Powder Question - Reloading Newbie

[Footie]

Hello,

Got a question for my more veteran peers, I've started looking into reloading and after having now done a batch of hand loading myself I found that I enjoyed the process. I think I've figured out where/how to source all the tools I'll need but was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for the ideal spot to purchase primers, powder, and bullets.

I was also wondering how to determine the best powder for each particular calibre and use case. Is there a good website or book I could read through to learn this? Being located in southern Alberta sometimes it can be pretty cold when hunting and I know that temperature can affect the powder and pressure produced when its fired. How large of an impact does powder selection play when you hand load your cartridges?

 

[thirdeye462]

Hi Footie,

I just shared a few of my thoughts as a fellow handloading newb on another thread recently. My focus is on long range precision target, not hunting. But I hope you find some of the things I mention in that thread useful. I am brand new to handloading too, but have spent 1-2 years reading up and learning as much as I can from books, videos, and veteran handloaders. I've made dummy rounds for dry-firing practice to get a feel for things and to start applying all that theory. I also took a reloading course. Hoping to develop my first load for my 6.5 PRC within the next year after getting the remaining components (bullets and powder). I hope to start with N565, 144 grain Bergers or Lapua Maxranges, with Lapua brass and BR-2 primers.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-to-not-waste-your-time.2582050/post-21302023

 

[45C]

Higgenson in Ontario used to have a good supply, not sure now as I haven’t ordered from them in a few years.
They sell a lot of Hornady bullets.

Nosler online reloading data is pretty good as well.

Nosler bullets are you easy to find as well.

Common powder for magnum is H1000
Common for .308 ,etc is Varget.

I use H1000 for 6.5 PRC and 7 mm rm
And Varget for .308,6.5 CM and .223

Neither has let me down yet

 

[Footie]

Thanks for the direction! I'll keep doing more research, and it definitely makes life easier when pointed in the right direction. I'll have to take a look at that Precision patreon thats been recommended several times in the linked thread.

 

[thirdeye462]

Thanks for the direction! I'll keep doing more research, and it definitely makes life easier when pointed in the right direction. I'll have to take a look at that Precision patreon thats been recommended several times in the linked thread.

Happy to help, and good luck!

Yeah, I was really taken with that series. He addressed a lot of the myths and problematic, but still popular, approaches to handloading, which gave me a really clear view of what's actually important and what's less so. I was struggling to understand (a) which components to test/change first, and (b) which techniques makes the most or least difference in the accuracy and precision of a load's node until I watched those videos. It gave me very clear direction on how to start things.

I should mention that, depending on where you live, I've have great luck with Londero Sports, Dominion Outdoors, Go Big Tactical, Prophet River Firearms, and The Gun Dealer (this one: https://thegundealer.ca/) for reloading supplies. Shipping can sometimes be a b*&$%, but thems the breaks.

 

[scotteboy]

Thanks for the direction! I'll keep doing more research, and it definitely makes life easier when pointed in the right direction. I'll have to take a look at that Precision patreon thats been recommended several times in the linked thread.

Check out budget shooter supply, nechako outdoors, tillsonburg gun shop, prophet river and many more listed on this website for components. Sales come around often so buy when you can.
If your in Calgary, can tire on mcleod trail has a great reloading section and good prices.
Get yourself a reloading manual or two also.
Hodgdon reloading website will also have lots of reload data.
Hodgdon extreme powers are very temperature insensitive ie. varget, h4350 etc if that's a concern.
Good luck! Reloading is awesome