Introduction
The .308 Winchester. A cartridge that needs little introduction. It’s a legend. Prized for its accuracy, versatility, and availability, it’s a favorite among hunters, target shooters, and military personnel worldwide. But the journey to true accuracy and maximizing the potential of the .308 Winchester often extends beyond factory ammunition. This is where reloading comes in, offering a path to precision and performance previously unattainable. And at the heart of this craft lie reloading dies, the tools that shape the brass and guide the bullet to its destination.
Reloading, also known as handloading, is the process of disassembling spent cartridge cases, cleaning them, and rebuilding them with new components – primers, powder, and bullets. While it takes time and effort, reloading offers incredible benefits. It allows for significant cost savings compared to purchasing factory ammunition, especially when shooting frequently. It also provides unparalleled customization, enabling shooters to tailor loads to their specific rifles, shooting styles, and desired performance characteristics. Perhaps most importantly, reloading allows for increased precision. By controlling every aspect of the loading process, reloaders can fine-tune their ammunition to optimize accuracy and maximize the potential of their firearms.
At the very core of the reloading process are reloading dies. These precision-engineered tools are responsible for shaping the brass, sizing it to fit the chamber, and seating the bullet. Understanding the different types of dies, their functions, and how to use them is crucial to achieving consistent and accurate results with your .308 Winchester cartridges.
The function of reloading dies is to perform several crucial tasks. They resize the brass, which is the process of bringing the case back to its original or slightly smaller dimensions after firing. This ensures that the cartridge will properly chamber and function in your rifle. Dies also seat the bullet into the case, positioning it at the correct overall length (OAL) and with proper alignment. Some dies also incorporate features for depriming (removing the spent primer) and sometimes even crimping the case mouth to secure the bullet. Dies work in conjunction with a reloading press, which provides the leverage and control necessary to apply the force required for these operations.
Understanding Reloading Die Types
When deciding on the right dies for your .308 Winchester, it’s important to be familiar with the variety of dies that are available. Each die has a unique purpose and use to ensure you’re getting the most out of the reloading process.
Full-length Sizing Dies
Full-length Sizing Dies resize the entire case. This is the most common type of die, and it’s often recommended for beginners. The full-length sizing die brings the case dimensions back to factory specifications, ensuring that the cartridge will chamber reliably in any rifle. They are especially useful for rifles with multiple users, semi-automatic rifles, or rifles where the chamber tolerances may be slightly larger. This process ensures reliable feeding and extraction, even if the brass has been fired in different rifles.
A full-length sizing die, while offering the most versatility, works the brass more than other methods. This is something to be aware of when thinking about case life, which is still very respectable in this caliber.
Neck Sizing Dies
Neck Sizing Dies focus their attention on resizing only the neck of the case. This is a technique favored by many precision shooters. The neck sizing die only contacts the neck of the case and leaves the body of the case unchanged. This can often improve accuracy by maintaining a snug fit between the case and the chamber, promoting better alignment of the bullet with the bore.
Neck sizing is especially useful for bolt-action rifles, where the case is typically fired in the same rifle repeatedly. Since the body of the case is not resized, the brass is worked less, extending its lifespan. It’s crucial to note that neck-sized cases may not chamber reliably in all rifles, particularly semi-automatics or rifles with tighter chambers.
Body Dies
Body Dies are designed to resize the body of the case while leaving the neck untouched. These dies can be useful for addressing issues such as difficult chambering or brass that’s expanded too much in the body. This type of die can be especially useful when needing to resize a case that is experiencing chambering issues.
Seating Dies
Seating Dies are designed to seat the bullet into the case. Seating dies carefully align the bullet and push it into the case mouth to the desired seating depth. They are available as a separate die, and they are essential for the reloading process.
Crimping Dies
Crimping Dies are designed to apply a crimp to the case mouth, holding the bullet in place. Crimping is common in certain calibers, particularly those intended for semi-automatic rifles. By adding a crimp, you provide more resistance to the bullet and improve accuracy. This is done to prevent the bullet from moving under recoil or during feeding.
Many reloading die sets are available. These sets offer multiple dies in one package to take you through the various reloading steps. Sets often include two-die, three-die, or four-die sets. Two-die sets usually include a full-length sizing die and a seating die. Three-die sets add a separate crimping die, while four-die sets typically include a neck sizing die and a seating die.
