intimidated by the thought of reloading.

kylegood said:
This may seem like a stupid question. Or maybe not. But I'm of the belief that the only stupid question is the one that was never asked. Anyways.... Because I intend to load, for 3 primary cartridges (30-30, 308, 300 win mag) can I cut a corner or two in the beginning by using same powder and bullet weight for all three cartridges rather than having multiple powders, projectiles (less to mix up in the beginning is my thinking)
If this is possible, or even advisable can you recommend a powder and bullet weight to start with that will work well for all three cartridges?
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What will you be hunting?

If you're loading the 30-30 for lever, it would be tough to limit yourself to one bullet (round/soft nose only). But one powder - sure, play around with the hodgdon tool and you'll find a number that will do the job. Varget is one that works well. But it depends on what you can get your hands on.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
 
Kylegood,
Unfortunately, there are not too many powders that will work well for all three. You have two small cases and one very large one. Only a couple make that transition. H414 (barely), Win 760. Not even I would attempt to find one that works for all three. You are going to waste the .300WM if that's the case. You will turn it into a .30-06...

Yes you can use the same bullet, but you will, once again, get limited use out of your .30-30 since you can only have two bullets in it. One in the pipe and one in the magazine. Did it for years in my father's rifle. 165gn Sierras.
 
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on that note, maybe u should list your location so one of the fellow cgns can contact u via p/m- as far as the rest of you go, you need to man up, BUY THE BOOK, maybe a lee loader ( or other bottom of the spectrum loader, )dies and just DO IT- FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS- and if you're unsure about something, back up and do it twice- it's not going to hurt anything if you weigh the powder 2x- just BE SLOW AND METHODICAL - if a 15 year old kid can do it from an old PACIFIC MANUAL( AND AT 15 I WASN'T THAT BRIGHT) SO CAN YOU- it's very similar to baking- follow the recipe, TAKE YOUR TIME and if you need to change components, find a recipe that utilizes those components and keep your loads low to middle of the road- those screamers are for experienced reloaders and aren't that much more effective anyway
x
 
^^yep, I was 17 and all I had behind me were the instructions that came with a Lee loader I bought at a flea market. Mind you, my first rounds sucked for groups, but that was not the loader's fault. More inexperience and component availability combined with a rifle built in 1898, made to shoot VERY heavy for calibre bullets, NOT 150gn. Once I got some advice, that rifle shoot 4" groups with iron sights all day, but it is throwing 200-215gn bullets to do it.
 
I was also intimidated by reloading and for a long time, I tought it was more complicated than what it is.

I had a new press, a Hornady 007, a new pacific beam scale and a new (long discontinued) Hornady pistol powder mesure tucked away in an ammo crate in my dad's basement. I got everything for peanuts at a hunting products distributor that a friend worked at. those were items from their show room they were getting rid of.

I always had an excuse for not starting until last year. I had stopped shooting my .45 because of the price of ammo. So I finally took the plunge and I LOVE RELOADING!! I soooo regret not starting before that. the best moment is when you fire that first round you loaded yourself.

All the good advice has been given. All I can add is be organised and double check your work. Stay safe and have fun...you won't regret it.
 
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TargetAcquired said:
Check out the 3-part youtube video by iraqveteran8888 on the very reloading kit you bought. He uses the 50th anniversary kit to reload some 9mm pistol rounds, goes in depth without being drawn out.

I have 3 manuals and the ABCs, but that video really puts it into lemon's terms for you. If you watch it twice and don't understand exactly how to use your kit, you probably shouldn't reload.


Its there for you on a silver platter RW, please continue with your white knighting
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Of course, accepting mediocrity seems to be a national past time. I choose to accept a higher standard. At least you used a real word and spelled it correctly.
 
Eynhallow said:
Despite the slags regarding literacy, this thread has some merit. I am a little surprised that only the last post mentions the books that you should read. You will need a loading manual or three. I have one from Hornady and Sierra. In the front section of each book there is a section on how to reload. Read thoroughly. Follow the instructions and use the published load data. If you have questions don't hesitate to PM me.
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In the OPs original post, he says that he owns the 50th anniversary kit and has done lots of reading. The kit comes with a good manual. So no need to post 40 other books to read, but hey, feel free. I have 18 reloading books, should I recommend them all?
 
take some powder outside and light it on fire... boring..
take a primer hit it with hammer fun times :)
once you get past that your good to go
 
i'm afraid of blowing my face off or something. i would love to shoot more, and the idea of consistent loads is a no brainer. but i just can't do it...

has anyone else ever struggled with this?
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I got my reloading set up and started reloading a few months after getting into shooting, the fact that I was a student and my second gun was a .44mag handgun might have something to do with it. lol
 
stampede said:
Buy a reloading manual. For loads / bullet weight, LOA etc always follow the reloading manual.

Do not use anonymous data posted on the internet.
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He HAS​ a reloading manual!! Don't you guys read? OP bought a 50th Anniversary Kit...comes with a great manual, especially for load data.
 
I'm not a huge fan of hornady, but I would suggest getting their manual, and reading it cover to cover.
Ivor
 
kylegood said:
last year i bought the lee 50th anniversary reloading press with all its accessories. and lee dies for 300 win, 30-06, and 308. i was then gifted a lee load all for shot shells. only thing missing is powder, primers, projectiles and a tumbler. well maybe a better scale than the one that comes with the lee kit. i have read so much on reloading as it was something i was and am really eager to do. but for one reason or another i haven't been able to do it. i'm afraid of blowing my face off or something. i would love to shoot more, and the idea of consistent loads is a no brainer. but i just can't do it...

has anyone else ever struggled with this?
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I discussed this with my good friend recently, and we both agreed... It always seems like a huge task to get into, but once you're doing it, it's quite theraputic.
Don't be scared, just get into it!
 
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