Lee classic loader 308

[para]

Hi All
Ive just invested in one of the 308 classic loader kits, hopefully should arrive this week. I just wanted to know has anyone used them and what powder & bullets you used and of course what were the results.
I also ordered a case conditioning kit and micrometer
Regards Matt

[DedIdick]

Not the classic kit but used some of the other Lee Press gear. Apparently it does the job and is OK if you only do limited reloading. Once you catch the reloading bug, then you'll probably find you'll want to get a decent press. I use the Lee turret sets for Pistol calibre reloading and a Lyman turret press for my rifle stuff.

For my 7.62 (308) I use about 40-43 grains of Varget behind either a 168gn Sierra or 175 grain Berger, lit by a Federal 210 primer. (Depending on what sort of discipline I'm shooting.) I use the 168 load in an OFV case for magazine use and the 175 in a Lapua case if single loading. Both will better one MOA at 600 yards.

[para]

Not the classic kit but used some of the other Lee Press gear. Apparently it does the job and is OK if you only do limited reloading. Once you catch the reloading bug, then you'll probably find you'll want to get a decent press. I use the Lee turret sets for Pistol calibre reloading and a Lyman turret press for my rifle stuff.

For my 7.62 (308) I use about 40-43 grains of Varget behind either a 168gn Sierra or 175 grain Berger, lit by a Federal 210 primer. (Depending on what sort of discipline I'm shooting.) I use the 168 load in an OFV case for magazine use and the 175 in a Lapua case if single loading. Both will better one MOA at 600 yards.

Ive been looking at the Varget powder, I dont have scales so I was going to rely on the dipper as an accurate way of measuring. However the classic comes with its own loading chart im just hoping that Varget powder is on there as that way the dipper will measure the correct amount with out.
scales.
Regards Matt

[aris]

Varget like many American powders is no longer being imported. Try and develop a load with a European powder like vhitavouri N140

[tim56]

I use Lee gear for all my reloading. Works well in 44mag, 303, 308, 45/90. Depends what you want to load your 308 for. I tend to use
9.8 grns of Unique with a home cast gas check 185 grn bullet sized to .309" and tumble lubed in Alox for 50 - 100 yd ranges and buy
factory for going out to 300/400 at Beckingham. This home load in a Howa 1500 give ragged one hole groups if i do my bit.

[para]

Varget like many American powders is no longer being imported. Try and develop a load with a European powder like vhitavouri N140

Typical as vhitavouri is double the price of Varget powder, its still for sale in Henry kranks though.so being a compete novice im looking at 150 - 155 gr bullet heads, cci primers i have some ppu used brass cases to reload
So how many rounds woukd 1lb of powder give approx??
Regards Matt

[enigma]

Typical as vhitavouri is double the price of Varget powder, its still for sale in Henry kranks though.so being a compete novice im looking at 150 - 155 gr bullet heads, cci primers i have some ppu used brass cases to reload
So how many rounds woukd 1lb of powder give approx??
Regards Matt

Vhit powders tend to come in kilo tubs =2.2LB hence twice as much as Varget...and assuming 45grains being a middle of the road load(for both Varget and N140) 1lb powder(7000grain) / 45 grain = 155rounds ish.

hope that helps