Reloading addiction begins

[PGJPJ]

I’ve been meaning to get into reloading for years now, but could never make the commitment to buy the gear. I’m still not all the way there, but I got closer today.

Today I bought the RCBS Rock Chucker Master Reloading Kit. I only have a die + shell holder for my .270, and still need a tumbler. But I’m really excited to reload over this next year, and work up some good hunting loads.

Ultimately, I’d like to reload for the .223, .270, 30-30, and .300. The dies aren’t cheep, but I don’t need to get all of them right away.

I think I’m going to experiment with RL22 and IMR 4350 for both the .270 and .300. I like the Nosler BT for the .270, either 130 or 140 grain. And I’m thinking about the Nosler Accubond 180 grain, or Partitian in 200 grain for my .300 WinMag. Can’t wait to get started!!!

[baltz526]

the reloading bench is important also. permanant mouting press, powder measure and case trimmer makes it a real hobby

[scottishsetter]

Do not overlook the Horn. Bullets try the 220gr RN at a little bit slower speed. My -06 shot them and the 165s perfectly but----- not the 180s Go figure?

[baltz526]

i gave up tumbling, makes no real difference. but one word of advise, do not let your reloading bench looking like mine. when you have to climb over stuff to get to it, (you may have a to much junk problem)

[Grantspastor]

RL-22 and IMR 4350 have both done very well in my .270 with 130 bullets. I prefer the RL-22. The load I'm currenty using is at or near maximum and last time at the range I shot 5/8" five shot group at 100 yards with this powder. Either way you should get good results. I also shoot and like them Nosler Ballistic Tip.

RL-22 has also performed very well in my Son-in-law's .300 WM.

[kwbed]

Like the others said, you MUST have a solid, heavy, spacious reloading bench it takes a lot of the frustration out and makes things a lot easier. Make sure you read a lot too, get as many reloading books as you can and just read up on your caliber and your gun, etc. Be prepared to get addicted, I'll never shoot factory loads again! Besides that, its a blast to experiment with different powder/bullet type/bullet weight combinations and it gives you an excuse to just go out and shoot your gun!!

[scottishsetter]

Grantspastor;;; Why do you choose IMR and not H4350?
My Pawnshop Ruger 30-06 loves H4350 ;165SP and 220RN.

[Blackbeardown]

The 180n grain nosler accubond in the 300 win mag is incredibly hard to beat ballistically with other bullets in the same caliber.

[biederboat]

I've been reloading for about a year now, joined Tri-county. Took my elk at 289 and my deer at 305 on reloads, how sweet it is! In reality, I consider myself a total beginner but a bit of initial success doesn't hurt my feelings.

Biederboat

[OuterLimits]

IMR4350 is an excellent powder for both the .270 with 130gr bullets and .300 Win Mag using 180gr bullets.....Both of these loads have excellent accuracy!!

[dla]

Try the H4350 in place of the IMR-stuff. Better temperature performance and a smaller grain length which meters better for me.

[PGJPJ]

I picked the IMR products mostly because of sourcing the powers. We don’t have much in the way of sporting goods stores our in St. Helens, but strangely enough Wally-World out here has a moderate supply of reloading equipment and powers.

Plus, when my wife asks, “what are all these charges at Wal-Mart?” I can say, “diapers and stuff, you’re the one who wanted kids.”

Instead of, “what are all these charges at Sportsman’s Warehouse?” and me saying, “Ahh, emm, ahh, reloading stuff.”

Kidding… I’d also like to try H4831sc, but need to find where I could buy it. Wal-Mart was just easier since they carried IMR and RL powers that seemed like they would work fairly well.

[baltz526]

imr is a very good powder. 180gr in the 300win mag, a very popular load has 72gr as max with imr4350. speer book 2988fps . nosler book 3130fps. lists 70gr as max 200fps faster so work up to your load. nosler #6 should be out, buy it

[Hunt'nFish]

Originally Posted by biederboat

I've been reloading for about a year now, joined Tri-county. Took my elk at 289 and my deer at 305 on reloads, how sweet it is! In reality, I consider myself a total beginner but a bit of initial success doesn't hurt my feelings.

Biederboat

Mark, AWESOME! Adds a little more smile to those kills doesn't it?!!!

PGJPJ, OH NO!.......the quest for accuracy & ballistics perfection begins.
Hunt'nFish

[Flatfish]

Imr 7828, RL 22, H-1000 for the 300 wm. Drive 180s til the are between 3000-3150fps.

Jack figured out how to reload the 270 a looooong time ago. 60gr-H4831 130 gr bullet. The old books showed 62 grains, but it seems jJacks scale was off.

3031 in the levergun. I like 170s simply because trajectory is never very flat with 30-30s.

I have only loaded the 223 a few times. I think we shot H335. Honestly, I don't remember the details.

In your quest to make ammo, you will find several tools that are necessary. Once you get the basic setup, I would strongly suggest a chronograph. Only a powder scale is more informative in my eyes.

[StickFish]

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

Mark, AWESOME! Add a little more smile to those kills doesn't it?!!!

PGJPJ, OH NO!.......the quest for accuracy & ballistics perfection begins.
Hunt'nFish

Lets not invite him to a TA meeting or we'll really ruin him.

Personally I do not like RL powders - too much graphite coating that ends up in your barrel. I've never had a stability or consistency issue with IMR powders - they just plain work. I only use Hodgdon powders for case forming cause I just don't want to pour it on the ground - John and I don't see eye 2 eye on a few things especially around their claim that their surplus canister powder was identical to the new SC variants - tell that to the primers I tossed out the back of my STW cases. I guess part of that is a lie, I do use Hodgdon powder on my bench/varmint gun (speaking of which you ever shoot that WSM H&F?)

I use IMR in my 300wsm, but will start to move to Vihtavouri N550. I use the N560 in my STW with excellent results - I know that one won't help you, cause I have to order that in or buy it at Sportsmans and they usually have to order the 500 series in for me.

Reloading is interesting, religious to some and argumentative to others (one reason I don't talk much about reloading on here any more). Since you are just starting. Buy good parts as you go so you don't have to upgrade them later. You can't go wrong with an RCBS Rock Chucker press, powder measures and case trimming gear (everyone carries it). However, as far as dies are concerned I'd pay a couple extra bucks for Redding dies - the finish is so much smoother on them that RCBS. Also one tool you can't do without is a universal de-capper. Punch the primers out and toss the cases in a tumbler. Only reason I tumble is to clean the outside of the brass of grit and burned residues to not score my dies or chamber.

Good luck and DO NOT be affraid to ask questions

[James in Idaho]

Uh, you need two reloading benches, one for rifle and one for shotgun. Although with lead at $50 a bag not sure I'll still be doing shotgun after my current supply runs out. And I'll 4th or 5th the 4350 for the .270. I've been loading since 1975 or so and I still don't own a tumbler.

[OuterLimits]

H335 and H322 are excellent powders for .223 with either 50gr or 55gr bullets!