Zediker on reloading .308 for m14 simplified

[Voland]

I did a fairly in depth read of the "Reloading for the match m14" by Glen Zediker and I wanted to summarize the details from the article without the explanations.

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

I think that Zediker did an outstanding job explaining in detail why the m14 is special and its worth a read but I want have a beginners guide if you will of do's. I am silly like this and I learn by retelling what was explained to me so this is really a learning experience. Please take a look and let me know if I missed any details or if anything should be tweaked.

Best to use:
Case: LC brass
Powder: One of the 4895s
Bullet: Sierra #2200. 168gr HPBT
Primer: CCI
*These are the recommendations that Zediker makes to duplicate the Lake City Match M852/M118

The reloading process and details:

1) Remove the spent primer
2) Clean primer pocket
3) Tumble/clean brass
4) Use full length case sizing die to re-size the case.
*A small base body die from Redding is good for this job as it does not touch the neck of the case in the resizing process but sets the shoulder
**The shoulder has to get set back on these cases to at least 0.002 under chamber head-space
5) trim case as necessary
6) check case with LE Wilson or Stoney Point cartridge headspace gauge
7) use deburring tool to clean up the neck
8) Prime the case.
* set the primer a little below the the case head. .004 or more under the plane of the case head is good. this prevents slam-fires.
9) Drop in powder.
* Zediker recommends 41.5gr of H4895 but you should always consult your manual
10) Seat the bullet
*an oal of 2.800 is recommended by Zediker
11) Put a light crimp.
* This is an optional step. Zediker recommends a few thousands of an ???

"More than I know anything else in life, stick 41.5gr
H4895 in an IMI case with a CCI BR2
primer and cap it with a #2200 to 2.800
inches oal. Done and done."
Glen D. Zediker

thank you all for your time!
V.

 

[Gewehr98]

That's neat!

My standard load for my M14NM has been 41.5gr of IMR4895 behind a 168gr Sierra MatchKing, using Lapua brass. I *think* I settled on that load around 1994, when I learned of it via my short stay at Camp Perry.

The more things change, the more they stay the same!

 

[NuJudge]

It works well in 7.62x51 M1 Garands too. I use Winchester primers and LC brass, though.

No crimp necessary.

 

[TimRB]

Nice summary, and you didn't say "getchakilt" or "lemmesplain" even once. Zediker should take note.

Tim

 

[Voland]

Thanks! I look forward to being an active member in the reloading section of this forum + others. I am in the process of picking up a new press and I will start hopefully this weekend!

V.

 

[FM12]

If'n youse guys shoot the .223 in the AR platform, read the reloading section of his book "The AR15: The Mouse that roared". One of the best reads on reloadings I'v read. Also, he has a book on just reloading, called "Making the Zero bigger" or something like that.

He is an excellent writer, I enjoy his books/articles.

 

[USSR]

4) Use full length case sizing die to re-size the case.
*A small base body die from Redding is good for this job as it does not touch the neck of the case in the resizing process but sets the shoulder
**The shoulder has to get set back on these cases to at least 0.002 under chamber head-space

Note: A body die is NOT a full length die. If you want to full length size and use a body die, then you must use a body die and a neck sizing die in combination. I love body dies and use them all the time, but full length sizing with them is a 2 step process: body die to resize the body and bump the shoulder back; and neck sizing die to resize the neck.

Don