Finding the right brass for your .308 Winchester reloading needs is crucial for accuracy and safety. This guide dives deep into the specifics of small primer .308 brass, exploring its advantages, disadvantages, sourcing options, and best practices for handling and reloading. We'll cover everything you need to know to confidently work with small primer .308 brass, ensuring your reloading experience is both successful and enjoyable.
Understanding Small Primer .308 Brass
The .308 Winchester cartridge, a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and even military applications, comes in two primary primer types: large and small. This article focuses on small primer .308 brass, which offers several unique characteristics. Knowing the differences between these primer types is crucial for selecting the appropriate reloading components and ensuring proper firearm function. Using the wrong primer can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
Advantages of Small Primer .308 Brass
- Consistent Ignition: Small primers are often praised for their more consistent ignition properties, leading to improved accuracy and reduced variations in bullet velocity. This consistency is particularly beneficial for precision shooting applications.
- Reduced Primer Pocket Erosion: While both large and small primers can experience erosion over time, some reloaders claim that small primers might exhibit slightly less wear on primer pockets.
- Compatibility with Certain Rifles: Specific .308 Winchester rifles are designed to work exclusively with small primer cases, making them the only viable option for these firearms.
Disadvantages of Small Primer .308 Brass
- Availability: Small primer .308 brass can be less readily available than its large primer counterpart. This might result in higher prices or longer search times to locate suppliers.
- Potential for Mismatches: The biggest risk associated with small primer .308 brass is the possibility of accidentally using it in a rifle designed for large rifle primers. This is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Always double-check your firearm's specifications.
- Cost: In certain regions and depending on the supplier, small primer .308 brass can be more expensive than the large primer version.
Sourcing Small Primer .308 Brass
Finding high-quality small primer .308 brass requires a bit of research and diligence. Here are some popular options:
- Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers specialize in reloading components, including brass. Sites like Graf & Sons, MidwayUSA, and others offer a wide selection of small primer .308 brass from various manufacturers. Always check reviews and compare prices before ordering.
- Local Gun Shops: Check your local gun shops and sporting goods stores. While availability can vary, they might carry small primer .308 brass, especially in areas with active reloading communities.
- Brass Recycling: Consider buying once-fired brass. This is a cost-effective way to get your hands on quality brass. Many ranges collect spent brass, or you can collect your own. However, always inspect the brass carefully for any damage before reloading.
- Manufacturer Direct: If you plan on purchasing in bulk, you may wish to contact brass manufacturers directly.
Reloading Small Primer .308 Brass: Best Practices
Reloading small primer .308 brass requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
Step-by-Step Reloading Process
- Inspect and Clean: Before beginning, meticulously inspect each case for damage, dents, or cracks. Clean the cases thoroughly using a suitable case cleaning method (tumbling, ultrasonic cleaning, etc.).
- Deburr: Deburr the case mouth to remove any sharp edges.
- Size: Resize the brass using a properly fitted sizing die.
- Prime: Use a small rifle primer. Carefully seat the primer using a priming tool.
- Charge: Carefully measure and add the appropriate powder charge according to your chosen load data. Always consult reloading manuals and only use proven load data for your specific components.
- Seat Bullet: Carefully seat the bullet to the desired depth.
- Crimp: Apply a crimp to ensure the bullet is securely held in place.
Table 1: Example Reloading Data (Always consult your reloading manual)
| Powder Type | Powder Charge (Grains) | Bullet Weight (Grains) | COL (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMR 4064 | 43.0 | 150 | 2.800 |
| (This is example data - consult your reloading manual) |
Important Note: Always double-check your work throughout the entire reloading process. A single mistake can lead to catastrophic failure.
Conclusion: Small Primer .308 Brass – A Precision Choice
Small primer .308 brass presents both advantages and disadvantages for reloaders. While its availability and cost might be a slight drawback, its potential for consistent ignition and reduced primer pocket erosion make it an attractive option for those seeking superior accuracy. By understanding its properties, properly sourcing the brass, and diligently following safe reloading practices, you can successfully utilize small primer .308 brass to create high-quality ammunition for your shooting needs. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult reliable reloading manuals.