Reloading for rifle (.308)

**Gringo** · September 17th, 2012, 09:34 AM

I've been reloading pistol rounds for about a year, 45 auto and .357. I have a RCBS single stage, calipers, RCBS Chargemaster and a 505, tumbler, etc already.

Question is what do I need in addition to start reloading .308?

**tonyfac** · September 17th, 2012, 09:45 AM

.308 dies, some sort of case trimmer, large rifle primers, load data.

**Gringo** · September 17th, 2012, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by tonyfac

.308 dies, some sort of case trimmer, large rifle primers, load data.

Ok so a case trimmer is really the only tool i need that I dont have?

**Helter** · September 17th, 2012, 10:28 AM

case lube... If you don't lube your cases for pistol, you definitely need to for rifle.

**Bama Man** · September 17th, 2012, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Helter

case lube... If you don't lube your cases for pistol, you definitely need to for rifle.

If your loading for ONE rifle, to the exclusion of all others, you only need a case trimmer and neck sizing die.
The good thing about this, is it extends case life due to unnecessary re-working of the whole case. The bad thing about this, is that your ammo won't fit other rifles as the cases are only formed to yours.
The other plus to this, is that the neck sizing die is all you need to reform cases.
The case trimmer should be used to make sure your case doesn't enter the throat area and cause undo pressures.
Your calipers will show you which ones you need to trim. ( but it's easy enough to do them all)
If you purchase a complete set of dies, your full length re-sizing die is also good as a neck sizer, if you don't want to re-form your brass.
Just back it out one turn.
Get a universal de-capper die if you go with just a neck sizer die.
(You should have one anyway, it comes in handy, especially with a single stage press.)
Your .45 auto shell holder will work to keep the brass in the press.