Specs for an accurate .308 reamer?

C

CWPINST

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Does anyone have any reamer specs that they can recommend? I would prefer to not turn the necks. Lapua and Federal brass will be used. Bullets I hope to use: 168 and 175 SMK, 150gr Ballistic Tips, 150gr. Barnes TTSX, 150gr. Sierra ProHunters.

Rifle will be used for target shooting and hunting.

Here is what I was thinking:
.340 neck (might be a problem with the Fed. brass)
.055 freebore
1.5 degree leade
.470 at the back end
 
With the bullets you listed, one of the Palma reamers like the Bisley or 95 Palma should work pretty well and won't require turned necks. These two chambers have been used for years internationally and in a good rifle and barrel is capable of incredible groups way out there. There are some newer chambers optimized for the new 155 bullets but I'm not real sure what the difference is. Your best bet would be to call Dave Kiff at PTG and tell him what you think you want to do. Might want to stay away from Federal brass, it has a reputation of being soft and not lasting long with full loads. Lapua and Winchester are pretty well thought of and don't require neck turning in a reasonable chamber.
 
Yea, the only reason for shooting the Federal is that one of my friends is a sniper and keeps me well supplied with brass.
 
CWPINST said:
Yea, the only reason for shooting the Federal is that one of my friends is a sniper and keeps me well supplied with brass.
Click to expand...

The Federal should work OK as long as you stay away from top end pressures. I don't know if it is still the case, but the .308 and .223 brass used to be notorious for primer pockets loosening after one or two reloads. The .223 has been improved, so maybe the .308 isn't so bad anymore.
 
I should just stay out of this but..... it's Christmas ;)

There is no magically accurate reamer IMO, they're all exactly the same as far as accuracy goes. You pick things like neck size and length based on your style and preferences and (again IMO) you pick things like base/shoulder diameter and body taper based on your reloading preferences. I use one of two criteria, I either have the reamer maker match a die I already have or I make the case exactly how I want it and have the die made to that spec.

In either case, the goal is FIT betwixt the die and the rifle.

Accuracy is about fit.

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Order a 95 Palma from PTG and you'll be fine. Use Lapua brass and you'll be even better.
Use Redding dies and you'll rule the world!

If your a "speed freak" and want to sling 155's at ludicrous speed order the 308 Gamboa. Dump as much Varget in their as you can, stand on your press to get the bullet in it, and then sit back and smirk as you bend time and space as your bullet makes its way to the impact berm.


Good luck.

C
 
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Just in case you wanted to use Lapua 308, I have a brand new 308 Lapua case, and it's neck wall thickness is .0155. Times two is .031, + .308 is .339. That is pretty tight in a .340 neck chamber. If you happen to try a bullet with any gas ring present, (which can be as much as .0008 on some custom match bullets), you are too tight.

Of course, you can always turn them a tad...........jackie
 
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