Hey guys, it's been about 2 years since I've logged on here. And I could use some knowledge. I just bought a ruger precision 308,and have been working on finding a good load that I like. My question is, is it safe to use 7.62 brass to load 308? Thanks for any help

Size the brass with a properly-adjusted .308 Win. full-length sizing die (you only have to do this once; you can neck -size on subsequent loadings).

Trim to .308 Win. case length.

Keep in mind that military 7.62x51 brass may be thicker (thereby have smaller internal dimensions), start at minimum powder charges and work up from there.


George

If it is military brass, don't forget the primer crimp.

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My question is, is it safe to use 7.62 brass to load 308? Thanks for any help

I have shot out match barrels using Lake City military brass. Case weights on military cases average around 175 grains, commercial cases, they vary a lot. I have used Federal cases that averaged 155 grains, I have used Federal cases that averaged around 175 grains.

Stay away from reloading manual maximum loads with military cases. You maximum load will likely be three grains less!

Absolutely but just like any other component change, start the load development at the listed starting load and work up.

Thanks for all the help fellas!

The 308 IMR 4895 works great for me.

Imr 4064, 43-45 grains with a 165-168 grain bullet, fed GMM primer and Lake city brass. I have found this to be a wonderful place to start with the 308 win.

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Originally posted by Gojoe:
Imr 4064, 43-45 grains with a 165-168 grain bullet, fed GMM primer and Lake city brass. I have found this to be a wonderful place to start with the 308 win.

I shot 44 grains of IMR4064 and the 165 grain Hornady BTSP Interloct bullet in my old Rem 788 in 308Win for almost 30 years.

You can as most have already stated, but that said, there is so much .308 brass out there and you don't have to buy components to ream primer pockets and whatever..Why not just buy good .308 brass..I purchased two big coffee cans full to the brim with factory fired Federal .308 brass for $50.00 on AR sometime back, I believe it was about 500 cases or more??. It was range pickup stuff and a lifetime supply..I also picked up some after a Gov. Agency had and annual qualifier, almost a wheel barrel full of FC once fire factory a few years back..Lots of .308 out there, just shop around.