Which Sizer

[chemist308]

I'm looking at 2 sizers, and I don't know what to get for my 308 Winchester. One is 0.308 inches and the other is 0.309 inches. Which one?

Also, do I need a sizer for black powder maxis?

[mooman76]

Best to slug your bore first so you will know for sure. It probably will be at least 309 but maybe 310 or 311. You don't need to size maxis. Your barrel will do that for you when you drive it down the barrel.

[mtgrs737]

I size to .310" for my 30-30 and it shoots great! I would slug the bore and then go .001" to .002" over that to start with. However you should check that the reloaded cartridge will chamber without sticking. A sized boolit should slip into a fired casing, if not It may not have enough clearance to release the boolit during firing, causing a pinching of the boolit in the neck which could raise pressures.

[Slow Elk 45/70]

Hullo Chemist, and welcome,

Have you slugged your bore yet ? That will tell you a lot about what size you need. I like to feed mine .311, this depends on your chamber throat size also and what size boolit seated in the case will fit the chamber , . what size is your as cast boolit? Most folks like to keep the boolet .001-.002 oversize, It has always helped me with getting good accuracy

If I was just going to buy one without checking the barrel I would go .309, but you are shooting craps. Good Luck. P.S. don't need a sizer for the maxie

[chemist308]

So, I also need a micrometer/caliper then, right?

[randyrat]

For now get yourself a .309 Lee push thru sizer die and play some craps. Next investment buy your self a digital Caliper it will tell you a lot. You also need one for measuring OAL of loaded cartriges, which is important.
For your Max Ball you don't need to size. Be sure to use SOFT lead and work up your loads, start low and work your way up to find the sweet load (most accurate load)
With a Maxi Ball you just lube and load, some use all kinds of add ons cards, wads,felt bases,... I found the Maxi Ball to be very accurate.