I've been reloading handgun cartridges for better than 20 years. Now that I'm becoming more "mature", I'm thinking of spending a little more time shooting my rifle, maybe even working my way into a little benchrest shooting.

I'll be starting with a bone-stock Remington 700BDL in .308

I know there are all sorts of improvements that can be made to a stock rifle (bedding and such) but I expect that for now, the rifle will shoot better than I will as is.

I have an RCBS Rockcrusher, scale, powder measure and the usual basic reloading supplies. What I'm looking for is information regarding loads and techniques for reloading rifle ammunition, general guidance, recommmended references, that sort of thing. The only reference I have at the moment is a 1973 edition of Hornady, Vol II. Not a lot of data on .308 loads.

Any pointers/recommendations would be appreciated.

Get yourself a new reloading manual. They all have good detail on reloading procedures. The Nosler is a good one. I have had good luck with the Nosler "Most accurate Powder tested" as far as accuracy loads in various calibers. Start with a lower powder charge and build up in half grain increments. I also have a Hornady. Speer, Lyman and Sierra reloading manual, they are all good manuals.

If you do end up getting a new Nosler manual, I'd suggest getting a box each of 150 and 165 gr Nosler balistic tips, and a can of Reloader 15. You should have no problem finding an accurate load with that combination. It's a good confindence builder to start of with a known combo, and if you can't get good or very good groups with those componets, I'd suspect a problem with your scope or rifle.

Thanks, folks.

I've been doing a little checking around, and I DEFINITELY need to update my reference material.

Another source indicates that the military match load for the .308 is a 168gr Sierra Match King ahead of 42 gr. of 4895. Anybody have any experience with that?

Also, someone mentioned going to small primer-pocket Federal brass, as opposed the the standard large primer. I'll need to buy some brass anyway, so I might as well try that.

Any input on a decent mid-range (say $250) scope? I'm hearing Burris and Weaver, and stay away from Tasco and a couple of others.

I've heard the weaver K-6 is a very good scope for the money.

I don't know if small primer pocket Federal brass is readily available. Since most load data is worked up for regular large rifle primer pocketed brass, I'd stear clear of the small primer pocket stuff, as most load data won't apply.

Thanks, Paul, I'll keep that in mind. I'll surf around and look at the K6 too. 'preciate it.

I've been a 308 nut for a while. I shot one in competition and have loaded several thousand rounds of it. My two favorite loads for the 308 use 165 to 168gr bullets. I used the 168 Sierra's in competition and so got used to the trajectory. For deer using a 165gr hunting bullet gave me the same.
I like 45-46grs of WW-748 in my match loads because it shot very well in numerous 308's and could be dropped from my powder measure within 1/10th a grain (saves loading time).
I also like 46grs of Varget with a 165gr Partition. This load gives good velocity, is very accurate and temperature stable. The 165gr Partition will be an excellent hunting bullet for anything you would use a 308 for.
RL-15 is also an excellent 308 powder and is temperature stable. IMR-4064 works well especially with heavier bullets but the thick grains don't meter well so you'll have to weigh every charge. IMR-4895 is a popular match powder because you used to be able to get it cheap, it was accurate and it's burning rate worked well in Semi-Auto M-14 match guns. N-140 I think was made for 175gr Sierra's in the 308 it's awesome with the heavier match bullet.
For a beginning reloader I would try Varget and RL-15 first for hunting loads. WW-748 meters better but might not be as temperature stable (i.e. velocity doesn't change much hot or cold).
The Weaver Grand Slam scopes seem to be very nice for the money. With the new VX-III line of scopes you might be able to find a good deal on older Vari-X III scopes. Either would probably work well in your rifle..........DJ

Lotta good info there, Thanks!

Once I'm sure the rifle is shooting well, and get some bench time so I am shooting well, I'm considering trying my hand at thinning out the coyote herd around here.