Looking for the Best Reloading equipment for 308? Read on.
Reloading refers to the process of loading cartridges on a firearm or shotgun shells accomplished by bringing together individual components such as bullets, powder, primer, and case.
Why reload your ammo? I could give several answers to that question. Apart from the fact that reloading your own ammo is cost-saving, the activity also gives you a better understanding of how your gun and bullets work, something many gun enthusiasts consider rewarding and interesting.
Additionally, reloading your own ammunition delivers levels of precision that exceed factory ammunition and provide a great way to get more engaged in shooting sports. Reloading equipment can either be;
- Single-stage press– the most basic type that only loads one bullet at a time with one die size. This press is perfect for beginners as it is very easy to operate and has few components hence does not require a lot of attention.
- Turret press– it is closely similar to the single stage. It consists of similar stuff but has an addition of a turning turret ring that can hold multiple die sizes and allows you to switch between them quickly.
- Progressive reloading press– the most advanced press of the three. The progressive kits allow for multiple attachments like the case feeder and powder measure. This press requires a longer set-up time and more components to keep track of. However, it can quickly produce multiple rounds
Choosing the Best Reloading Equipment for 308
Expertise – your level of expertise determines the kind of reloading equipment you purchase. If you are an experienced shooter or reloader, you may prefer an intricate and customizable press, which you can adjust and operate according to your preference. A beginner on the other hand will want a press that is easy to use, just to familiarize yourself with the basics of reloading.
Accuracy- to avoid accidents, you need precision and perfection in reloading. The single-stage press is perfect for precision over quantity while a progressive press is good for quantity over quality.
Durability- just like many other products, you want a reloading kit that can stand the test of time. A good reloading kit should be able to resist user error and bad materials pushed through it. You should check for the type of materials used, warranties, and customer support before purchasing.
Ease of use- most reloading kits come with a guidebook. However, for ease of use and time saving, reloading kits with most core accessories right out of the box is more preferred. They do not require a lot of tools to put together.
Best Reloading Equipment for 308
1) Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit (Red)
This Reloading Equipment for 308 includes the Breech Lock Challenger Press and one Breech lock quick-change bushing. This reloading kit provides a complete powder handling system, with the most convenient and repeatable perfect powder measure. It also has the Lee safety scale, the most sensitive and safest of all powder scales, and included a powder funnel that you can fill your case with. The case preparation tools included are a cutter and lock stud to trim your cases. Lee chamfer tool chamfers the inside and outside of the case mouth. Also, a tube of premium sizing lube is included as well as a small and large primer pocket cleaning tool that completes the case preparation package. Features
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2) Lyman All American 8 Turret Press for Reloading
This eight-station Brass Smith All-American 8 Press is the most feature-packed, rugged turret press on the market. From the top, the extra-large 8-station turret is machined out of heavy-duty cast iron and is equipped with an easily removed turret bolt to make the swapping turrets simple. The 8 die station turret is the largest available and will hold two complete 4 die sets or up to four 2 die sets. There is a rigid cast iron frame below the turret, housing a 1” diameter ram and compound linkage. The press holds a frame large enough to work with even the longest rifle cartridges. This Reloading Equipment for 308 is also equipped with a comfortable ball handle that can be positioned for either right or left-hand use. The handle is easy to hold giving you a tight, precise fit and smooth operation. The Lyman All-American 8 Press comes with a newly designed straight line primer feed that is completely reliable and simple to use. You can push the priming arm forward at the bottom of the ram travel to position it beneath the shell holder. The primer feed comes with a heavy steel shield that surrounds the primer tubes to provide extra safety. The Brass Smith All-American 8 Press is designed for use with any standard 7/8”x14 thread dies and accepts standard shell holders. Features
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3) RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press
This RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press is made of a durable cast iron construction that provides excellent strength and versatility. It features an ambidextrous o-frame design that is easy to use and ideal for the beginner and pro alike. The hunting reloading press features a 4.25-inch loading window, making for today’s longer cartridges for more efficient reloading. Features
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4) Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits
This single-stage press is perfect for both beginners and experienced reloaders. The Lock-N-Load Classic reloading press has a uniquely angled, solid cast frame that offers greater visibility and easier access to the cartridge thus offering both dependability and precision. The high-strength alloy frame provides the rigidity and stability needed for precision reloading and long-lived performance. This tool is designed to assure perfect die and shell holder alignment, with the Lock-N-Load quick change bushing system that allows you to switch from one die to another quickly and easily. Lock-N-Load Classic Kit: Item #085003Great for the reloading novice Includes:
Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe: Item #085010Includes:
Features and Specifications
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5) RCBS Rc Supreme Master Kit 9354
As a benchmark of single-stage presses, the RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit is another top-ranked reloading kit. It is affordable, accurate, and comes equipped with equipment to offer you precision reloading. It comes with a universal case loading block, the accessory handle-2, and .17-.60 Debur Tool. The Rock Chucker Supreme press is lengthened to allow easy loading of the modern longer cartridge designs. It has an easy operation, ambidextrous handle, outstanding strength, and versatility making it ideal for both beginners and pros. Features
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6) Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press Kit
The Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press is made with a seven-station turret head, cast iron construction, and powerful compound linkage. It also features rear casting that supports a rock-solid turret for precise alignment. The T-7 features a one-inch diameter ram and accepts 7/8 inch to fourteen inches threaded dies, including the longer Competition dies. You may purchase additional interchangeable turret heads. Features
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7) Hornady Lock-N-Load Precision Reloaders Accessories Kit 095150
This Reloading Equipment for 308 has been developed to be a great kit for any reloader. It comes with a Concentricity Tool, Cam Lock Trimmer, Cam Lock Power Adapter, Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge Curved, Lock-N-Load Comparator Set, Lock-N-Load Headspace Kit, Lock-N-Load Case Prep Trio, and a Steel Dial Caliper, to cater for all your reloading needs. This kit is made with a durable brushed aluminum housing and high torque, low-speed motor for a long life of dependable performance. It also has three active stations where you can chamfer, deburr and clean primer pockets without having to change tools. It has both inside diameter and outside diameter chamfer and deburrs tools. The Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge is used to extend brass life, improve accuracy, and enhance safety. This gauge measures variations in brass before and after firing or re-sizing allowing for headspace comparison between fire-formed brass and re-sized brass. Features
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8) Redding Reloading UltraMagnum Press Kit
The Redding Reloading UltraMagnum Press Kit is designed to help make bullet case reloading a quick and exciting procedure. It helps you to greatly save money and also familiarize yourself with the equipment. The kit is produced by using unbelievably robust components to provide you with many years of reliable use. Features
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9) Lyman Ultimate Reloading System
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FAQs
- Is reloading 308 worth it?
Reloading your ammo basically helps save costs. If you want to shoot match grade ammo then reloading will probably provide a reasonably decent cost savings to justify it.
- What is the best powder for 308 reloading?
The Varget and IMR 4064 are some of the powders that work extremely well in the .308 case.
- How bad does a 308 kick?
308 Winchester load is a 150-180 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2600-2800 fps. It produces a fair amount of recoil that could be uncomfortable in a lightweight bolt gun. It is less than the big magnums and is considered to be quite mild in gas-operated guns.
Conclusion
Ammo enthusiasts enjoy reloading and consider t fun and rewarding. This is because reloading your ammo does not only save you cost but also helps you familiarize and understand the workings of your weapon.
Good reloading equipment is probably one of the most important things that a gun owner should have.