XMAS list to start loading for .308, did I miss anything?...

[Red_Dog_Leader]

Hi all,

Well after 7 months of loading for 9MM, .40 S&W and .45 ACP all my ammo is working flawlessly for the last few months…So…

I’m confident now to start loading for my Savage 10FP in .308.

I have the LEE classic four hole press.

The LEE products have worked well for me, so I’ve been looking at their stuff in the Midway catalog.

However Die wise I am open to suggestions from other manufactures’.

My list so far after reading up on various threads is:

-Lee 3-Die rifle set
Includes the full-length sizer/decapper, seating die, and factory crimp die.

• Whats best? DELUXE or PACESETTER dies?

• Collet Neck sizer die over any form of Full Length sizing for bolt action, right?

-Lee Rifle charging powder die
-Lee double disk kit for my auto disk
-Case lubricant (Imperial Sizing Wax)
-Lee Zip Trim
- Lee Zip Trim Case Trimmer Universal 3 Jaw Chuck Case Holder
-Lee Cutter & lock stud with ball grip (standard)
-Lee Case Length Gauge & shell holder (caliber specific)
-Lee Case Trimmer.
-Chamfer/Deburring Tool
-Lee primer pocket cleaner
-Case lubricant (Imperial Sizing Wax)

If I decide to run the press as a single stage, (which I'm leaning towards) would I need a bench mounted powder thrower (they are more exact than the AD, right?), loading block, etc.

If I’ve missed anything else, let me know

TIA, Tom

 

[RustyFN]

If you are going to full length resize then I would buy the Pacesetter die set. The Deluxe set comes with the FL sizer, neck sizer and bullet seater. If you are loading for a bolt gun then you would would probably want to neck size and buy the deluxe set. Check the chart for the Pro Auto Disk measure for the largest cavity and double that to see if it will throw enough powder. You might need to buy the Perfect Powder measure instead of the double disk kit. I load 223 for my AR and the Pacesetter die set works great. The double disk kit also works good but I have heard it won't throw enough powder for the larger rifle calibers. I think you could stack three disks if you bought longer bolts at the hardware store but I haven't tried it. I think the Lee case trimmers work great for the price. I haven't used the Zip trim, I put my lockstud in a battery drill and that works very fast. Your list looks good.
Rusty

 

[uneasy_rider]

The double disk is going to have a hard time throwing enough powder for 308. I would get an RCBS Uniflow with case activated linkage. This will mount into one of the holes of your turret press and work nicely with your set up. You don't need the Lee powder charging die if you use the Uniflow.

I would not screw around with the Lee trimmer. Or anyone elses trimmer, for that matter, except for the Giraud Trimmer. It will cut to length, debur, and chamfer a cartridge case in about 5 seconds. It is the only way to go if you are going to load a lot of rifle rounds.

Also, Hornady One Shot is an aerosol case lubricant that goes one extremely quickly and is a fine lube. Its the only thing I use anymore.

Also, it makes no sense to run your turret press as a single stage press. Your quality will be the same, you will just be making it slower, and have more of a chance to double charge if you run single.

 

[Ndenway]

I've got the Lee deluxe die set,

the FL die comes in handy for outsized/ding'd up range brass that won't fit in your rifles chamber,

with most powders the double disk set up won't work, doesn't drop large enough charges,

I've been using the hornaday powder measure for the last 20 years or so, it drops charges pretty consistant with ball and extruded powders,

but you'll need a scale, either a beam or electronic for weighting charges/set up on the measure, my preference is toward the beam scales, I've had three electronic ones that wern't consistant, but the beam style scales always work as long as you keep them clean, and a powder trickler comes in handy also,

as for the lee trimmer, buy the power adapter for the universal chuck and put it in a drill.

 

[kennedy]

I am using the lee deluxe set and only neck sizing for my .308 rem 700, so far very good results

 

[dakotasin]

might as well toss an 8-pound jug of varget, a brick of cci lr primers, and some 168 hornady a-max and/or hornady 165 btsp and get it right the first time all at once to last you for awhile.