what powder is what ?

ndragon

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Jun 20, 2009
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i want to begin reloading my 7mmwsm have done a lot of research on all the tools i will need and literature to get but i cant find a thing on what powder to buy. can any one offer some advice on the matter. just cant stand to keep buying it at $35.00-50.00 a box of 20. i have save all the brass i shoot just cant figure out this powder proablem.
 
thanks for the link much info there gonna read it right now , and i will be ordering the lyman manual if you think its best.
 
well that link was real great thanks:} ,

do any of you have recomendations for me having never reloaded before on wich press to buy before i begin purchasing every thing ive been leaning towards the lee brand because its with in my budget, only there are a bunch of choices, some have extras some dont.
 
The first thing to buy is a reloading manual, I feel that the Lyman is best for newbies.

From it, pick a powder that provides best velocity for your cartrige and bullet weight and try that one first.

Before ordering any manual, make sure that it contains data for your cartridges. Not all manuals list all calibers. Some manuals only list 1 or 2 loads for a caliber. I found it best to borrow a manual first or go to the store and spend the time to read each cartridge I have first before buying a manual that doesn't have the info that I need.
 
well that link was real great thanks:} ,

do any of you have recomendations for me having never reloaded before on wich press to buy before i begin purchasing every thing ive been leaning towards the lee brand because its with in my budget, only there are a bunch of choices, some have extras some dont.
The Lyman Turret press kit with the non electronic scale is a good value. Just add dies and components and you are ready to load.
 
I no longer buy manuals, there is plenty of data online. Alliant, Hadgdon, Nosler, Barnes, etc. Manuals do have some good handloading tips, but you can get that online as well.

I highly recommend trying RL17, my next choice for the WSM would be H4350.

Cant go wrong with the RCBS Rock Chucker. Here's a good place to get one...

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_tr...w=rcbs+rock+chucker&_sacat=See-All-Categories


I like Redding dies. If your not too concerned about preciison you can get the basic FL sizer and seater. If you are concerned about precison get a body die and neck die with floating expander button and a micrometer competiton seater or get the type S bushing (3) die set wich includes the competiton seater.

Welcome to the addictive world of handloading :)

-MR
 
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I no longer buy manuals, there is plenty of data online. Alliant, Hadgdon, Nosler, Barnes, etc. Manuals do have some good handloading tips, but you can get that online as well.





-MR

I gotta disagree with that advice (sorry Montanarifleman) I don't plan on buying another manual either... but I've been reloading for 16 years now. There is lots of information online... but you really have to have the basic safety knowledge and understanding to sort through the B.S. Get a good manual from a manufacturer like speer, nosler.... and read it until you can recite it from memory and then read it again just for kicks ;)

The best is if you know someone you can talk to in person about reloading to get you started, but that isn't always possible. Don't get me wrong... it isn't that difficult. However, you NEED to follow certain rules and safety procedures.

If you want to buy Lee tools, the press from their anaversery special kit is reasonably good. I started w/ that kit and used the press until a couple years ago when it gave out on me. ( loading a couple hundred rounds per year on average). You don't want to get a C framed press as apposed to an O framed press. You will want the added strength of the O frame for rifle cartridges. The biggest advantage to the turret press that was suggested here is the fact it will hold multiple dies. When you start using dies you will have to adjust them according to your chamber inorder to properly size them and save the life of your brass. Also for setting your seating depth. With a standard single stage press you will have to thread out one die to install another, forcing you to check the settings (This is what I do, and it isn't to hard after you do it a couple times). The turret you can set up once and leave it until you switch calibers than you will have to change your dies.

The Lee scale is a little chincey but I think it is reasonably accurate for most things but I did upgrade to a lyman 505 ballance beam then to a LE1000 digital scale within a couple years. You must weigh every load if you are going to use the Lee powder thrower and almost all stick powders. When you seat you will have to measure from the ogive rather than the tip to insure proper COAL (another reason to get a manual is the glossary in the back that explains the jargon of the trade ;)

Lots of information on what equipment to use and various methods to use in the reloading section of this forum.

good luck, Mark
 
thanks mark i plan to pass by a retailer tomorow i found 1 dealer listed in my area selling reloading equip so i am hoping he can help. ill let you know if it works out.
 
Britz, no need to appologize :)

One thing the manuals do very well is stress safety and illustrate it. Maybe I'm taking that for granted. However, I have about a half dozen manuals that are very much outdated. (Are you a collector?) There are some good loads in them, but very few if any LR shooters would be interested in. If I recommended buying a manual, it would be for the safety info and tips they provide.

Best

-MR
 
The LEE classic cast press is a very good press for the money ($70). The lee scale is functional and at $20, if you're just startin' out I don't think you'd be giving up much. If you don't plan on loading large quantities of ammunition, I don't think you really need a powder measure. You can knock out 20rds of hunting ammo with a powder dipper (tea-spoon) and a trickler in no time once you get the hang of it. And probably faster than you can load em with a crappy powder measure cause you'll be pourin' powder back and fourth every load. So if you're planning on loading small quantities. Use the money towards good dies.

P.S.: Oops, I guess the Lee Classic Cast press has gone up to $85, still about the best deal out there.
 
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