New Owner; wanting direction to reloading

[silversurfer9]

My back ground is in the Marines. I learned to trust the M-16, so the AR-15 was the most logical choice for me. Skipping past the details, I first heard of the 6.8 on Future Weapons. Researched it, was looking for multi purpose weapon; e.g. hunting, home defense, zombies, annoying neighbors, etc. Researched other calibers and came back to the 6.8. It seems a proper choice. After this, I forsee a .338 in the future for big game. I chose the Daniel Defense V7 upper to go on my AR-15 lower.

Given the price of 6.8 ammo, reloading seems a sensible option considering I can also reload my AR-15. However, I can't seem to get straight or really sequential info on reloading. I keep picking up bits and pieces. The process seems quite simple but it seems the magic of accuracy (and safety) is in the details. Do the reloading manuals cover the necessities and process in detail?

[68WJ]

Welcome to the forum. Your story sounds like mine. Semper Fi!

Yes, most of the manuals will cover the process, but generically. Basically, you are removing the old primer and resizing the brass (it expands after firing) so that it will feed reliably and hold a new bullet. Then you reprime, add powder, and cap off with a bullet. The key to accuracy and safety in that is consistency, choosing the appropriate components for the use, consistency, measuring the components to the specs of your rifle, and consistency.

One of the most common causes of malfunction is not sizing properly. You won't be able to tell by merely looking, but not pushing the cartridge's shoulder back far enough will result in a stoppage.

One of the most common causes of catastrophic failure is using the wrong powder, or too much of it. Pistol powder will destroy a rifle. On the other hand, too little powder (ie, forgetting to add it) may result in a squib. If you perform immediate action and shoot again with a bullet stuck in your bore, you will be buying a new rifle and probably getting checked out at the doctor.

Both of these are easily preventable by methodically working through the loading procedure and paying attention to what you are doing. It is a rewarding endeavor but will not save you a bit of money because you will find yourself shooting more often.

[angsniper]

Welcome to the site!

[WVHunter1s1k]

First off; Welcome aboard!
It's as basic as 6.WJ said.
Definitely use the manuals. Although, the 6.8 can be loaded a hair more than the max in the manuals with a longer COAL & a SPC II chamber. See below for safety:

One thing for safety is to use ladder loading, when you start a new bullet, primer or powder. This will allow you to check for flatten primer, swipes, blown primers etc.
Plus, it will allow you to find the best(most accurate) powder bullet combo.
In which you start at a low powder load & step up .3 or .5 grain increments to max load. I use 5 rounds at each .5 increment.
That is part of the 'details'. Kinda slow & methodical, but like said it's the details. Once you get your magic load. It is just a matter of setting the scales & running batches at a time.

[sfsmedic]

First off; Welcome aboard!
It's as basic as 6.WJ said.
Definitely use the manuals. Although, the 6.8 can be loaded a hair more than the max in the manuals with a longer COAL & a SPC II chamber. See below for safety:

One thing for safety is to use ladder loading, when you start a new bullet, primer or powder. This will allow you to check for flatten primer, swipes, blown primers etc.
Plus, it will allow you to find the best(most accurate) powder bullet combo.
In which you start at a low powder load & step up .3 or .5 grain increments to max load. I use 5 rounds at each .5 increment.

You are using a lot of terminology that is understandable to reloaders but probably not someone looking to learn reloading.

I suggest picking up the ABCs of reloading to read first. Then very important. Talk to us before buying any equipment as there are some very essential items and then some nearly unnecessary items.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WVHunter1s1k]

You are using a lot of terminology that is understandable to reloaders but probably not someone looking to learn reloading.

I suggest picking up the ABCs of reloading to read first. Then very important. Talk to us before buying any equipment as there are some very essential items and then some nearly unnecessary items.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good point sf! I guess once you do something for so long you forget about other not understanding the jargon.

[sfsmedic]

I am often guilty of this when teaching basic firearms as I'm used to dealing with lifelong professionals who carry daily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sgedicks]

Wassman started a good thread on what you need to get started reloading. S/F and welcome! Read a lot before you start and be methodical and consistent. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[silversurfer9]

Thanks for the replies. Got my ABC's of reloading. Also checked out the reloading thread and a few good youtube vids. One thing I still haven't been able to figure out, is how to measure head spacing in a particular chamber. Anyone have a link?

[silversurfer9]

As far as the headspace, I've heard of trimming cases to a particular rifle to optimize accuracy. Or is this unnecessary.