picky with reloads...

Jeff2131 · October 19, 2013, 06:16 PM

Hey guys, im about a week away from buying a new toy. DPMS Panther .308
I was told that it is picky with reloads as far as jams or feeding is concerned. I full length resize all my .308's. Do you think ill have issues or does that pertain to people who only neck size?

**Unclenick** · October 19, 2013, 07:00 PM

You never want to neck size in any gas gun. It's a slamfire looking for an excuse to happen. If anything, you may want to get a small base die to ensure easy feed.

I don't know about handload sensitivity, since I don't own one of those. Certainly the .223 AR's have no issues with handloads that I've ever found. Depending on barrel length and gas system design, some gas guns demand a narrower ammunition performance window to function properly, while others are more forgiving. But if you get a picky one there is nothing to stop you from rolling handloads that closely mimic the commercial loads it likes best.

HiBC · October 20, 2013, 03:50 AM

I load for mine with no issues.Its an LR308L,18 in bbl.I use Varget powder and 168/165 bullets.

Note:The Armalite folks saw fit to put a spring around the firing pin in the bolt to help prevent slam fires in the AR-10.DPMS did not do that.I'd lean toward mil-spec primers.

steve4102 · October 20, 2013, 05:32 AM

As Unclenick has pointed out you always, always want to Full Length size for gas guns.

Here is a good read on loading for Service rifles. Note the section on sizing.

http://www.exteriorballistics.com/re...sgunreload.cfm

tobnpr · October 20, 2013, 02:01 PM

Give us a range report after your purchase.
Been thinking about one for a looong time, they seem to offer great value (and accuracy) for the $$.

Jeff2131 · October 20, 2013, 03:54 PM

I most certainly will. Probably going to click "buy now" tonight. Yey, new toy!!!

oley55 · October 20, 2013, 06:03 PM

Steve4102

thanks for the link to that article. definitely a good read and now a saved favorite

Jeff2131 · October 21, 2013, 06:27 AM

Bought the rifle last night. Should have it by the weekend for range time. Ill keep you posted.

Jeff2131 · October 29, 2013, 07:38 PM

Sorry for the delay, i forgot to come back to this and give my range report....

This rifle is kickass!!! I am sooooo happy i bought it, soooo friggin excited to go shoot some more, and ive been isolated in the garage loading .308's so i can go blow through 500 rounds this weekend.

So with that being said, the reloads functioned beautifully in the rifle, not a single problem. I put 100 round through it slow and rapid. Once i had the scope dialed in i was alternating shots at 8" steel targets at 150yards at a VERY fast pace. Id say maybe 20rounds in about 30 seconds. I full legnth sized every case and seated to match factory rounds. I used IMR4320 and 150gr soft point sierra's. CCI 200 primers, mid range charge, and again im happy to report, this rifle took every round like a champ! If you are an AR fan and dont own an AR10, i highly recommend it. Idk if the fact that its a SASS makes any difference in how it performed but regardless....im giving this an A++.

October 19, 2013, 06:16 PM	#1
Jeff2131 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Spring City, PA Posts: 497	picky with reloads... Hey guys, im about a week away from buying a new toy. DPMS Panther .308 I was told that it is picky with reloads as far as jams or feeding is concerned. I full length resize all my .308's. Do you think ill have issues or does that pertain to people who only neck size? __________________ ---I DON'T DIAL 911---

October 19, 2013, 07:00 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	You never want to neck size in any gas gun. It's a slamfire looking for an excuse to happen. If anything, you may want to get a small base die to ensure easy feed. I don't know about handload sensitivity, since I don't own one of those. Certainly the .223 AR's have no issues with handloads that I've ever found. Depending on barrel length and gas system design, some gas guns demand a narrower ammunition performance window to function properly, while others are more forgiving. But if you get a picky one there is nothing to stop you from rolling handloads that closely mimic the commercial loads it likes best. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

October 20, 2013, 02:01 PM	#5
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Give us a range report after your purchase. Been thinking about one for a looong time, they seem to offer great value (and accuracy) for the $$. __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

October 20, 2013, 03:54 PM	#6
Jeff2131 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Spring City, PA Posts: 497	I most certainly will. Probably going to click "buy now" tonight. Yey, new toy!!! __________________ ---I DON'T DIAL 911---

October 20, 2013, 06:03 PM	#7
oley55 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2013 Location: JAX, FL Posts: 377	great article Steve4102 thanks for the link to that article. definitely a good read and now a saved favorite

October 20, 2013, 03:50 AM	#3
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	I load for mine with no issues.Its an LR308L,18 in bbl.I use Varget powder and 168/165 bullets. Note:The Armalite folks saw fit to put a spring around the firing pin in the bolt to help prevent slam fires in the AR-10.DPMS did not do that.I'd lean toward mil-spec primers.

October 20, 2013, 05:32 AM	#4
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,952	As Unclenick has pointed out you always, always want to Full Length size for gas guns. Here is a good read on loading for Service rifles. Note the section on sizing. http://www.exteriorballistics.com/re...sgunreload.cfm

October 21, 2013, 06:27 AM	#8
Jeff2131 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Spring City, PA Posts: 497	Bought the rifle last night. Should have it by the weekend for range time. Ill keep you posted. __________________ ---I DON'T DIAL 911---

October 29, 2013, 07:38 PM	#9
Jeff2131 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Spring City, PA Posts: 497	Sorry for the delay, i forgot to come back to this and give my range report.... This rifle is kickass!!! I am sooooo happy i bought it, soooo friggin excited to go shoot some more, and ive been isolated in the garage loading .308's so i can go blow through 500 rounds this weekend. So with that being said, the reloads functioned beautifully in the rifle, not a single problem. I put 100 round through it slow and rapid. Once i had the scope dialed in i was alternating shots at 8" steel targets at 150yards at a VERY fast pace. Id say maybe 20rounds in about 30 seconds. I full legnth sized every case and seated to match factory rounds. I used IMR4320 and 150gr soft point sierra's. CCI 200 primers, mid range charge, and again im happy to report, this rifle took every round like a champ! If you are an AR fan and dont own an AR10, i highly recommend it. Idk if the fact that its a SASS makes any difference in how it performed but regardless....im giving this an A++. __________________ ---I DON'T DIAL 911---