Noob questions on QTY and cases

[kb007]

I'm planning to start re-loading soon, have been reading lots of stuff and getting some good info. I will probably start with .30-06 and .40S&W. I'm going to be looking for accuracy for the .30-06 and just volume of the .40S&W.

Two things have been bugging me tho:

1) How many empty cases (1f) is reasonable to have on hand to start re-loading? I have about 400 .40S&W and a few dozen .30-06. Is it too early - should I keep collecting brass?

2) Are the cases from most rounds (of the same mfg) similar or even the same? Does it matter which ones I use to re-load? I've been running a couple of boxes of the cheap Winchester white box .30-06 as well as some other Winchester types, other than the $50/box extreme, they all pretty much look the same. Is the case from the $17/box white box going to work and give as accurate a load all other things being equal once I re-load?

Lastly, are many re-loading .40S&W? I use it in my JR Carbine and I'm not really expecting super accuracy from the gun, but does it make sense to re-load for these?
TIA

 

[Stevebot-7]

400 is perfectly reasonable, depending on how much you shoot.
As for the other stuff, I can't really say. Depends on what local prices are, sometimes it's cheaper to buy factory ammo for plinking, then reload the brass for accuracy.

 

[rookie wildcat]

I believe you should keep collecting or buying cases. There is nothing wrong with starting out with 30-40 cases, but you will quickly go through them when developing your first load.
Take for instance a typical load may have a start load of 49gn of powder and a max load of 54gn. Normal Load development would progress as so: load 5 cartridges with 49gn, then 5 with 49.5gn, then 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, and so on. Using that formula, you would need 50 or more cases. Esp., if you are chasing max capacity and don't see pressure signs until 55gns. You won't even get the first test set done in one shooting session before you have to reload. Then , since you are trying for accuracy for hunting(?) you will need to load up all of the cases with the charge that resulted in the smallest group to sight in and tune your shooting skills. Chances are you have now fired these cases 4 times. If you stay with that load, you could probably get another 6 or 7 reloads before you have splits, cracks, separations, and other losses (these will gradually occur as you continue to load until you have none left) requiring replacement. That's why I collect/purchase a minimum of 100 cases before I start working with a new calibre, but am more comfortable when I have 500 each.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[Spawn-Inc]

how much do you shoot for the 40? either way 400 is a good start, unless you shoot more then that in one session.

you should be able to get a more accurate load for your 40 once you find what your gun(s) like.

 

[Rory McCanuck]

If some is good, more is better, except when it comes to adding powder to cases
30-06 cases are good to have around, too, they can be made into lots of others in a pinch.
Once you actually start reloading you will be physically unable to throw away brass unless it is ruined.
Even then, it will be tough.

 

[kb007]

For the .40 I go thru between 100-200 per trip to the range - it's like potatoe chips

The 30-06 I just started shooting that gun and will continue to learn using the white box stuff just to get the cases. Once I get a couple of hundred, I'll start by buying one o fthe kits and go from there.

 

[vagrantviking]

If some is good, more is better, except when it comes to adding powder to cases
30-06 cases are good to have around, too, they can be made into lots of others in a pinch.
Once you actually start reloading you will be physically unable to throw away brass unless it is ruined.
Even then, it will be tough.

Lol I know the feeling! Especially when its something that needed a bunch of forming or rim thinning.

You could always go out and buy a bag or 2 of 30-06 brass. Thats the best way to start off as you can keep them together and track the number of times its been loaded.
For the .40 just keep your eyes open at the range or gun shows. Should be able to get once fired for nothing or close to it. I've got probably a couple thousand empties and I've never even owned a .40. (See hoarding comments above...)