So I'm completely new to reloading. I know a press presses bullets into cases and you need to tuble brass and size it after firing but after that I know nothing. I'd really appreciate some expert guidance on getting into reloading. I saw hornady has a progressive press kit for like 580 bucks, does hornary make good stuff? I'd want to load mostly fmj, but also make some match grade ammunition. I appreciate the input folks. Also should I just be using 7.62 casings in my scar? I've heard the .308 casing is actually thinner than 7.62

So I'm completely new to reloading. I know a press presses bullets into cases and you need to tuble brass and size it after firing but after that I know nothing. I'd really appreciate some expert guidance on getting into reloading. I saw hornady has a progressive press kit for like 580 bucks, does hornary make good stuff? I'd want to load mostly fmj, but also make some match grade ammunition. I appreciate the input folks. Also should I just be using 7.62 casings in my scar? I've heard the .308 casing is actually thinner than 7.62

There are quite a few reloading threads on this forum, plus YouTube is full of instruction and sales videos.

I'd start there and then ask for more input.

 

So I'm completely new to reloading. I know a press presses bullets into cases and you need to tuble brass and size it after firing but after that I know nothing. I'd really appreciate some expert guidance on getting into reloading. I saw hornady has a progressive press kit for like 580 bucks, does hornary make good stuff? I'd want to load mostly fmj, but also make some match grade ammunition. I appreciate the input folks. Also should I just be using 7.62 casings in my scar? I've heard the .308 casing is actually thinner than 7.62

I Know it is tempting to start off with a progressive press. But I believe most of those new to reloading would benefit more from starting off with a good single stage press. It is not only easier to get started but u will get a better feel for what u r doing when u get started. JMHO

Ask oldfart, he offer free advice. For me, I like a Dillon press. 550B or 650 from WGS. If Single press, go RCBS from ebay. Wet tumble is best, I made my own and dry tumble, but will not get full bling.  If money is no issue, there was a guy selling Giraud power trimmer love mine or order Giraud drill trimmer. Get good dies like Redding for rifles. Reloading is not cheap, you will get frustrated, feel good when it done.

My advice is save the $2000 you'll spend on presses, bullets, cases, primers, dies, powders, tumblers, tumbler media, etc...

And buy 3,000-4,000 rounds of ammo and have fun.

 

My advice is save the $2000 you'll spend on presses, bullets, cases, primers, dies, powders, tumblers, tumbler media, etc...

And buy 3,000-4,000 rounds of ammo and have fun.

 

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Isn't 308 running about a buck a shot?
Unless you talking about some surplus crapistanese bulk ammo.

Before you decide to purchase once fired brass from out of state, check with us.  We've had some holdups, but we'll have some ready for sale very soon!

Thanks for all the replies, I've spent most of the day googling it all (being in pta tends to allow lots of time to research things like this) and I've gotten in contact with a seasoned reloader so I'm well on the way to getting my own rig set up :3

I'd like to use lapua brass, just because I know you can use them dozens of times. Anybody have any experience with lapua brass? I'm speaking with a guy that was on a Facebook gun page, he seems knowledgeable but are progressive presses really as unprecise as he makes them seem? I'd like the convenience of a progressive and my buddy wants me to help him reload, but if it really is as unprecise as he makes it out to be I'll just stick with single stage. Does the scar 17 have a specific oal of rounds that it can chamber?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions, I'm just trying to fill in the gaps of the stuff I've read online. The fhucks hawk articles were very useful.

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Isn't 308 running about a buck a shot?
Unless you talking about some surplus crapistanese bulk ammo.

Match grade ammo runs about $1.00 per round.
Brass FMJ can be had for around 50 cents per round.

I'd like to use lapua brass, just because I know you can use them dozens of times. Anybody have any experience with lapua brass? I'm speaking with a guy that was on a Facebook gun page, he seems knowledgeable but are progressive presses really as unprecise as he makes them seem? I'd like the convenience of a progressive and my buddy wants me to help him reload, but if it really is as unprecise as he makes it out to be I'll just stick with single stage. Does the scar 17 have a specific oal of rounds that it can chamber?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions, I'm just trying to fill in the gaps of the stuff I've read online. The fhucks hawk articles were very useful.

David Tubb reloads on a Dillon 550 and so do a lot of other accomplished highpower competitors. I load my 200, 300 AND 600 yard loads on a regular Dillon 550. No different scores than those loaded on a single stage Rock Chucker.

Here is my reloading set up 

I recommend talking with Oldfart and set up a day you can go to his place so you can see the basic steps of reloading in person.

I only have one recommendation for you at this time: read a how-to reloading book before you decide to buy anything or try learn reloading from anyone.  A reloadingbook will give you a basic understanding about brass, cleaning, powders, primers, bullets, crimping, the different types of presses available (singles, turrets, progressives) as well as the dangers (and joy) of reloading.  Having a basic understanding will make any discussion you have with any of the seasoned reloaders on this forum more meaningful for you and worthwhile for the contributing reloader. It will also make your decision concerning the type of equipment to buy, easier.

You can use a Dilon 550 as a single stage. A Scar 17 isnt built as a benchrest or precision rifle.

Honestly, I don't own a 308 but I loaded plenty similar calibers.
Coincidentally I might be setting up a complete loading setup for 308 for my work partner so I invited Mr. Bee to assist..
I can't think of any better scenario for learning.

also don't forget to get a collet or impact puller.

Re. Lapua brass...
Lapua makes great stuff, but I doubt if it will last 2 dozen uses.
 after a few uses,  the primer pockets get loose.

Re. Lapua brass...
Lapua makes great stuff, but I doubt if it will last 2 dozen uses.
 after a few uses,  the primer pockets get loose.

I always wondered about that.  I know that lapua brass has it's place, like for the purposes of load development or competition, but i figured that for typical shooting out of non-precision rifles it wasn't worth the added premium.  I assumed that, with the right case prep and enough weighing, anyone could turn a batch of lake city into a small handful of match capable brass.

Is the SCAR 17 that good of a rifle to justify using match grade ammo?  I kind of just assumed that it used only a milspec barrel so maybe 1 MOA accuracy at best?

Re. Lapua brass...
Lapua makes great stuff, but I doubt if it will last 2 dozen uses.
 after a few uses,  the primer pockets get loose.

I think you might be a little hot if you got loose primer pockets after only "a few uses"

Just sayin'

In my experience, the biggest advantage of Lapua brass is the consistency makes sorting easier. The only cartridge that I load over the published limit is 6br where I use around 30 grains of varget under a 107 grain bullet and I get more than 10 cycles on the brass before I notice the primers slipping in too easily. That said, I generally don't use it in my autoloading rifles because they tend to beat up the brass.

I think you might be a little hot if you got loose primer pockets after only "a few uses"

Just sayin'

In my experience, the biggest advantage of Lapua brass is the consistency makes sorting easier. The only cartridge that I load over the published limit is 6br where I use around 30 grains of varget under a 107 grain bullet and I get more than 10 cycles on the brass before I notice the primers slipping in too easily. That said, I generally don't use it in my autoloading rifles because they tend to beat up the brass.

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I think I was getting about 5 cycles before the pockets started to get loose.
And I do tend to push my loads to the upper limits.
Regardless, remember the op is running a scar17 and the brass needs to full length size too.
So besides loose pockets he will experience work hardening and cracking.
Seems extravagant to use lapua brass like that.

In my experience, brass gets worn out after about 10 loads. I tried annealing to extend the life.
It kind of works. Just a pain though.