New reloader, need supply recommendations

S

Steev

Member
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
Location
Fraser Valley, BC
I am now the proud owner of a .308 rifle so I figured it was time to start reloading.

I have the lee single stage setup in the mail and I was planning on component shopping this weekend.

I will be reloading 9mm, .223 and .308.

I see so many different types of powder in posts on here and I am really confused.

So what should I be shopping for to get myself set up? powder brand, type and quantity?

Where in the lowermainland isa good place to go?

Thanks

-Steve
 
Hey Steev - I'm at the same stage - just have acquired a .308 and was recommended to try the Lee Anniversary kit (while it's still at 128 for the kit). Here's what I've gotten in terms of reloading gear:

Item Price Quantity Total

Lee Anniversary Set $128.00 1 $128.00
Case Length Gauge $5.00 1 $5.00
Universal Shellholder $4.00 1 $4.00
Deluxe Rifle Die set. $50.00 1 $50.00
RCBS Case Lube Pad $10.00 1 $10.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
Hornady A-max 155 grain - $34.12 1 $34.12
Varget Powder $26.00 1 $26.00
CCI BR-2 Lg. Rifle $37.00 1 $37.00
$0.00
$0.00

Subtotal $294.12
Tax $38.24
Total $332.36

I still have to get a set of calipers to measure cartridge length, but you can get these at Canadian Tire. I've also read at the Hornady site that neck sizing alone would be the best route to go for accuracy and long life for the brass. I'm certainly going to learn a heck of a lot more about my rifle and shooting (it) by reloading...

Good luck
 
First thing I did when I started out was to buy a couple of reloading manuals and scan the data for the calibres/bullet weights I was intending to load. I then jotted down the types of powder that came up often and bought a pound of them each.
 
Hodgdon Varget will work awesome in both your .223 AND .308, get yourself an 8lb jug and follow your reloading manuals for proper load work up.
 
Go with IMR4895 and a 168 gr. match bullets for the 308, 68-69 gr. match bullets for the 223. It doesn't matter which, I like Nosler's the best in these weights. There are bullets and more temperature stable powders for long range shooting, but this combo will guarantee you good results on your first reloading experience.

Winchester or Remington brass and primers will be fine also.
 
I see you're in the Lower Mainland. A fellow out in Chilliwack has good prices on reloading components. He's website based but I gather can meet you if you go out his way. Prices aren't shown but you can send a query:

Non hotlink: w ww.bcredneck.com/ (remove space)
 
find out your barrel twist and buy bullets according to what the barrel will alow you to shoot try several weights. as far as powder that will depend on bullet weight but you'll probably want a slow buring powder something around the R-19, R-22 buring rate for the .308 something alot faster for the .223
lee makes good dies. their deluxe sets are good deals for $40. FL,Neck, and bullet seater. their is endless bullet/powder combos hopefully you get lucky early on in your load development.
 
Get reloading books, 2 or 3 at the least. Then:

1) Figure out what bullets you will be using and STOCK UP;
2) stock up on primers;
3) figure out what burning speed powder / accuracy you want and while doing so, get yourself a box for powder storage (to be legal);

Basically, stock up on the most expensive components first as if they go up in price, you are not to be hit too much. 10% price increase on $100 worth of bullets is more than 10% increase on $40 worth of primers.

Personally, I'd not recommend keeping more than 2 years worth of powder supply as it deteriorates, slowly but it does.
 
crout said:
as far as powder that will depend on bullet weight but you'll probably want a slow buring powder something around the R-19, R-22 buring rate for the .308 something alot faster for the .223
Click to expand...

Neither of those powders is appropriate for a 308 Win. Both are way too slow, even for 210 grain bullets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom