Powder Info

[drtony]

Im new to reloading (I know great time to get into it with powder and primers being so plentiful). Im wondering which powders to start with. I have a local lead on the following: RL-19, RL-22, IMR 4831, IMR7828, Accurate 2230, Superformance, TAC, H4831SC, Varget, IMR 4350, H4350, Reloder 22,
Reloder 19. All the projectiles I have listed after the rifles are in hand

Rifles loading for:

GAP 26" barrel 6.5 CM: IMR4350 or H4350 (this is not a hunting rifle, just a plinking one) shooting mostly 140gr Elite Hunters and 147 ELDM

Proof MTR 7RM 24" barrel: I was looking at IMR 4831 and H4831sc. (hunting rifle, Shooting a range between 160gr AB, 150gr CX, 150gr E-Tip, 162 ELDx, )

Proof MTR 300 PRC 24" barrel: Looking at N565 and IMR 7828/7828sc. Shooting almost exclusively 220gr ELDX

24" barrel 280 AI: I was looking at IMR 4831 and H4831sc. (hunting rifle, Shooting a range between 160gr AB, 150gr CX, 150gr E-Tip, 162 ELDx)


I am going to hunt with the 7RM or the 280AI this year and

I have plenty of brass and primers for all the above rifles. I also Currently have 1 lb H1000 and 1lb IMR 7828 powders.

 

[Rosebud]

As for the CM either would fine. H4350 is more temp stable, but won't be much issue for both. Any powder in the 4350 burn rate range will work fine. Varget is good also. The 7RM , your good to go there. H 4831 works great. As will H1000. The 300 PRC any powder in the VV N 560 565 burn range is good. Experiment. Same with the 280AI. You're on the money with powder choices. Good luck. If you stumble upon a primer hoard let me know. Don't be afraid to try STaBall, its available and get plenty of speed. Some don't like it on this forum but I've had good results with it.

 

[drtony]

I also have N555, N565 locally if I want it

 

[Rosebud]

That will work. Stuff is expensive, but so is the rest of the powders today. The 555 might be a good powder for the 280.

 

[birddog 68]

You may want to consider IMR 7828 for the 280 AI . Works well with 160 class bullets.

 

[drtony]

How is the temp stability of the IMR7828? Last year it was 50 degrees when I hunted. year before 9 degress haha

 

[manitou]

7828 outperformed 4831 in my 280ai in accuracy and speed.

 

[HSmithTX]

H4350, H1000, H4831SC and Varget, if you can get them get them. Get them now. Worst case you have trade bait for what you are looking for and can easily sell or trade those, but realistically if you can't make outstanding loads for your rifles with those powders something is WAY wrong. WAY wrong. Not to say that those powders will max out speed for every cartridge and every bullet, but IMO those are the powders that all others are judged by for consistency, lack of temp sensitivity, accuracy, etc. I run Varget in 308, H4350 in 6.5CM, some 280, some 284, etc. H4831 in some 280, 284, some 7RM, some 300WM, etc. H1000 in 28N, some 7RM, some 300WM, some 300RUM etc. These 4 powders cover a HUGE range of cartridges and realistically will cover almost all of my loading and the only thing I possibly leave on the table is some speed vs some other powder.

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

Do yourself a favor and just pick up good old fashion H-4350.....no need to worry about cluttering up your bench....this "mother's milk" can be used in any caliber of cartridge based on the /06 casing, in ever short mag regardless of caliber, in every belted magnum- you'll loose a litte velocity but no animal will ever know, dashers and Needmores... it burns clean, I've found it to be superbly accurate in everything I use it in...great powder, truly the "if you could only have one" ! I used up the 25 different types that were laying around and only have 3 left on the bench, Varget & V-133 .. MAKES THINGS VERY VERY SIMPLE.

 

[birddog 68]

How is the temp stability of the IMR7828? Last year it was 50 degrees when I hunted. year before 9 degress haha

It's somewhat sensitive to temperature compared to others. I work my loads up in spring/summer when it's 60+ degrees so they are safe during hunting season whether it's 60 or 0 degrees. You will lose some velocity when it's cold but at moderate ranges it's negligible. My experience only and others may (will) have a different opinion.
Good luck with your new reloading hobby and just be safe and consistent and you will get good results.

 

[drtony]

I didn't realize what I was getting myself into when I bought all the reloading equipment. There is way more too it than I thought. Haha

 

[birddog 68]

Get yourself a couple reloading manuals and read them. Excellent information other than the load data and will give you the basics to start your journey. Keep it safe and simple until you are ready to advance.

 

[drtony]

Yes sir, I have the Lyman, Nosler, Hornady, and a Berger manual

 

[Rosebud]

You can make better ammo the 1st day than factory ammo. You control the powder charge. Ever see factory ammo being made. No way the charging part is consistent as you will be able to do. Go with overall length posted in the manual to start with move closer the the lands or away when you have more experience. If you can bake brownies you can load ammo. Follow the recipe.