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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Reloading
Small base die 308 Winchester
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<blockquote data-quote="benchracer" data-source="post: 1797401" data-attributes="member: 22069"><p>Yes, there will be a pressure and velocity change when using a small base die vs a standard die. Will it be enough to make a noticeable difference? Probably not.</p><p></p><p>The more important issue is the effect upon available case capacity. When loading for heavy bullets in .308, preserving case capacity matters. Throat length, choice of brass, and sizing method all have an effect. Unless you have an unusually tight chamber that requires its use, the small base die makes little sense when applied to loading for a bolt action rifle.</p><p></p><p>The only time I have ever needed to use a small base die was when reloading surplus Lake City brass (most of which has been fired through machine guns). Even at that, the small base die was only needed for the initial sizing and loading. After that, it was not required, even when loading for semi autos.</p><p></p><p>While I don't believe your small base die is necessarily a problem, use of a Lee Collett Die would likely be helpful to you between full length sizings and is an inexpensive way to go.</p><p></p><p>As for powder choice to meet your desired muzzle velocity, IF you have enough throat length to seat the 185's to 2.90"+ AND you are using brass with a fired capacity of 56.0 grains or greater, Hybrid 100V or RL16 deserve a look. Both will provide a velocity boost over Varget or IMR 4064. Hybrid 100V is reasonably temp stable. RL16 has temp stability that will equal or exceed that of Varget. A drop tube is a good idea with these powders.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="benchracer, post: 1797401, member: 22069"] Yes, there will be a pressure and velocity change when using a small base die vs a standard die. Will it be enough to make a noticeable difference? Probably not. The more important issue is the effect upon available case capacity. When loading for heavy bullets in .308, preserving case capacity matters. Throat length, choice of brass, and sizing method all have an effect. Unless you have an unusually tight chamber that requires its use, the small base die makes little sense when applied to loading for a bolt action rifle. The only time I have ever needed to use a small base die was when reloading surplus Lake City brass (most of which has been fired through machine guns). Even at that, the small base die was only needed for the initial sizing and loading. After that, it was not required, even when loading for semi autos. While I don't believe your small base die is necessarily a problem, use of a Lee Collett Die would likely be helpful to you between full length sizings and is an inexpensive way to go. As for powder choice to meet your desired muzzle velocity, IF you have enough throat length to seat the 185's to 2.90"+ AND you are using brass with a fired capacity of 56.0 grains or greater, Hybrid 100V or RL16 deserve a look. Both will provide a velocity boost over Varget or IMR 4064. Hybrid 100V is reasonably temp stable. RL16 has temp stability that will equal or exceed that of Varget. A drop tube is a good idea with these powders. [/QUOTE]
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Reloading
Small base die 308 Winchester
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