308 winchester headspace

[idelkhunter]

I have just joined the forum. If I need to post somewhere else please direct me.
I have read threw posts but cant find an answer.
I am reloading 308 WIn. with a Layman turret press, Redding Body die, Redding Bussing neck die, and Redding bullet seating die.
I'm new to loading, and just trying to get the hang of it. I have an AR10, and a Bolt gun.
I have loaded up around 100 or so rounds some were load data for the guns all worked great and found a load well suited.
The problem was when I was body sizing, I am using Redding shell holders #+8, and using a factory brass case for dimensions.
Using a headspace gauge I noticed that a about 1/3 of around 200-250 cases would be around .001-.006 under.
I cant figure out why. I have reset the die to be sure its tight. or could it be twist from the press itself.
I try and use the same motion every time with the cam over and not slam it over.
The factory round is 1.624.
So my concern is how far under is to far.
If I go by SAMMI standards and go by there min. 1.627 (if I read it right) which is 1.634 -.007 for the min. I'm already under with the factory brass.
I hope this all makes since.
Any help would be appreciated.

Some brass is under sammi specs, are the shorter brass all the same head stamp

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[CAH3rd]

Ahhh but I do see a space that's a little thicker than a piece of paper in the back and when I bring the ram down it closes the gap.
Mmmmm wonder if I put a feeler gauge in there to close the gap and give it a try.

[EUDE75]

That would help. If the head moves any it can make differences.

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[CAH3rd]

Yes its all the same head stamp. Its all Federal.
I have kept all my brass separated per manufacture.
I took several fired rounds and measured the headspace at 1.626-1.627.
If I use the SAMMI spec of no more than .007 difference then the lowest headspace would be around the 1.619- 1.620 mark
My thinking may be off, but then for my brass that's under .001-.005 should be ok to load.

[EUDE75]

As long as you're not close to max load and pressure you should be fine. Once they're fired you're probably gonna have to trim them so you can get them all the same then. A little trick I do is I'll take a casing from each load for and trim it to the exact length. I made a block to put them in. Then any time you've got to trim you already have one to set your trimmer to.

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[CAH3rd]

That's a good idea, ill do that.
The load im shooting is 3.5gn away from max load.

[EUDE75]

You should be good then.

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[CAH3rd]

Thanks for the assist

[EUDE75]

No problem.

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