New to reloading I need some help!

[Razor]

I just ordered a Hornady lock-n-load classic reloading kit.Is this a good quality kit? I'm reloading 7mm wsm and 308win.What should I use for powder?

 

[mbessey]

when you get your reloading manual it will tell you all you need to know!.. then with the large selection of powders it gives try a few.. i found i ended up trying what was available at the time then trying others as things came up... its a pain in the ass when specific powders are out of stock!

 

[Ripstop]

You may want to buy another reloading book from a different manufacturer so you can compare loads and find different powders that may not be in your book. Information is invaluable.

 

[Boer seun]

its a pain in the ass when specific powders are out of stock!

I second that!! Can't find Varget in Stoon everyone is out.

 

[tootall]

You may want to buy another reloading book from a different manufacturer so you can compare loads and find different powders that may not be in your book. Information is invaluable.

You definitely want to buy a second book. If your first book is made by a bullet maker, it will have various powders, but only bullets by that maker. My Nosler book does not even have a listing for 416 or 458 cal, as they didn't make those bullets at time of printing.

Alternately, if you have a book from a powder manufacter, it will have many types of bullets and calibers, but only their own powder.

Info is king, get as many manuals as possible.

 

[mbessey]

layman 45th or 48th reloading manual is one of the best (cant remember what edition they are on... i cant find it!!)

 

[roberti11]

I agree with buying at least one good loading book, but as far as load data goes I have found this website unbeatable, at $25 us per year you can get all you will need for years to come


http://www.loaddata.com/

 

[Gunload master]

You should check out Alliants website:
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeList.aspx?gauge=&gtypeid=2&title=Centerfire Load
(hopefully that link works, if not you can find your way around)

For the .308win it looks like Reloader 15 is pretty popular.

I've used a few of their powders and get some nice results. I've loaded with R22 and R25 for the .300 weatherby mag and .30-06 and the groupings turn out pretty decent. A chrony is always good to check out your FPS.

 

[ghughes]

Firstly you need to get your slugs, then the manual from that manufacturer. They have tested many, many load variations and only include the ones that are safe and have performed well. My rule of thumb is slower burning powders tend to be better as the tend to fill the cases fuller. 25-06 IMR 4350 was ok 4320 was great. But bear in mind the perfect load can take a while to find depending on the bullet weight and rate of twist in your barrel. Sorry to add more questions than answers but my best source of information was reloading manuals from bullet manufacturers. Read them cover to cover!

G