Die materials vary, and understanding the differences is important. Steel dies are the most basic and generally the most affordable. They are durable but require proper lubrication to prevent friction and wear. Carbide dies are a step up, with the sizing portion made of a hard, wear-resistant carbide material. Carbide dies offer a smoother sizing process and often require less lubrication. Titanium nitride (TiN) coated dies are another option that reduces friction. These can make resizing easier and improve the overall feel of the operation.
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
Choosing the right reloading dies is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and shooting goals. Several factors should influence your decision.
Rifle Type
Your rifle type plays a significant role in determining the best die for your .308 Winchester. Bolt-action rifles often benefit from neck sizing due to the potential accuracy advantages and extended brass life. Semi-automatic rifles, however, generally require full-length sizing to ensure reliable cycling. Since the bolt-action rifle’s chamber is more precise, it is more likely that you can take advantage of neck sizing.
Accuracy Goals
Your accuracy goals will also influence your choice of dies. Reloaders who prioritize maximum precision may opt for neck sizing or, if they require full-length sizing, choose dies with features designed to improve alignment and reduce bullet runout (which is the degree to which the bullet is not perfectly centered in the case).
Brass Life
Brass life is another important consideration. Full-length sizing works the brass more than neck sizing, which means that full-length sized cases will eventually need to be discarded or annealed more frequently. If you want to extend the lifespan of your brass, neck sizing can be a good choice.
Budget
Your budget is also a factor, as reloading dies vary in price. While it’s tempting to choose the least expensive option, remember that quality dies can last a lifetime. Investing in a high-quality die set can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to reload frequently.
Reloading Best Practices
Once you’ve selected your reloading dies, you can start the reloading process. Proper case preparation, lubrication, die adjustment, and troubleshooting are all key to achieving the best results.
Case Preparation
Case preparation is the initial step and is critical for producing consistent and accurate loads. Cleaning the cases is important for removing any debris that might interfere with the sizing process or damage your dies. Trimming the cases to the correct length ensures that they fit the chamber properly and that the bullet seating depth is consistent. Chamfering and deburring the case mouths smooths the edges, making it easier to seat the bullets and preventing damage to the bullet itself.
Lubrication
Lubrication is an essential part of the resizing process, and properly lubricating cases will make the whole process run more smoothly. Using the correct type of lubricant, whether a case lube applied to the outside of the case or a lubricant applied inside, is vital for preventing the cases from getting stuck.
Die Adjustment
Die adjustment is also important. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and adjusting the dies correctly is crucial for getting the most out of your reloading equipment. For full-length sizing dies, you’ll want to adjust them so they fully size the case without overworking the brass. Neck sizing dies should be adjusted to provide the desired neck tension for a secure bullet hold. With seating dies, you need to adjust the seating depth to achieve the desired overall cartridge length (OAL), ensuring it fits within the rifle’s magazine and chamber.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is also important. Sometimes issues arise, and knowing how to diagnose and fix them can save you time and frustration. If you experience difficult chambering, the case may be undersized, or the shoulder may not be properly set back. Bullet runout, where the bullet is not perfectly aligned with the case, can affect accuracy. Inconsistent neck tension can also affect bullet alignment and consistency.
Brands and Suggestions
Several reputable brands manufacture .308 Winchester reloading dies. Lee, RCBS, Hornady, and Redding are all popular choices, each offering a range of dies to suit different needs and budgets. Lee dies are often an excellent value for the price, while RCBS and Hornady offer a good balance of quality and features. Redding dies are generally considered premium dies and are favored by precision shooters.
Recommendations for Beginners
For beginners, a full-length sizing die set from a reputable brand is often the best starting point. These sets provide all the necessary dies for the basic reloading process. As your reloading experience grows, you can explore options like neck sizing dies or specialized seating dies to fine-tune your loads.
Recommendations for Accuracy-Focused Reloaders
For accuracy-focused reloaders, consider investing in a high-quality die set with features designed to reduce bullet runout and improve consistency. Redding, Forster, and other premium die brands often offer competition-grade dies that are designed for maximum precision.
Reloading the .308 Winchester is a rewarding pursuit that offers the potential for improved accuracy, cost savings, and customization. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and always follow proper reloading procedures.
This journey into the world of reloading dies for the .308 Winchester should give you the tools to select, use, and maintain your reloading dies, helping you achieve precision and performance with your favorite rifle. Always research and consult reputable reloading resources to stay safe and improve your knowledge.
