.308 semi auto - The Firearms Forum

zkovach · 02-15-2011, 06:17 AM

I got an dpms .308 semi auto ar-15. Is there anything special or steps i should take to load for a semi auto? Just was curious as far as cycling. i figure my bullets would be better than bulk anyways but wanted to check with you guys first.

steve4102 · 02-15-2011, 07:15 AM

Here is a good article by Sierra. Pay particular attention to "sizing".

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/re...sgunreload.cfm

cycloneman · 02-15-2011, 07:15 AM

Dont load too many. Try and see if you have a feed problem. Then report back.

Long story so i will skip it. I had to order a die from lee for short chamber to load for 2 rifles. Full length size. Dont worry you just gotta start somewhere. If you have problems report back.

If your refering to charge for cycle. The dpms is a sturdy gun and I would stay on the upper end of the charge range listed in your book.

cycloneman · 02-15-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve4102

Here is a good article by Sierra. Pay particular attention to "sizing".

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/re...sgunreload.cfm

Steve, That is a great read.

JLA · 02-15-2011, 09:57 AM

just make sure you FL size and crimp your bullets, get a LFCD so you can even crimp the ones without a cannelure. And use a slower powder. ARs tend to function better with slower powders. My DPMS .223 would shortstroke with anything faster than Reloder 10, so I developed a 3/4 MOA load with IMR4895 and all the problems wend bye bye...

I would think Varget or IMR4064 or soemthing similar in burn rate would be ideal for your DPMS .308

zkovach · 02-15-2011, 02:00 PM

Thanks for all the imput guys I really appreciate it!

312shooter · 02-15-2011, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Dont load too many

Thats a +1 for sure

zkovach · 02-17-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

just make sure you FL size and crimp your bullets, get a LFCD so you can even crimp the ones without a cannelure. And use a slower powder. ARs tend to function better with slower powders. My DPMS .223 would shortstroke with anything faster than Reloder 10, so I developed a 3/4 MOA load with IMR4895 and all the problems wend bye bye...

I would think Varget or IMR4064 or soemthing similar in burn rate would be ideal for your DPMS .308

I have a ton of 308 reloads in an ammo can that i can try out. ill probably start there first and see if they cycle well.

Gene Seward · 02-17-2011, 03:09 PM

I load mostly with H4895 for my DPMS 308 and it works just fine.

DGG! · 02-17-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zkovach

I got an dpms .308 semi auto ar-15. Is there anything special or steps i should take to load for a semi auto? Just was curious as far as cycling. i figure my bullets would be better than bulk anyways but wanted to check with you guys first.

Yes, just one. Get a .308 cartridge gage and make sure all your reloaded rounds easily drop in and out of it.

Well maybe two, don't get cheap on the powder load. You need some juice to cycle the machinery!

http://carnival.saysuncle.com/002453.html

http://carnival.saysuncle.com/002453.html

zkovach · 02-19-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGG!

Yes, just one. Get a .308 cartridge gage and make sure all your reloaded rounds easily drop in and out of it.

Well maybe two, don't get cheap on the powder load. You need some juice to cycle the machinery!

i measure every load i make so it should be fine.

steve4102 · 02-20-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zkovach

i measure every load i make so it should be fine.

How do you measure every load?
I don't think DGG is talking about a simple OAL check!

JLA · 02-20-2011, 08:35 AM

hes not, hes talking about a loaded cartridge 'go' guage so to speak.

A specially ground 'chamber' to test the individual cartridge for fit before jamming up your rifle with an out of spec round.

If they fall in and out of the guage, youre good to go. If you need to assist them in and out, better of using them a bolt action...

zkovach · 02-21-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

hes not, hes talking about a loaded cartridge 'go' guage so to speak.

A specially ground 'chamber' to test the individual cartridge for fit before jamming up your rifle with an out of spec round.

