Powder.......?
 

Ok...My wifes says I spend too much on ammo(ya right),anyway Ive been following some of the posts here looking for powders for certain calibers..

What Ive found so far is that IMR4350 seems to be a good starting place for my 30-06,is it also goodwith a180 grn bullet............

Also Ive seen that 748 seems to be the pic for .223(55grn bullet)and 30-30(150 grn bullet)..

I do not plan on changing bullet weight due to the fact this is what I am comfertable with......

My nxt ? is what powder are you useing in 9mm loads with 115 grn bullet....or what due you guys feel is the best powder.........The 9mm is my CW.......

I have a press,scale,dies to start but just would like some feedback on powders.

THANKS.....

The .223 is for my AR........

RE: Powder.......?
 

I have the powder for you. I use HS-6. This is the most versitile pistol powder you can get IMO. You get top loads in 9mm, 40S&W, 357Sig, 38Spl+P, and 45ACP. And get nice mild recoiling midrange loads for 44mag, and 357mag. It is my do it all powder for pistol.

I also like unique for 40S&W, 9mm and all the rest, but meters horribly. I also tried HP-38, which makes some great plinker loads for 9mm and the rest.

RE: Powder.......?
 

Thanks bigcountry.
Being how Iam layed(1st time in 30+yrs)off till March 20th/Apr 1st I have some time to set up and learn.
So 4350 will be ok for 180grn.....30-06
748 will work with the .223-55grn and 30-30-150grn.
HS-6 for the 9mm-115grn.....also looks like it will be good for 38/357 then........

Going to town tomorrow for PT then will stop by the sports store and see what they have,might have to go to the big city(fargo,ND.) thursday if nothing by me.....

RE: Powder.......?
 

Get your hands on this book: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=185458&t=11082005 Good luck.

RE: Powder.......?
 

will do.........

RE: Powder.......?
 

you might also want to try imr 4320. it works really well out of my 30-06.

RE: Powder.......?
 

4350s,4895s, and 3031s are all pretty versatile powders, they started out as military powders long ago, and a lot of information exists on them. I use universal for what little pistol loading I do.

RE: Powder.......?
 

Iwas justat the gun shop and talked to one of the guys that reloads alot and he said he use's VARGET with all his loads......rifle and handguns.......
Is it that universal or is it just a easier way of keeping your powder supply simple.....??????

RE: Powder.......?
 

Yep, I would stay away from people like this. I would bet he does not reload and probably never has.

I wonder what kinda loads he finds iwth varget in handguns?Way to slow for the capacity of even the largest cases like the 460Smith&Wesson.

RE: Powder.......?
 

Unless he has a "handgun" like an xp 100 that is chambered for a hi-power cartridge.

Otherwise, there is no use for varget for a handgun.

RE: Powder.......?
 

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........

RE: Powder.......?
 

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

RE: Powder.......?
 

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

RE: Powder.......?
 

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

RE: Powder.......?
 

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.

RE: Powder.......?
 

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.......

RE: Powder.......?
 

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.

RE: Powder.......?
 

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

RE: Powder.......?
 

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

RE: Powder.......?
 

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[:o] is thats where I park the streetrod and harleys during the winter[&o].....looks like it will be cold storage nxt yr for them...........

RE: Powder.......?
 

I'll toss out a couple of seriously overlooked powders that really shine in some pistols............Blue Dot and Herco. A friend of my accidentally dumped the dregs of his shot measure into a 4lb canister of Herco. Probably not over a couple tablespoons of shot, but he figured he "ruined" the keg of powder...gave it to me. :) That was a happy accident as I'd never loaded anything with Herco. Turns out it is the most accurate load I have for my 38. A little smoky like all Hercules powders but mighty good stuff.

RE: Powder.......?
 

I am new to handloading as well. I hacve found good advise here. Also Sierra bullets has a good online reloading manual with lots of information.

RE: Powder.......?
 

Now that I have the powder figured out its time to get bullets & primers,I think I will start out with Hornady.price wise I cant go wrong for starting out.....

Thanks for all the help with powders.........now bullets and primers.....:).