Primers and Powder for 308

[KSB209]

I've already read a few different posts from the search feature and just looking for a few pointers for a new reloaded. Ok so this will be my absolute first crack at reloading. Questions....
Primers - large rifle or magnum? I've read guys using magnum. I know a shop that gets them so I need to figure out which ones to buy. They are over priced but will break down 1000 count boxes (CCI primers) into packs of 100 for $15 each. Knowing I will not have a lot of powder to buy which primer would you use to start with? Seems like large rifle primers are a bit easier to get then the magnum.

powders - if you are going to over pay for a pound or 2 which powder? I think they were selling a pound around $

bullets seem to be pretty easy to find and I have about 50 once fired Hornady brass.

my goal is to just start loading. I'm there is going to be a learning curve but I have to start somewhere. I've got access to dies so I don't need to buy those yet.
Just been reading and watching videos and now want to get to loading and shooting.

yeah I know I'm over paying for this stuff but I want to learn and I can't do that sitting on my couch and playing on the internet waiting for prices to drop. That's why I won't be buying a lot of supplies right now. Just enough to get my hands dirty

 

[Montana'eer]

I've already read a few different posts from the search feature and just looking for a few pointers for a new reloaded. Ok so this will be my absolute first crack at reloading. Questions....
Primers - large rifle or magnum? I've read guys using magnum. I know a shop that gets them so I need to figure out which ones to buy. They are over priced but will break down 1000 count boxes (CCI primers) into packs of 100 for $15 each. Knowing I will not have a lot of powder to buy which primer would you use to start with? Seems like large rifle primers are a bit easier to get then the magnum.

powders - if you are going to over pay for a pound or 2 which powder? I think they were selling a pound around $

bullets seem to be pretty easy to find and I have about 50 once fired Hornady brass.

my goal is to just start loading. I'm there is going to be a learning curve but I have to start somewhere. I've got access to dies so I don't need to buy those yet.
Just been reading and watching videos and now want to get to loading and shooting.

yeah I know I'm over paying for this stuff but I want to learn and I can't do that sitting on my couch and playing on the internet waiting for prices to drop. That's why I won't be buying a lot of supplies right now. Just enough to get my hands dirty

I use Federal Gold Medal Large Rifle primers and IMR 4064. Varget will also work. I've found this to be a very handy resource. Great article. https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/308win/

My .308 shoots very well with 43.3gr IMR 4064 and Peterson brass. Follow the manuals and work up slowly. I lucked up and found my goldilocks with that bullet on my second string of reloads (5 per string) using Sierra MatchKing 168's. Sierra just came out with a high BC 169 MatchKing, and I've got a 100 to try this spring.

I also lucked out and picked up an 8lb jug of IMR 4064 at normal price a few months ago. Varget just hit Midway the other day (I think it was Midway). It's out there.

 

[ChiefStone]

I would recommend normal large rifle primers for .308, and 4064 for a general purpose powder, whether it be Accurate or IMR. There are a wide number of powders suitable for .308, so it may come down to what is easier for you to get.
As far as bullets go, are you hunting or punching paper/steel?
For your first reloads, the 168gr Sierra match kings are forgiving, but are not the best suited for taking game.

Midway has them in stock as of this edit...

Sierra MatchKing Bullets 30 Cal (308 Diameter) 168 Grain Hollow Point

Sierra MatchKing bullets have very thin jackets and are held to exacting tolerances in diameter and weight. These Hollow Point Boat Tail bullets have a...

www.midwayusa.com

*edited to add link

 

[KSB209]

Thanks. My main purpose will be for hunting but plan on shooting paper a lot while I learn to load myself. I'm not really looking for a huge improvement on accuracy yet but more to learn the skill of loading my own. Maybe after a hundred or so of my own I will start diving into the rabbit hole of accuracy and velocity but for now I just want to learn.

 

[ChiefStone]

Thanks. My main purpose will be for hunting but plan on shooting paper a lot while I learn to load myself. I'm not really looking for a huge improvement on accuracy yet but more to learn the skill of loading my own. Maybe after a hundred or so of my own I will start diving into the rabbit hole of accuracy and velocity but for now I just want to learn.

It just so happened that Montana'eer and I both must have been typing our first responses at the same time, and we just happened to recommend the same load recipe. For just starting out and getting comfortable at the range with your own ammo, that's a good recipe.
Once you progress and you want to load up some hunting rounds, the 4064 will still serve you well with different projectiles. Good luck, it's addicting!

 

[WYOHTF]

I run Lake City brass in the .308
I used to use IMR 4064
I found Varget to be a lot more temp stable.
You may also find H4895 and R15 helpful
My bullet of choice was and is 165gr. SST's
I also use large rifle primers for the .308

 

[WYOHTF]

The .308 is very easy to load for
It's a good one to cut your teeth on
Good luck and stay safe

 

[KSB209]

The .308 is very easy to load for
It's a good one to cut your teeth on
Good luck and stay safe

That's what I understand too and why I want to start with this caliber. Thanks again for the info.

 

[AZShooter]

If you cannot find 4064 or Varget, try IMR 8208 XBR .

 

[xsn10s]

I started reloading with the 308 Win back in 1990 and it's a good one to start on. For target shooting and thin skinned game some use a 168 SMK. I haven't but, on reasonable broadside shots on deer it's been done and I'd try it. Or choose a Berger Hunting bullet. I've used a 165gr Partition, Ballistic Tip, and AccuBond on pigs and deer. My buddy's elk hunting load is a 308 Win and 165 gr Partition, he's shot a ton of elk with it. IMR 4064, RL15, TAC, H4895 are all good powders for the 308 Win. Varget has been a go to but I haven't used it. Just get a good reloading manual and a video from any of the top manufacturers and take your time. The biggest thing is to stay focused and keep things simple. Learn to not get rushed and double check especially when charging your loads with powder. You do that and you're on your way to a fun and rewarding hobby. https://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

 

[cohunt]

For all around 308 I like varget and the 165/168 class bullets. I use std lr or lr match primers, I only use magnum primers in 308 for subs.

 

[Rick Richard]

My best results were with 4064 and 168 AMAX.

 

[bluejay75]

Powder and primers are coming back. My advice to you is to use this time to prep your brass completely. I mean every single step to include deburring flash holes. Making sure that youre using the same die setting everytime for consistency for that batch and do them all in the same session. When youre done with that start looking for powders. You can use a good ball or short cut extruded. They will both run out of your measure well...unless you bought an automatic dispenser. Pick up a sleeve or two of primers and build all of your ladder or test loads. If done correctly, it may take 2-3 weeks maybe a month to work up your loads. That should buy you enough time for stocks to come back.

CCI 200, Winchester LR all of them are good for general shooting and accuracy. FC and LC brass has served me well. Varget, 4064, TAC, N540, WIN748 all have served me well. If youre using ball powders, it wont hurt to stock a brick or two of Winchester LRMP (softer cup) as the ball powders will like those better.

Im a hunter first and foremost and would not buy a target only bullet. I see the Tipped Matchking line as close to dual purpose as any bullet out there. The 155, 168 or 175 TMK makes a fine target and thin skinned (deer hogs) game bullet. At the moment Im finding great success with the 168 TMK and Varget. Half MOA out of factory hunting rigs with 8 or 12x max scopes.

 

[xsn10s]