New press options

[Mauser98]

For the reloading I've done in the past, mostly for deer hunting, getting 1.5 - 2.0 MOA has been plenty fine for my uses. I just picked up an AR-30 in 300WM to start shooting long range, so reloading has taken on a new chapter for me. I currently use a Lyman turret press, and occasionally I'll pull out the old Herters for fun, but it usually becomes more work than fun The Lyman has served me well for many years, but the turret is getting a little sloppy in its age. I've been looking at the Forster Co-Ax, the Redding Big Boss II, or even going to an Arbor press with LE Wilson dies.

Maybe I'm going above and beyond what I need with these choices, but I like to buy with the future in mind. I plan on either re-barreling this rifle to .338 LM or .338 RUM when I shoot out the current barrel, or if that takes longer than I anticipate, probably purchasing another rifle in one of those calibers.

Also, what books do any of you recommend on reading for accuracy reloading, beyond what is covered in the typical reloading manuals? I just ordered Handloading for Competition, and hope it arrives this week.

[Seismic Sam]

I use a Lyman turret press, and have been loading my .338 RUM on it and getting down to 3/8' 4 shot groups at 100 yards on my best day. It doesn't matter how tight the press is - what matters is how good the dies are. So forget the press, that isn't the issue.

To begin with there is a damned if you do and a damned if you don't decision. Ballistically, the 338 RUM and Lapua perform equally, and both drive the big Sierra 300 grain Matchking at 2750 FPS. Don't let the larger case size and reputation of the .338 Lapua make you think otherwise. As far as brass, Lapua has better brass, but it's a LOT more expensive. 338 RUM cases are about $1 each, while 338 Lapua are probably $3 each these days. So, that's a decision you have to live with.

Despite doing it, I didn't see the value of case neck turning the Remington brass, and the chances are even less that you will have to do this with the Lapua with their brass.

For a resizing die, go with a Forster FL size die, which has the sizing button up by the neck of the die, so the neck gets sized concentric with the case. A Redding Type S neck die CANNOT necessarily accomplish this!! Nor a normal FL with the neck sizing button down further!! For a seating die, go with the Redding Benchrest or Competition seating die, and this is about $180 all by itself. It has a sliding sleeve to hold the whole case concentric as it pushes the case up over the bullet.

For primer you want the Federal 215M, which is the magnum match primer. The inside skinny on powder is that Retumbo is THE choice here, but the newest manuals say maybe H1000 or RL-25. Loading density should be around 102% for at least the 338 RUM, so the powder starts to crunch as the bullet gets done seating. I've gone into this in more detail in some posts a few years back, and if you do a search on me and a guy named Pinnacle combined, you'll find it.

Oh, when you get a barrel for either of these, make sure you have it cryoed, and mine has a JP brake, and some sort of a brake is mandatory when you touch off 100 or more grains of Retumbo at once.

[Mauser98]

I use a Lyman turret press, and have been loading my .338 RUM on it and getting down to 3/8' 4 shot groups at 100 yards on my best day. It doesn't matter how tight the press is - what matters is how good the dies are. So forget the press, that isn't the issue.

My only concern is how much play the turret has on the stud it's mounted on. It rocks pretty good when FL sizing. IMO, if the die is rocking with the turret, then it isn't concentric to the axis of the ram. I'll have to check it with a dial indicator to see how much play I have before I put some cash on a new press.

To begin with there is a damned if you do and a damned if you don't decision. Ballistically, the 338 RUM and Lapua perform equally, and both drive the big Sierra 300 grain Matchking at 2750 FPS. Don't let the larger case size and reputation of the .338 Lapua make you think otherwise. As far as brass, Lapua has better brass, but it's a LOT more expensive. 338 RUM cases are about $1 each, while 338 Lapua are probably $3 each these days. So, that's a decision you have to live with.

Despite doing it, I didn't see the value of case neck turning the Remington brass, and the chances are even less that you will have to do this with the Lapua with their brass.

This is my hangup with the decision between the Lapua and RUM. Brass choices for the RUM are less than ideal, compared to Lapua. I see Nosler has new brass for the RUM, I'll have to look into this a little more when that time comes.

For a resizing die, go with a Forster FL size die, which has the sizing button up by the neck of the die, so the neck gets sized concentric with the case. A Redding Type S neck die CANNOT necessarily accomplish this!! Nor a normal FL with the neck sizing button down further!! For a seating die, go with the Redding Benchrest or Competition seating die, and this is about $180 all by itself. It has a sliding sleeve to hold the whole case concentric as it pushes the case up over the bullet.

Already have these on order. Sure does hurt the wallet a bit more than RCBS/Hornady/Lyman. I don't see the Benchrest seating die, but I ordered the Competition seating die, Midway has them for $100.99 right now.

Oh, when you get a barrel for either of these, make sure you have it cryoed, and mine has a JP brake, and some sort of a brake is mandatory when you touch off 100 or more grains of Retumbo at once.

When I do re-barrel it, I think I'll try the AR style brake for the .338. The brake on the .300 WM tames it down to the recoil of a 6mm Remington, so hopefully its bigger brother works as well.

I'll look through you posts to find your conversation on these topics. Thanks for the help!!

[MaryB]

Replace the worn parts on the old press. You are used to it and know it can crank out good ammo. No learning curve beyond a new cartridge.

[rugersol]

Redding Big Boss II

... I'd also take a hard look at the Redding T-7

I'd get the T-7, and send the Lyman in for repairs!

[OldmanFCSA]

I have a Redding T-7 press if you wish to try it.

I also have a RCBS AmmoMasterII press with proper bushings for smaller calibers, if you wish to try it also. I would be interested in selling one of these.

I can also give you some reloading ideas for accuracy, though not on 338 sub-caliber cartridges.

[Mauser98]

Replace the worn parts on the old press. You are used to it and know it can crank out good ammo. No learning curve beyond a new cartridge.

I'll be getting parts for sure, it's not getting retired any time soon.

[Mauser98]

... I'd also take a hard look at the Redding T-7

I'd get the T-7, and send the Lyman in for repairs!

I have been looking at the T-7, but hadn't decided between single stage or turret. Kind of figured I have a turret, I'd go for the single stage, and let the Herter's be the designated deprimer.

But, with OldmanFCSA offering one for sale, that may be the ticket.

[Mauser98]

I have a Redding T-7 press if you wish to try it.

I also have a RCBS AmmoMasterII press with proper bushings for smaller calibers, if you wish to try it also. I would be interested in selling one of these.

I can also give you some reloading ideas for accuracy, though not on 338 sub-caliber cartridges.

PM on its way.

[OldmanFCSA]

... I'd also take a hard look at the Redding T-7

I'd get the T-7, and send the Lyman in for repairs!

I have been looking at the T-7, but hadn't decided between single stage or turret. Kind of figured I have a turret, I'd go for the single stage, and let the Herter's be the designated deprimer.

But, with OldmanFCSA offering one for sale, that may be the ticket.

As I explained on the phone, the Redding T-7 is NOT for sale. The RCBS AmmoMasterII is for sale.

[rugersol]

... I'd also take a hard look at the Redding T-7

I'd get the T-7, and send the Lyman in for repairs!

I have been looking at the T-7, but hadn't decided between single stage or turret. Kind of figured I have a turret, I'd go for the single stage, and let the Herter's be the designated deprimer.

But, with OldmanFCSA offering one for sale, that may be the ticket.

As I explained on the phone, the Redding T-7 is NOT for sale. The RCBS AmmoMasterII is for sale.

... good! ... I don't need another one, but I hate missing out on a good deal!


Jest go ahead and buy a new one! ... it's worth it!