reloading LR-308

[sonny2u2]

Is anyone here reloading for their DPMS 308. I'm using Lee Dies and my empty, resized brass is not dropping into the chamber. Cases are R-P, once fired. I mention the "empty re-sized" brass because this problem started obviously with loaded rounds, the bolt not fully forward, and the round getting stuck in the chamber. Dropping the empties in was to rule out COL being too long. RCBS has what they call their X-Die, small base die, which may resolve the problem. (?) BTW - factory rounds drop in and or cycle without problems. Any help would be appreciated.

[JOEGUN94]

actually sounds like they were not fully resized, i did the same thing, only to redo all of them. when i resize, i make 2-3 dummy rounds, to make sure they are the correct aol and to make sure they chamber , then you can pull the bullet and prime and load,

[sonny2u2]

Thanks JOEGUN94, I appreciate the info. I bought the small base X-Die from RCBS and it appears to have fixed the problem. I'm liking the X-Die, it has weep holes in the die body to allow excess lube or air to escape and it full length sizes about 1/8" more of the shell toward the base than the Lee die I was using. The "set-up" on the X-Die is different than any resizing die I've used before and proper use seems to be dependent on precise lengths of your trimmed brass. But if it turns out that it does what they advertise it to do, brass stretch is kept to a minimum.

[ManlyTexan]

Glad to hear that you seemed to have resolved your problem. What factory ammo were you using? I used to reload using the RCBS equipment, and never had a problem with it. I sold my reloading stuff a long time ago, but I'm fixing to start up again. RCBS is at the top of the list, and I'm also looking into Hornaday.

[sonny2u2]

The factory ammo that I was using was Federal 150Gr., soft point, Power-Shok. I'm still not sure my problem is resolved. I have not had time to load and fire these shells that "appear" to be fine after re-sizing with the x-die. I may have something going on with a tight chamber, but of course that's not something I can discuss with DPMS because I'm sure they will just discourage me from using re-loads. There is a gun shop near me that has a really good machinist and next time I get up that way I intend to take it to him and have him check the chamber. Off of Lee .308Win Lee dies I have loaded several hundred rounds for a friend of mine that has an Armalite AR-10 and we never had any feed problems with that, so I'm concerned.

Thanks for the input.

[samuel]

When you full length resize you have the die set too far down and the neck sizer is pushing the shoulder out where it meets the body.First,reread your instructions on how to set your die up.If you dont have the instructions,back the die off a little,and try again.No die will bring the case back to factory specs(which varry form co. to co.)But if the die is pushing on the shoulder,it will push it out and make it difficult or impossible to chamber. sam.

[sonny2u2]

Originally Posted by samuel

When you full length resize you have the die set too far down and the neck sizer is pushing the shoulder out where it meets the body.First,reread your instructions on how to set your die up.If you dont have the instructions,back the die off a little,and try again.No die will bring the case back to factory specs(which varry form co. to co.)But if the die is pushing on the shoulder,it will push it out and make it difficult or impossible to chamber. sam.

thanks Sam. I'll try the Lee die again and back it off a touch. What you are saying makes sense because previous .308 cases, I have resized on a Dillon and Dillon tells you that during set-up to back the die off slightly afer contacting the shellplate. These cases that I am having problems with were sized on a Lee single station press, and the Lee die says to screw the die down until it contacts the raised shellplate, lower the ram, and screw the die down an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

Another question. Do you have a favorite case lube?

[fullMetalJack]

i have lr 308 and i have one compromised battle load that ive loaded and i love it.i usually go with winchester or norma brass,-reloader 7,-federal primers,-150 grain btfmj(hornady or sierra), and the charge is 38.4 grains for a velocity of 2800. other recommended charges with reloader 7 is 37.1 /2700, 35.7/2600,34.4/2500.(this is all recommended for the same 150 grain fmjbt)