am cheap by nature I've decided with reloading components that I only want the best because of two reasons. One is that the best works better than the lesser, and the best is easier to sell for top dollar when I decide I don't need it anymore. I've actually made money on reloading equipment so to me it's worth it, and 53$ is 20$ cheaper than I found it anywhere else.

 

[FLIGHT762]

For the $53.00 you spent, you could have had a Hornady seating die :http://www.midwayusa.com/product/18...ie-30-30-winchester-300-savage-308-winchester

And a Micro Adjust seating stem: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/394708/hornady-microjust-seating-stem?cm_vc=sugv394708


The seating stem is generic and will fit on any Hornady rifle seater. You can move it from seating die to seating die. You only have to buy one micro seating stem. I have one I move from 260 Rem.,270 Win., 30/06 and 223 Rem. Hornady seating dies.

 

[Walkalong]

I'll take the Forster over the Hornady any day, even at a higher price. The Redding is also very good.

Curiosity killed the cat, so I recently purchased a Whidden .223 seater. After I got it I see it is almost a copy of the Forster. The body and threads are virtually identical, the sliding sleeves are nearly identical, and the micrometer tops will exchange with each other, but the Whidden seating stem is two piece, and I like the design. Shades of the floating seater stem in the Lee Dead Length seater, which is also very good.