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Posted: 12/31/2008 11:33:41 AM EDT
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I am new to reloading and have read all of the tacked threads at the top of the forum as well as many of the subsequent links. I got a Lee single stage reloader for Christmas as well as most of the assorted gear I need to get started. My question is this: What are good components to start with as I get started? I am shooting paper with all of these. No hunting.
I am reloading .308 for my Remington 700 SPS varment I am reloading .223 for my 16" 1in9 AR15 I am reloading .45 for my 5" XD I see Varget and H4895 would cross over for both .308 and .223. Is there a powder that can do all three of my loads? Can I use the same primers for the .308 and the .223? I have always bought factory loads in 55gr for the .223 and 230gr for the 45. Should I stay in those sizes or try something different for 3 gun and IPSC. Thanks for you help. |
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I see Varget and H4895 would cross over for both .308 and .223. Is there a powder that can do all three of my loads?
You will rarely find a powder that will do all things well. Much less a single powder that will work well for all pistols and rifles. Choose the powder that is made for the round(s) you're loading. The powder mfns tell you what rounds their powders were intended for. You'll also get a hint, by reading your re-loading manual. Yes, Varget and H4895 will work for the two rifle rounds that you mentioned. However, YMWV as to the results. Can I use the same primers for the .308 and the .223? Look at the botton of the cases.........what do you think? ______________________________________ Please do more research and serious reading before you commit to re-loading. HTH. Aloha, Mark |
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The 168gr match bullets would do well in your .308. Hornady 55fmj's are highly recommended for AR's for general shooting. For 45's the Hornady 230XTP does well in most all 45 pistols. Or you can use 45 ball FMJ's for general shooting and they load easily. There are many powders for your applications. H335 for bullets up to 55 grains in the AR. Varget for heavy bullets in the .223 Rem. For the .45acp there are several good powders too. I use Unique and AA#5 in most .45acp loads.
Primers, I use Remington. 9 1/2's for large rifle, 7 1/2's for .223 and small rifle, and CCI 300 and Remington 2 1/2 in the .45acp pistol. There are a number of good varmint bullets for the .308. Hornady's V-Max bullets would do well. Read, read, read, then be careful and have fun. |
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I apoligize, the primer question was dumb.
But research is what I am attempting to do. I have read what to do, just not what components to use, or at least start with. What are the differences in the poweders? What is faster burning or easier to measure? Or point me in a direction where I can find these answers. Thanks |
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Generally..........
Ball powders are easier to measure through a powder measure/hopper. Ball powders are sometimes harder to ignite. And some manuals will say to use a magnum primer with certain loads. Follow your manual. Stick powders have been around for ages. And, they are what some swear by, for accuracy. YMWV. As for a burning rate chart......... http://www.reloadbench.com/burn.html A burning rate chart is usually included (published) in your re-loading manual. Know that, some charts may vary slightly. Just like, some manuals will vary with load data. Aloha, Mark |
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OK.......I thought about it..........
IF I were starting again................all over from the beginning. What would I be buying...........IF, I wanted components for .308W, .223 Rem. and .45 ACP.? Assuming..........I had an M1A, AR15 and M1911A1 type firearms. First, I'd buy a re-loading manual (or several)........and READ IT! .308 Winchester/7.62 Nato cases Large Rifle Primers (std, mag or military spec) W748, H335, BLC2, H4895 or IMR4895 150 gr. FMJ (cause they are cheap) .223 Rem./5.56 Nato cases Small Rifle Primers (std, mag or military spec) W748, H335, BLC2, H4895 or IMR4895 55 gr. FMJ (cause they are cheap) .45 ACP cases Large Pistol Primers (std) Unique, Bulls Eye or W231 200 gr. lead SWC bullets (cause they are cheaper than jacketed bullets) OK.....know that my way, ain't the ONLY WAY. There are many OTHER choices. And, there are many more REASONS for my picks. But, there it is. Aloha, Mark |
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Quoted:
I am new to reloading and have read all of the tacked threads at the top of the forum as well as many of the subsequent links. I got a Lee single stage reloader for Christmas as well as most of the assorted gear I need to get started. My question is this: What are good components to start with as I get started? I am shooting paper with all of these. No hunting. I am reloading .308 for my Remington 700 SPS varment Wolf LR primers, 150 gr Sierra, Varget, H-4895, (I use BLC2), Win or LC brass. I am reloading .223 for my 16" 1in9 AR15 Wolf SRM, Wolf "223 rem", Hornaday 55 gr FMJBT, Varget, IMR-4895, (I use BLC2), Win or LC brass. I am reloading .45 for my 5" XD Wolf LP, a pistol powder like TiteGroup, W-231, WST, 230 gr FMJ any brand. I see Varget and H4895 would cross over for both .308 and .223. Is there a powder that can do all three of my loads? No. Can I use the same primers for the .308 and the .223? No I have always bought factory loads in 55gr for the .223 and 230gr for the 45. Should I stay in those sizes or try something different for 3 gun and IPSC. Thanks for you help. |
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