New Shooter

[kurtflys]

Just getting back into shooting and need lots of help. Seems things have changed a little in the past 10 years. Anyway. My goals (may change based on what I learn) are to be able to shoot out to 1200 to 1500 yards, accurately . So far I have bought a Remington M24 and I have 300 rounds of Federal Match ammo to get me started . I sighted it in with a 10X Leopold scope. I can get 1/2moa group with that setup and only once at the range with 40 rounds fired. I think the gun can do much better and I figure I'm the weak link . I am ordering a Surgeon 6.5 Creedmoor for the 1200 yard goal, and my wife has already bought me a Vortex Razor gen ll. I'm thinking the 300 WM for the 1500 yard gun which may not be doable but it's just a thought for now.
I want to start reloading soon and I have a RCBS single stage press with A precision 308 RCBS die set and a manual scale, lube pad. So??
What brass should I use?
Powder and bullets for the 308.
Other stuff I don't even know I need=)

ps. The M24 came with a spare parts kit and tools. I have a drag bag but do guys use them to go to the range?

Thanks

 

[Jaybo]

Welcome to the website great place to ask questions and lots of people willing to help. I personally like Lapua brass for the 308 win. 168smk or Berger 168 or 185 vld . I've had good luck with Varget and Imr 4064 for my powder.

 

[Wingnut00]

Welcome back to the shooting world first off. So for brass buy lapua and don't look back. Cci-br2 primers in my opinion r a must. And for powder there is a lot to choose from. Varget, h-4895, imr 4064 are good places to start. Bullet selection, Sierra 168 or 175 match kings are accurate. Berger 168 vld, 175 otm, or 185 juggernaut all very good. Or Hornady match, a-max, and new eld bullets r all pretty good choices. Right now I'm runnin a stiff charge of Norma urp behind 185 Berger juggernauts that seem to really shine. Not sure what all is in your die set but a neck bushing die is a really nice addition. Forester or Redding are both real good.
You have absolutely got to get a electronic scale/powder dispenser. Helps with time and if you are busy as I am time is few and far between. Several options including Hornady and rcbs are very affordable and work very good.
Also with getting into reloading your ears and eyes are a wonderful thing. Listen to what people have to say about certain techniques and ask a butt load of questions. Read and read and read some more. Lots of information about most things you need to know. I'm really new on this site but seems to be a ton of knowledge from a lot of different folks and everybody seems really friendly. I don't know squat compared to a lot of people on here but I guess just a couple of my pennies. Best of luck.

 

[Jet]

Welcome. You could spend a couple hours a day for a year reading on this site and still have plenty of info, articles, posts, etc to fill a second year.

As you strive for long range precision you will discover many details that you likely have never thought or heard of. Best advice is to find a mentor that lives near by and work with them to learn the ropes.

Ask plenty of questions here. There are many experienced shooters on this forum who are very generous with their time and knowledge. Good luck with your quest and good shooting.

Rich

 

[Zero333]

If you want to stretch the legs of your 308win, you have to reload the heavy/long high BC bullets. 185gr Berger Hybrid is a good start, and chances are your Remington's freebore is generous enough for 200gr Berger Hybrids or even the 215 hybrids. Just remember the heavy long bullets are going to be single fed into the action.

Lapua brass is the #1 favorite among long range 308w shooters, but I prefer Winchester.

Powders suitable for the 308w are, Varget (#1 choice for most), IMR-4064, H-4895/IMR-4895, RL-15, IMR-4320, Win-748, IMR-4166, H-414/W-760, Benchmark, IMR-8208xbr, VV-N140, Norma 203, Ramshot tac, and many more. But for Heavy bullets in the 308w, Varget, IMR-4064, IMR-4320 are probably best but the majority I mentioned will work.

You need to get a Bullet comparator and a OAL case gauge to find how far you can sit the bullet when touching the rifling. Do a search for finding the lands because there are other methods to find the lands that cost nothing.

Load work up is done with either the "Optimal Charge Weight" method or the "(Audette) Ladder" method.

Get a good manual like the Lyman 49th or 50th edition and read the how to section at the beginning. It will cover everything you need to know.

I could write a book about this stuff and many already have. Be safe and have fun !

 

[kurtflys]

If you want to stretch the legs of your 308win, you have to reload the heavy/long high BC bullets. 185gr Berger Hybrid is a good start, and chances are your Remington's freebore is generous enough for 200gr Berger Hybrids or even the 215 hybrids. Just remember the heavy long bullets are going to be single fed into the action.

Lapua brass is the #1 favorite among long range 308w shooters, but I prefer Winchester.

Powders suitable for the 308w are, Varget (#1 choice for most), IMR-4064, H-4895/IMR-4895, RL-15, IMR-4320, Win-748, IMR-4166, H-414/W-760, Benchmark, IMR-8208xbr, VV-N140, Norma 203, Ramshot tac, and many more. But for Heavy bullets in the 308w, Varget, IMR-4064, IMR-4320 are probably best but the majority I mentioned will work.

You need to get a Bullet comparator and a OAL case gauge to find how far you can sit the bullet when touching the rifling. Do a search for finding the lands because there are other methods to find the lands that cost nothing.

Load work up is done with either the "Optimal Charge Weight" method or the "(Audette) Ladder" method.

Get a good manual like the Lyman 49th or 50th edition and read the how to section at the beginning. It will cover everything you need to know.

I could write a book about this stuff and many already have. Be safe and have fun !

Thanks. Sounds like all good advice.