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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 220
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 220 |
I have been reloading bolt action rifles for 30 years. I have acquired a lot of knowledge over the years for bolt guns. However I've just purchased a Browning Bar in 308 win that I would like to reload for.
I'm wondering if someone can lead me to some good books/manuals for reloading semi-autos?
Thanks, Adams
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,310 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,310 Likes: 1 |
Anything you load in a bolt gun will work fine in a BAR.
Just mind sizing with them and keep them clean. Easy guns to get shooting.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,807
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,807 |
Can’t help you on any books, but…
FL resize. Some say you need small base dies, but that’s not my experience with BARs
Stay away from slow burning powders. Probably not an issue in 308, but an issue with 30-06 and 270. The issue is cycling.
Stay away from max loads, as these also can cause excess wear of the action and cycling issues.
When developing a load, look where the brass is landing. Settle on a load that shoots accurately and where the brass all lands with it a 2’ circle. You may find a load that shot accurately but sprays brass all over the place. Stay away from that load.
Keep in mind pressure signs may be different than you may be used to with Rem action bolt faces, as you won’t see a round the ejector mark.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 799
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 799 |
I never used small base dies when I had a BAR in 270. As for the powder, a little research led me to IMR4064 for the 130 gr bullets. You’ll want to pick the right burn rate powder.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,133
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,133 |
IMR 4895, 165 Hornady flat base and regular full length resizing dies worked great in mine.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 500
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 500 |
I was always told that the the BAR’s generally needed cartridges that met Saami spec and therefore reliability meant you should full size your brass. I also recall never seeing any sharp shouldered cartridges offered in the BAR line up. Same goes for tight necks or bullets seated long like you do with many bolt guns trying to snuggle up to the landes. My Brother had one in 280 Rem once ( kind of rare ) that shot factory ammo better than anything he could load and he was one hell of a wildcatter and loader.
Rick
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,310 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,310 Likes: 1 |
They’re chambered in WSM, Win Mag, Rem Mag, 270 and 25-06. All full steam loaded cartridges. Load them sane and you’ll like the way they work.
Semper Fi
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 220
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 220 |
Thanks for the responses. I've decided to try 3 or 4 boxes of factory ammo to see if I find something that shoots good. If not then might go to hand loading. I've been reading that IMR 4895 is a good powder to start with. Again thanks!
Adams
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 961
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 961 |
Get a small base FL die set. You may not need to use a small base sizing die, but it won't hurt.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong. Getting into reloading to save money is like getting married for free sex.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,860 Likes: 4
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 44,860 Likes: 4 |
Get a small base FL die set. You may not need to use a small base sizing die, but it won't hurt. It may hurt with respect to brass life.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 961
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 961 |
It may but how much does the average person shoot a BAR?
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong. Getting into reloading to save money is like getting married for free sex.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,695
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,695 |
I have loaded for three different BAR's and never used a small base die set.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 500
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 500 |
It may but how much does the average person shoot a BAR? Dave I’d pretty much agree with this observation but my Late Brother who was a guide and wrangler for years in Wyoming and Idaho told me toward the end of his guiding life he saw more and more BARS showing up in camp. Mostly Southern clients but they were accurate enough and sucessful rifles Rick
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