If they fall in and out of the guage, youre good to go. If you need to assist them in and out, better of using them a bolt action...

oh i see by the way i have been reading some interesting things on 7.62 nato vs. 308 win. my dpms is actually a 7.62 nato(sorry for the confusion) i read some old posts that 308 has more pressure. can i feed the crap ton of reloaded 308 rounds i have through this. They are not loaded hot by any means about in the middle.

DGG! · 02-22-2011, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zkovach

I got an dpms .308 semi auto ar-15. Is there anything special or steps i should take to load for a semi auto? Just was curious as far as cycling. i figure my bullets would be better than bulk anyways but wanted to check with you guys first.

Get a .308 cartridge gage (about $10) and make sure all your reloaded rounds easily drop in and out of it. They should just flop in and out without any involvement on your part. That way you know they are sized to SAAMI specs and should load in any rifle so chambered to SAAMI specs.

Second, don't load too light as this may not cycle the action.

These tips apply to all cartridges but especially those used in a semi-auto.

I'd like to know how this works for you. My .308 is a rebuild bolt action VZ-24 Mauser originally built by the Czechs and rebarreled by the Israelis. Great hunting rifle. I do like the looks of the DPMS .308 and am curious to see what you think of it.

DGG! · 02-22-2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zkovach

i measure every load i make so it should be fine.

Good luck, but for $10 a cartridges gage does all the measuring for you in all the important dimensions.

zkovach · 02-22-2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGG!

Good luck, but for $10 a cartridges gage does all the measuring for you in all the important dimensions.

i didnt even know those things existed can someone post a link of one i have been searching midway and not comeing up with much

JLA · 02-22-2011, 06:42 PM

I have a bunch of old lyman cartridge guages for pistol rounds. i always function test my rifle rounds in the rifle when the wife aint lookin...

02-15-2011, 06:17 AM	#1
zkovach Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,005	.308 semi auto I got an dpms .308 semi auto ar-15. Is there anything special or steps i should take to load for a semi auto? Just was curious as far as cycling. i figure my bullets would be better than bulk anyways but wanted to check with you guys first. __________________ Liberalism: Poverty for ALL!! -->

02-15-2011, 07:15 AM	#2
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: .308 semi auto Here is a good article by Sierra. Pay particular attention to "sizing". http://www.exteriorballistics.com/re...sgunreload.cfm

02-15-2011, 07:15 AM	#3
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,406	Re: .308 semi auto Dont load too many. Try and see if you have a feed problem. Then report back. Long story so i will skip it. I had to order a die from lee for short chamber to load for 2 rifles. Full length size. Dont worry you just gotta start somewhere. If you have problems report back. If your refering to charge for cycle. The dpms is a sturdy gun and I would stay on the upper end of the charge range listed in your book. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

02-15-2011, 09:57 AM	#5
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: .308 semi auto just make sure you FL size and crimp your bullets, get a LFCD so you can even crimp the ones without a cannelure. And use a slower powder. ARs tend to function better with slower powders. My DPMS .223 would shortstroke with anything faster than Reloder 10, so I developed a 3/4 MOA load with IMR4895 and all the problems wend bye bye... I would think Varget or IMR4064 or soemthing similar in burn rate would be ideal for your DPMS .308 __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-15-2011, 02:00 PM	#6
zkovach Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,005	Re: .308 semi auto Thanks for all the imput guys I really appreciate it! __________________ Liberalism: Poverty for ALL!!

02-17-2011, 03:09 PM	#9
Gene Seward V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Batesville, Arkansas Posts: 477	Re: .308 semi auto I load mostly with H4895 for my DPMS 308 and it works just fine.

02-20-2011, 08:35 AM	#13
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: .308 semi auto hes not, hes talking about a loaded cartridge 'go' guage so to speak. A specially ground 'chamber' to test the individual cartridge for fit before jamming up your rifle with an out of spec round. If they fall in and out of the guage, youre good to go. If you need to assist them in and out, better of using them a bolt action... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-22-2011, 06:42 PM	#18
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,320	Re: .308 semi auto I have a bunch of old lyman cartridge guages for pistol rounds. i always function test my rifle rounds in the rifle when the wife aint lookin... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!