Wow, even reloads are expensive

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Looking to start reloading for .35 Whelen given the high cost of factory ammunition. Was pricing out components, 250 grain Speer bullets $22.99\50, IMR 4064 powder 33.99\lbs, Remington brass 35.99\50. I know I am still saving money but seeing as I still need a press, dies, scale and everything else I get the feeling it is gonna be a while bfore I can get started.:(
 
If you're just reloading for only one cartridge, then yes, it'll take longer to recover your initial costs. Just another reason to buy more guns in various calibers :p :D .

(E) :cool:
 
I have .308 and 9mm inbound soon.:D But the cost for Whelen stuff blows me away. Given the increase in performance and decrease in price I don't mind it. It's just more than I expected is all.
 
Get Lee dies, and make your brass from 30-06. I'll send you 50 once fired if you want. Sierra bullets are less expensive too, as are Hornadys.
 
Silverado said:
Get Lee dies, and make your brass from 30-06. I'll send you 50 once fired if you want. Sierra bullets are less expensive too, as are Hornadys.
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All thats required is a die to resize the neck correct? I am very new to the reloading game. I have 17 .30-06 factory rounds but no .30-06. PM on its way. And yes I have a feeling my plinking loads will be tame charges behind cast bullets. I am interested in the loads using pistol bullets, could be good for gophers if accuracy is any good.
 
Basically what you need to do is expand the neck to .358. This is done over a tapered expander in a FL resizing die. Lots of lube on the inside and away you go.
 
The following may make the .35s a little more affordable to reload...M T Chambers' is making a new bullet(cast) for the .35 Whelen/.358 Win. etc.....It is a 250gr. Flat point gas check bullet....and is(or will be) avail. in any hardness including Lino/mono and all lead/tin combos, choice of bullet dias. as well.
 
IMR 4064 powder 33.99\lbs, Remington brass 35.99\50.
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what you entered was to make your first batch of 50 reloads.. the next batch you make you make up...you should still have about half the powder left over from the first batch you made up ,and you will already have the brass;)...
so see you cost are getting smaller per load already:D
 
nope- not higgensons in this case- he's in alberta and the shipping kills you- but out of that, you can re-use the casings and you get a LOT more than 50 re-loads out of a pound of powder- and like previous have said, shop around for your cases- you can use '06 cases with a simple pass and remingtons are typically the most expensive case going
 
I use Remington bulk 200gr SPs (way cheeeeper) for range blasting and save the Speer 250s for hunting. Both have been pretty accurate in most guns I've shot them in.





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Awesome, I plan on using that recipe you posted in the "weird Whelen Data" thread. Sounds like about as much performance as you could squeeze out of a 7600. Have you tried going any higher?
I am gonna start low, but I won't stop until I start seeing pressure signs. I am also interested in the .358 TSX bullet, sounds like good bear medicine.
 
B said:
Awesome, I plan on using that recipe you posted in the "weird Whelen Data" thread. Sounds like about as much performance as you could squeeze out of a 7600. Have you tried going any higher?
I am gonna start low, but I won't stop until I start seeing pressure signs. I am also interested in the .358 TSX bullet, sounds like good bear medicine.
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That's quite a hot load. I think I went up a bit, but it was overpressure.

I have since sold both Whelens and bought a 20" 358Winchester on a Model Seven.


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I note you include the cost of brass. That's a misnomer. The brass is reusable, and if you're careful, and use reasonable loads, you should get many reloads out of that same brass. So, reduce the cost of brass by at least 6 times. You should get at least that many loads out of it. I'm sure you'll be able to find free brass now and then too, particularly if you are a range member.
 
John Y Cannuck said:
I note you include the cost of brass. That's a misnomer. The brass is reusable, and if you're careful, and use reasonable loads, you should get many reloads out of that same brass. So, reduce the cost of brass by at least 6 times. You should get at least that many loads out of it. I'm sure you'll be able to find free brass now and then too, particularly if you are a range member.
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Yeah, the more I think about it the less it's gonna cost. Make my own whelen brass from once fired '06 cases, Powder isn't too bad for how many loads I will get. I am going to look into procuring some hardcast bullets for range time and save the premiums for defense.
I still need a press, looking at a single stage, going to grab an RCBS beginners kit and some Lee dies. Will worry about the other stuff when the time comes.
 
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