Recipe ideas for a newbie

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Mike L

Mike L

Well-Known Member
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Sooooo I am looking into reloading for my tikka tx3 .308, I would like to use my empty sako hammerhead cases (1.999" empty length) and the nearest bullet to a sako, which looks to me like a Sierra pro hunter 150g, could someone who knows what they are doing look at a suitable recipe for me and the best powder to use?
TIA

mike
If I am missing vital info needed please tell me.
 
Figure out what powder is available to you. Get data from that manufacturer, for that bullet weight, and start at the minimum load and work up. Have fun. ~Muir

PS: Do you have a reloading manual?
 
Buy a reloading manual ...... they are not just for the recipes, these you can get on the relevant manufacturers website ... the manual gives you the basic information you 'need' to start reloading.

You can also get an internal ballistics software to help you GRT for example ... Gordons Reloading Community

Have you already got the kit ? or are you starting from scratch ??
 
Starting from scratch, I do a lot of loading for shot shell, so have some bits that transpose, but am looking at the lee equipment as I have had good service from them in the past.
 
Get in touch with Sako & ask if the bullets used in your ammunition are available seperately, what propellant is used & suggested loads.
I know some but not all their bullets are available for hand loaders.
 
Mike L said:
Starting from scratch, I do a lot of loading for shot shell, so have some bits that transpose, but am looking at the lee equipment as I have had good service from them in the past.
Click to expand...

I would still recommend a good book ...
www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Free: - Hornady 7th edition reloading manual

This came with a job lot of reloading gear I bought, I know there are later editions ( I have the 10th)but it will get someone started, I’d rather it went to a newbie but first come first served, my preference is you pick it up but I will post at your cost Triggermortis
www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Lee is good stuff ... look through here too.

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Google search results

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk
 
Book for techniques (even if you follow up with videos to see how other people do it), Manufacturers for load data.

Do you know from whom you will buy powder and what brands they carry?

Vhit N140, Ramshot TAC and whichever of the RS powders that used to be sold as TR140 are all well proven powders for mid-weight 308 loads.
 
There are no 'silly questions' ....

Lapua cases are made to a high specification and tolerance, very close to the SAMMI/CIP specs). Vhit are using them as a reference. Your cases will be different (unless you buy new Lapua).

The .308 Win (7.62x51) case length (CIP) is 51.18mm (2.015"), the case volume is 56.30grains of H2O.
Your cases are 15thou shorter, which is not a great deal, certainly not enough to worry about.
Weight one empty - fill it with water and weigh again - how heavy is it ?

Q. Is 1.999" a 'fired in your rifle' length ?
(I assume it is as you haven't got any resizing dies yet)
 
Last edited:
Have you taken a look at CSL 's reloading guide at the top of the page?
Ed from Edinburgh Rifles has also just done a FB 3 part reloading video (although I haven't seen it yet)
 
Miki said:
The .308 Win (7.62x51) case length (CIP) is 51.18mm (2.015"), the case volume is 56.30grains of H2O.
Your cases are 15thou shorter, which is not a great deal, certainly not enough to worry about.
Weight one empty - fill it with water and weigh again - how heavy is it ?

Q. Is 1.999" a 'fired in your rifle' length ?
(I assume it is as you haven't got any resizing dies yet)
Click to expand...
Yes that is fired length, I will weigh one today :thumb:
 
@Mike L there's a good reloading guide here:

Ramshot

Flat Trajectories. Big Impact. Ramshot for distance dominance. SHOP Ramshot Dialing in your next purchase? Ramshot provides a complete line of smokeless powders that consistently meet the high standards of all shooting enthusiasts. Shop Now Fraud Alert Multiple sites are now impersonating the...
www.ramshot.com www.ramshot.com

Vihtavuori N140 is a good powder for a Sierra 150gr.

Then you need a Lee Breech Loch Challenger reloading kit, .308 case length gauge for trimming, Lee #2 shellholder (if it doesn't come with the dies) .308 dies (sizing and seating die minimum), 6" digital caliper for measuring cartridge length.

CDSG is the place to buy the kit etc online

Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit 90030 - Premier Distributors

<p><span><span>This kit features the same components as the 50th Anniversary Kit, but we have replaced the Safety Prime with the Auto-Prime XR and a set of Auto-Prime Shell Holders</span></span></p>
www.cdsgltd.co.uk www.cdsgltd.co.uk
 
Thanks Rory, I have a few bits already from she'll loading, a few bits from friends and a few bits from classifieds here!!, just really the press and case trimmer/pocket cleaner to get..........so far.
 
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