Handloading for DPMS AR 10 (.308 24"bbl)

[northjdr]

I recently acquired a DPMS LR 308. I am relatively new to reloading (only done it for a couple of months) but have not loaded for an AR. Could anyone point me to a thread or article relating to loading for AR's. I want to develope a good deer load and a long range praire dog load. Any ideas or tips would be appreciated

[iiranger]

You need to pick up a half dozen used reloading manuals and study them. Then buy one of the new ones in the brand you like the best for current data. Yours is a self loader and you will need to be extra thorough in resizing the cases down so they go into the chamber. It will not have the leverage of a bolt action and balk at cases that are at all over size for your chamber. You may need "small base" dies. You may not. You have to work this out. Trail and error.

From there, any thread on self loaders... Garand, M14, Rem 760/740 (yes, one is a pump), Win 100 (and 88), SKS and AK for that matter (tho sloppy)  will move you in the right direction. They all have the same considerations. And you will need to concern yourself about enough pressure at the gas port or the gun doesn't function right. Limits you a bit, but with all the competition... both deer load and varmint load can be done.  luck.

[northjdr]

I've got the Lyman 48th edition and I think I read it cover to cover. It doesn't seem to addess autoloaders or ARs. I'll look at a few more books. Thanks for the reply

[Lloyd Smale]

the advise on sizing is good advice also keep in mind that for the same reasons do not try to push the pressures on you loads. Back off a little from the top loads in the books and you will avoid the sticky extraction problems.

You need to pick up a half dozen used reloading manuals and study them. Then buy one of the new ones in the brand you like the best for current data. Yours is a self loader and you will need to be extra thorough in resizing the cases down so they go into the chamber. It will not have the leverage of a bolt action and balk at cases that are at all over size for your chamber. You may need "small base" dies. You may not. You have to work this out. Trail and error.

From there, any thread on self loaders... Garand, M14, Rem 760/740 (yes, one is a pump), Win 100 (and 88), SKS and AK for that matter (tho sloppy)  will move you in the right direction. They all have the same considerations. And you will need to concern yourself about enough pressure at the gas port or the gun doesn't function right. Limits you a bit, but with all the competition... both deer load and varmint load can be done.  luck.

[determined451]

get a copy of the Sierra manual.....It has a great section on gas guns..Hornady's new manual also has a section on data for them....I have a DPMS also...like it alot...seems to like loads around 2600 fps...shoot alot of RL15, and  H-4895...P.M. if I can help..D451

[northjdr]

Thanks, I'll pick up the Sierra manual.