AR-308 – RCBS Pro-2000 and 30 cal RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder

Now that we’ve covered the precision loading process for the AR-308 project, it’s time now to move on to progressive reloading. This will enable us to load ammunition very quickly. If we select the right equipment, and are careful and strategic to setup this equipment, we can also attain very high consistency for the ammo that we reload on this type of progressive equipment.

During the AR-MPR (AR-15 build and loading) project, I covered the 22 caliber version of the RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder also on the RCBS Pro-2000 press. Here are some of the relevant posts:

The 30 caliber version of this bullet feeder is essentially the same, but with parts modified to work with .308″ diameter bullets instead of .224″ diameter bullets.

Some pictures of the RCBS Pro-2000 and RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder:

RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder (30 cal) and RCBS Pro-2000 - Image Copyright 2011 Ultimate Reloader
Die stations 1-nothing, 2-nothing, 3-powder measure, 4-bullet feed die, 5-Redding Competition Seating Die - Image Copyright 2011 Ultimate Reloader
RCBS Rifle Bullet Feed 30 Cal Bullet Collator - Image Copyright 2011 Ultimate Reloader

One of the things that makes loading rifle ammunition on a progressive reloading press difficult is the force required for full length sizing. For this video, I used pre-sized brass. For this reason, I did not include a sizing die in this setup. This translated to the smoothest reloading of rifle ammo on a progressive press that I’ve experienced. Lubing, sizing, and cleaning/prepping prior to progressive loading (for rifle ammunition) is a great way to go.

And here’s a video showing the loading process with this setup:

Overall this setup worked well. Due to the excessive clearance in the drop tube I did have some bullets get stuck (Hornady A-Max with polymer tip and boat tail base). The Speer deep-curl flat base bullets worked perfect. I’ll be contacting RCBS to find out if they have a solution for the “wedged bullets” for the boat tail bullets. The uniflow powder measure does a great job with the Benchmark powder – very consistent results. (+/- 0.2 grains on 40 grains charge, that’s 0.5% variance). The Hornady concentricity tool also had good things to say about this setup. Overall bullet runout holding in the .001″ total variance range for most loaded cartridges.

Do you guys have progressive precision loading tips/experiences for rifle ammo you want to share? Please leave a comment!

Thanks,
Gavin

4 thoughts on “AR-308 – RCBS Pro-2000 and 30 cal RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder”

  1. Tou might want to check the primer seating depth (end of the vid ,3 completed cartridges one is not standing up straight)

    1. Thanks, the cartridge did not “wobble” when set down, I think that was just an imperfection on the bench surface. Doesn’t hurt to check!

  2. In regards to the RCBS Pro 2000, I’m experiencing powder spillage as I index from station 3 To 4, is there a way to correct this problem, I’ve even slowed the cycling down and even held on to the case as it indexes to station 4. I’m reloading .223, H335 powder@ 20 to 23grains. THANKS.

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