He said he reloads 45,44,357,38,30-30,270,30-06 and afew other.......So I should get the shovel out and pitch that S%$# out the door.......
I guess thats why I ask you guys this stuff........When I get to the big city(fargo)I want to be able to go in and just say,Iam looking for(say)4350 and some 748 and some HS6.This way I wont have someone missleading me on what to get........

NO!!!!!

Either you misunderstood him, or he's an idiot and should not be listened to. Varget is a great rifle powder, and can produce excellent results in a number of rifle cartridges (but not all of them), but it's not "universal" and can't just be used in anything. Varget is a medium-slow rifle powder and is too slow burning for pistol cartridges, so I can only assume that he's referring to pistols chambered for rifle cartridges like the T/C Encore pistol.

What you need to do is get a handloading data manual (the more the better) and use the data from it. All the major bullet manufacturers put out fairly complete load manuals for their bullet lines. There is also a number of companies (mostly powder manufacturers) that put some or all of their load data on their websites and Hodgdon, Winchester, IMR and Alliant put out free mini-manuals that contain a few loads each with select bullets for a number of more popular cartridges. You can usually find them near the more comprehensive manuals that are for sale.

You also need to be careful about useing data for the specific bullet you plan to use because different bullet designs can create dramatically different pressures with the same amount of powder. There is a lot more to handloading than picking whatever powder, bullet, brass and primer combination you happen to like and throwing it all together. You MUST use the appropriate data for the components and cartridge you plan to handload for and start with a reduced load and work up to published max loads.

I truly hope you appreciate that fact so you don't hurt yourself or others with dangerous handloads.

Mike

This is why I ask........baby steps all the way......

.....Getting the single perfect powder for everything is like getting the one perfect woman for everything......Good luck!!!!!

I can buy that a person uses varget or 4064 for all thier rifles. It would work with most rifles fine. But pistol, too slow. I mean H110 is very slow for 44mag,and its way down the list.

Here is wear Iam at from the info Ive gatherd....
IMR-4350 will be fine for loading 30-06 @ 150 to 180grn bullet.....
748 will be fine for .223/5.56 with 55grn bullet......
748 will be fine for 30-30 with 150grn bullet.......
HS-6 will be fine for 9mm w/115grn bullet.......also 38/357........
I understand the max load weights for these rounds and to start low and work my way up to what I feel is best for each caliber.....not going over max....thats a givin.......

I DO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A STARTING POINT FOR ME AS I'AM NEW TO RELOADING.
AM I WRONG WITH WHAT I'VE LISTED........

Now....What is shelf life of powder or is there as long as its dry.......

I think your rifle powder choices are good ones. I agree with Big Country on pistol powder. Although there are many that will be acceptable in a 9mm, HS 6 is very versatile and meters very accurately through a powder measure. I use it in the .45 ACP and .45 Colt as well. It works well for mild, medium, and heavy loads.

As long as it doesn't develop a real bad rotton egg smell, its good.

Get yourself a good handloading manual. I recommend the Hornady manual (they just put out a new edition, but I have the 6th edition which is very good) or the Speer Manual. Both have a long preface that cover the basics of handloading and tips on making more accurate ammo. I can't recommend this enough. If you don't have anyone to sit down with you and show you how to handload safely, you'll need to have good step-by-step instructions to start. This is how I had to do it because I don't have any friends that handload. The key is to take your time, pay attention to detail, and be safe.

Regarding shelf life of powders, as long as they are stored in their original containers, with the lid tightly sealed and in a cool, dry environment out of sunlight, it could concievable last for decades. There are signs of deteriorated powder which are covered in any good handloading manual right along side the signs of excess pressure, which is all vital information to have. I could tell you what to look for, but I think you're better off getting that manual. Are you getting the hint?

Mike

Thanks for the help guys.The nice thing about this is I can shoot right outside my door.Now I just have to figure out were Iam going to set up,think I will more then likely move my hunting room to the basement.....Build a 12X20 room in the unfinished part of basement......The only problem[] is thats where I park the streetrod and harleys during the winter[&o].....looks like it will be cold storage nxt yr for them...........