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Posted: 10/15/2016 10:23:04 PM EDT
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Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my post and offer your help. I really don't have a close friend/mentor that reloads, so I have to get all my information from reloading manuals and forum boards. I've read both the Lyman 49th and the ABC's of reloading lately. I read another one years back but I can't remember which one. Anyways...
I am just getting into reloading. I'm using a new Forster Co-Ax, along with Redding premium deluxe die set to reload some .308. I'm using Federal GMM brass, CCI LR, 8208xbr, and Hornady A-max 178gr. This is for a Remington 700 SPS .308 with the Hogue rubber molded stock. I tumbled my brass 3+ hours with walnut shell media and brasso. Then, since these will only be fired in the same rifle that they were shot the first time in, I neck sized them, (only half way down the neck with the Redding neck sizing die). I primed them and charged them. I used the Hornady OAL gage, headspace gauge, and bullet comparator to find my distance from the head to the lands in the rifling. I then seated the projectiles using the Redding micrometer seating die to an OAL length of .010" short of the lands. After loading my first 4 rounds, I had noticed two problems... PROBLEM #1: When I laid a loaded case on its side and rolled it, I could see the tip of the A-MAX wobbling tremendously on 2 of the 4 rounds I had loaded. The other 2 had some wobble, but not nearly as much. Chambering them was very snug, and when removed, you could see marks on the bullets on one side, I assume from rubbing the chamber walls when inserted. All I heard when considering which press to buy, was how good the Co-ax did with Concentricity, and how it solved everyones concentricity problems, etc. etc. etc. I'm not trashing the Co-Ax, as I'm certain this is my fault. I just need to know how. I've rolled it over in my head, and can't think of anything that I haven't checked already. PROBLEM #2: After loading the first round, I dropped the hinged magazine floor plate down and slid the round up into the cavity to make sure it was not too long to fit. There looked to be ample room, so I closed it up and proceeded on. When I got to the range, I started loading the internal magazine from the top, and the rounds would not fit. When pushing the round down, and then sliding them to the rear of the magazine, when I loaded the second round, the tip on the Amax of the first round would hang on the feeding ramp. I hate this stock. I want a better one with a detachable magazine, but since I've spent a small fortune on reloading tools and supplies lately, I just can't afford a replacement right now. (I'm not even sure a different detachable magazine would be any longer...) What gives? |
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Not an expert on .308 but lots of info I've read is that Reminton .308's have a very long throat and it is nearly impossible to seat bullets out close to the lands and for them to fit the internal magazine. First I'd just shorten the
oal until they slide into the internal magazine. As far as run-out on the Co-Ax I'd give your die lock rings a check. They should slide into the slot and still have die movement. Back the screw out so the die slides in with no spring tension and see if your die has movement as it should. Check the spring loaded adjustment that should just be tight enough to keep the die from sliding out but not tight enough to lock the die in place. Dies should slide past the spring loaded pin easily and barely feeling it. My Co-Ax press automatic shellholder was a little rough with fingers not sliding easily. I took my automatic shellholder apart and with a flat stone ran the flat stone over the surfaces just feeling for high spots. On mine the blue steel spacer had slightly raised material around the holes that were punched out. Now my spring loaded shellholder fingers slide easily and snap closed on the case. If one finger is not moving easily it could be causing misalignment. Keep the automatic shellholder clean. Not a problem with the Co-Ax but a sliver of brass could cause a finger to not slide. No idea what your neck sizer is doing. I'd size more than 1/2 way down the neck to almost size to the shoulder. Good luck with your issues. |
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