Starting reloading - what to get next?

[Jnasa]

One thing I would recommend is to actually just reload with the basics you have. When you do you can identify areas you want to improve on yourself.

Everyone has what they prefer. Many are good suggestions. However, you may like something different. Before spending the money try it and identify where you want to invest.

I still have a very basic set up and load quite a bit on it. I will likely upgrade my brass prep in the future but I’m not there yet.

 

[brendog84cj8]

If you are going to be in it for the the long haul and can afford it, buy nice stuff and be done with it. I know most of us can't and I am one of them but if you can, do it, will save time and messing around in the long run. Really good accurate auto throwing scale setup is so nice to have, as one example. Kind of have the same theory when people ask about meat grinders as I started little and took years to have a nice big one but once you have the nicer better stuff it just makes things so much easier and less of a pain. Of course the key here is if funds allow.

 

[howl]

.... The bottom of a rubbing alcohol bottle makes a good powder dish as it contains an anti-static additive.

A thing was learnt of the Internet!

 

[antelopedundee]

A thing was learnt of the Internet!

My pleasure for the info. I've never had an issue with granules sticking to it. If you make sure that the bottle is perfectly dry it can also be used as storage for smaller quantities. Say that you have an 8# keg and want to use smaller quantities just pour some into a dry IPA bottle. Label it and secure the label with wide CLEAR tape. Also easy to see how much is left.

 

[jeff_gibbons]

Imperial sizing wax

 

[Caseknife]

Get a small penlight to look into all your cases to compare the powder level prior to seating bullets.

Get one of these if you are so inclined, best bullet pullet ever. https://grip-n-pull.com/

I still use the 5-0-5 RCBS beam scales that I got 40+ years ago. I use this with it and works pretty fast. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101284828?pid=943305

 

[Dukeball33]

I didn't read everything, but I've gone to 00 or 000 for cleaning necks and omitted tumbling brass. This is for stuff that stays out of mud or muck.

 

[CowboyLeroy]

How does one go about choosing a starting point as far as powder goes? Primers?

 

[Redmt]

How does one go about choosing a starting point as far as powder goes? Primers?

Use a book load to start with the parameters that fit what your looking for. Bullet, primer etc.

 

[El Jason]

How does one go about choosing a starting point as far as powder goes? Primers?

I usually look at Nosler data and pick their most accurate powder for the cartridge and bullet of choice. I may alter slightly if I’m looking for more speed, but those are a very good starting point.

Primers, I use CCI 200 or 250. I have plenty of both on hand.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

How does one go about choosing a starting point as far as powder goes? Primers?

Depends on the goals. Typically its a matter of picking a temp stable powder of the right burn rate that gets adequate velocity with good case fill but minimal/no powder compression. If running from a measure/thrower vs weighted charge, how well a powder meters comes into consideration.

Generally there are powder/primers that have been generally accepted and used by masses in precision shooting disciplines for various applications. Paying attention to what is proven there can be a shortcut to success.

 

[CowboyLeroy]

Thanks for the input fellas, I guess I should have clarified im not looking to reinvent the wheel, im just looking to squeeze a little more performance out of my rifle. I have a tendency to overthrow things but it sounds like it wont be as complicated as I thought.

 

[Sheltowee]

Thanks for the input fellas, I guess I should have clarified im not looking to reinvent the wheel, im just looking to squeeze a little more performance out of my rifle. I have a tendency to overthrow things but it sounds like it wont be as complicated as I thought.

Which cartridge(s) are you looking at reloading?

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

I recommend searching Erik Cortina reloading on YouTube. He’s a 1000 yard bench rest world champion and is really good at explaining reloading stuff.

 

[CowboyLeroy]

Which cartridge(s) are you looking at reloading?

7mm-08 and 7 saum

 

[Sheltowee]

7mm-08 and 7 saum

I'd start with Varget. H4350 if you're going to shoot heavier projectiles (like in the 160+ range). Both of those are solid powders for a wide range of medium-sized cartridges.

 

[Darkside]

How does one go about choosing a starting point as far as powder goes? Primers?

Go Buy Manuals.
Nosler, Hornady, Speer updated one is 1of the Best has a lot of information.

 

[El Jason]

Honestly, purchasing manuals anymore is kind of a waste of money unless you just want a hardback resource. There is plenty of information available, from reputable sources to get started reloading.

 

[Sheltowee]

Honestly, purchasing manuals anymore is kind of a waste of money unless you just want a hardback resource. There is plenty of information available, from reputable sources to get started reloading.

Agreed. The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center, Nosler manual and Hammer reloading data are are all free online.

 

[Elktrack]

Honestly, purchasing manuals anymore is kind of a waste of money unless you just want a hardback resource. There is plenty of information available, from reputable sources to get started reloading.

Very true. But there’s just something about flipping through them and studying and comparing and nerding out. Haha
It’s interesting to see how some of the data has changed over the years. I’ve got some old manuals that show loads WAY over max of the current manuals with the exact same powders.