Reloading Equipment for 308

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Reloading equipment for 308.

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

 

Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit (Red)

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

  • Includes a set of 11 Auto-Prime Shell Holders
  • Kit includes the Breech Lock Challenger Press
  • Has one Breech lock quick-change bushing
  • It is perfect for those who prefer to prime off the press

 

Lyman All American 8 Turret Press for Reloading

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

  • Durable powder coat finish
  • Heavy-duty cast iron frame and turret
  • Extra-large 8 station turret is easily removed to make swapping turrets simple
  • Holds two complete 4 die sets or up to four 2 die sets
  • Comes with a straight line primer feed with large and small primer tubes
  • 1 diameter ram
  • Precision fit and smooth operation
  • Large press opening
  • Works with the largest cases.
  • For added safety, the primer feed comes with a heavy steel shield that surrounds the primer tubes.
  • Right or left-hand operation.
  • Durable powder coat finish.

 

RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press

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

  • Made of the highest quality materials
  • Rock Chucker press frame provides a full four inches of ram-bearing surface to rigidly support the one-inch diameter main ram
  • The ambidextrous handle is made of solid steel and features a comfortable ball-type handle grip
  • Specifically for heavy-duty reloading, case forming, and bullet swaging
  • Can also be upgraded to a progressive loader with the addition of a Piggyback-4
  • Comes with an instruction manual

 

4) Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits

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 #085003

Great for the reloading novice

Includes:

  • Reloading Handbook
  • Digital Scale
  • Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
  • Lock-N-Load Die Bushings (3)
  • Powder Trickler
  • Powder Funnel
  • One-Shot Case Lube
  • Primer Catcher
  • Positive Priming System
  • Handheld Priming Tool
  • Universal Reloading Block
  • Chamfer & Deburr Tool

Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe: Item #085010

Includes:

  • Lock-N-Load Straight OAL Gauge
  • Pistol Rotor & Metering Assembly
  • Powder Measure Stand
  • Six Sure-Loc Lock Rings
  • Steel Dial Caliper
  • Three Additional Die Bushings
  • Shellholders 1,2,5,16,35
  • Kinetic Bullet Puller
  • Decorative Tin Sign

Features and Specifications

  • Lock-n-load powder measure
  • Power-PAC linkage and solid steel arms
  • Positive Priming System (PPS)
  • Has a strong angled frame
  • 3 Lock-N-Load Die Bushings
  • Powder Trickler
  • Powder Funnel
  • One-Shot Case Lube
  • Reloading Handbook
  • Digital Scale
  • Primer Catcher
  • Handheld Priming Tool
  • Universal Reloading Block
  • Chamfer & Deburr Tool

 

RCBS Rc Supreme Master Kit 9354

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

  • M500 mechanical scale can weigh up to 505 grains with +/-0.1-grain accuracy
  • Hand priming tool reduces the risk of tray detonation
  • RCBS magnetic damping system- it is known for fast and accurate readings and easy movement.
  • Tip-proof metal pan ensures easy loading
  • Easy to operate
  • Uniflow® Powder Measure
  • Includes Nosler #7 reloading manual
  • Uniflow powder measure provides accuracy and precision
  • Universal Case Load Block
  • Hex Key Set
  • Case Lube Kit
  • Powder Funnel

 

Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press Kit

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

  • Durable cast iron construction
  • Powerful compound linkage with over 3.8 of ram travel
  • 1 diameter ram with the smart primer arm and spent primer collection
  • system
  • Slide Bar Automatic Primer Feeding System

 

Hornady Lock-N-Load Precision Reloaders Accessories Kit 095150

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

  • The Micro Adjust cutter allows you to change settings in increments of 1/1000” without having to move the case
  • Large diameter, replaceable cutting head made of ultra-hard tool steel and trims cases up to .50 caliber.
  • Includes the Comparator body and all 14 bullet inserts for bullet diameters: .172″, .204″, .224″ (5.56mm), .243″ (6mm), .257″, .264″, .277″, .284″ (7mm), .308″, .338″, .358″, .375″, .416″, .458″.
  • It identifies and eliminates bullet runout

 

Redding Reloading UltraMagnum Press Kit

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

  • Features a huge frame opening and very long usable ram stroke hence ideal for loading oversize cartridges
  • Its unique long link compound leverage system offers a greater mechanical advantage over a greater distance than other reloading presses
  • Includes primer catcher and primer arm for large and small primers

 

Lyman Ultimate Reloading System

Lyman Ultimate Reloading System 7810311

 

 

 

The Lyman Ultimate Reloading System 7810311 comes with top-of-the-line tools and accessories like the Lyman T-Mag II high-speed turret press, Gen 6 Digital Powder System, Universal Case Trimmer, Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler, and other items needed to turn out high-quality rounds fast.

Features

  • Cast Iron and Steel construction
  • Gen 6 Digital Powder System
  • Universal Case Trimmer
  • Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler

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.

See Also: Best 223 Reloading Kits.223 Reloading Equipment