[rbrown77]

Hello,

I am going to try and reload my 6.8. My friend has the machine. I need to know all the parts I will need for the machine. I also need to know all the stuff I need for the ammo. I know I need the bullets ( 6.8 SPC , 110 grain Nosler Accu Bond) I need the case ( but do I need the large primer or the small primer?) If you look on SSA website http://www.ssarmory.com/6.8ammunitionsales.aspx it shows both kinds. Do I need to buy more primers for the cases when I reload them for the 2nd time? Where do I get them? My buddy reloads his .308 all the time so he knows how to do it but can I use his powder? or do I need to buy my own? My 6.8 has the SPEC 2 chamber at 1:11 twist so I want to run them as hot as I can becasue I am using them for pig hunting Thanks for everyone time I REALLY APPRECIATE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[paulosantos]

Get the SSA Small Rifle Primed Brass. if you can find some CCI #41 Primers, go with those. For powders, try H322, RE10X, or H335. Try the RCBS Small base Die and Seating Die. Also, if you like to crimp the bullets, get the LEE FCD Crimp Die. Also you may want to get the Hornady Headspace Gauge.

Also, check this thread.

 

[rbrown77]

thx

I just found the other reloading section and just read your post on reloading ( wow ,that was great and helped a lot ,thx). My friend has a hornady reloader if that makes any difference. Should I just buy those items where ever I can find them or do you recomed a place? How much powder do I need to buy? Is there some cheap bullets I can buy ( and use the accubond just for hunting) just for target practice? Also I do not shoot all the time, is reloading that much cheaper than just buying a box of ammo?

thx again

 

[paulosantos]

The initialy set-up for reloading will cost some money, but you will save a ton of money reloading. It costs me $.37 a round to reload, while it costs $.75-1.50 per round to buy. The Sierra 110 GR Pro-Hunters also make great hunting bullets, are very accurate, and affordable. I'd start with 1 LB of H322 and 1LB of RE10X to start out.

Check out Midway USA as they should have most of those items.

 

[rbrown77]

Ok great thanks a lot How come I need 1lb of each powder? Do you need 2 kinds of powder? I will get the pro hunters if they are cheaper and still work the same I will look at Midway I have bought stuff from them and was happy with their service. Thanks again for your time.....

 

[paulosantos]

Ok great thanks a lot How come I need 1lb of each powder? Do you need 2 kinds of powder? I will get the pro hunters if they are cheaper and still work the same I will look at Midway I have bought stuff from them and was happy with their service. Thanks again for your time.....

1 LB is the smallest amount you can get and should still last you a couple of hundrd rounds. See which one your barrel likes betetr and stick with it. For the Pro-Hunters, 28.5-29 GR of H322 is the sweet spot for most barrels, so you may want to start there.

 

[deacn dan]

One thing to keep in mind while buying powder, most catolog/internet stores will charge an additional hazardous materials shipping/delivery fee. Sometimes it may be 25-30.00 additional. If your buying a pound of powder for 25-30.00 and then spending $$ on an additional shipping fee, you aren't saving any money reloading. Go to your local gun store and see what they have in stock.

Dan

 

[Bubba FAL]

rbrown77,

This is not intended as a slam, but judging from some of your questions, it appears that you are in need of basic information in regards to reloading. Your friend has the equipment, does he have a reloading manual? Most reloading manuals contain a basic tutuorial section - I strongly recommend reading and understanding this section before actually reloading anything. Saves a lot of headaches (and potential Kabooms).

For the 6.8, a pound of powder should allow you to load ~230-250 rounds (depending upon charge weight). The two powder types are mentioned only as the variety would allow you to work up loads to determine which powder/charge weight combo works best in your rifle. NEVER MIX POWDERS!

Do you have access to a chrono? This is a big aid in load development, but if you don't have access to one, stick with published data from known sources and work up to hot loads very slowly. Make sure that your reloading session is devoid of distractions and you can focus on the task at hand. Mistakes can be costly (and painful).

My $.02

 

[diving dave]

While were at it, can someone give some pointers on crimping?I've reloaded for my bolt guns for quite awhile, but I know for a semi auto its a good idea to crimp. Got my first 6.8 coming soon, and with price of ammo will probably reload for it. thanks

 

[paulosantos]

While were at it, can someone give some pointers on crimping?I've reloaded for my bolt guns for quite awhile, but I know for a semi auto its a good idea to crimp. Got my first 6.8 coming soon, and with price of ammo will probably reload for it. thanks

Get a LEE FCD Crimp, which costs around $13. Just start with a 1/2 turn crimp as per the instructions. It will crimp bullets with or without cannelures.

 

[rbrown77]

Can I use H380 powder? My friend has 8lbs of it already. Thanks again for all the replys , I really appreciate it...

 

[deacn dan]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

 

[deacn dan]

Sorry for the double confusion, posted before I typed.

To answer your question regarding H380...possibly, but that is where the reloading manual and or data chart comes in. If your friend doesn't have one, or even if he does, please get one and study up on the basics of reloading. There is a learning curve before you safely load. Is your friend experienced? We don't want any unplanned BOOMS.

 

[Equalizer_2]

H380 is too slow of a powder for decent velocities from the 6.8. Paulo's suggestions are in the right area for good velocities.

As for cheap bullets, the Sierra ProHunters are about as cheap as you will find but they are a good quality bullet.

It is imperative to be safe in all aspects of reloading, as mentioned you need to do nothing else but load, NO ALCOHOL, no TV, no watching the kids. Reloading is a safe and fun hobby but you must exercise safety just like any other sport.

Obtain a couple of good reloading manuals and read the chapters for learning. It is important to not hot rod the loads as this can cause potential for damage to your rifle and/or injury to yourself or others. As an example I once heard a man claim to load his .357 magnum with 14 grains of a particular powder while at the same time I used the max load of 11 grains of that same powder in a .44 mag. Putting 14 gr. of that powder would likely turn a .357 into a bomb if you could get it all in the case and seat the bullet.

Yes, you can load hot for a cartridge but you need to be experienced and exercise caution because when you load hot you reduce the margin of safety.

Mixing two types (numbers, brands, etc) of powder together creates dangerous mixtures and are totally unsafe to use.