i want to get started sometime soon i hope(i have other posts) but i was wondering what powder is good to use.....i know there are diffrent grainages ect but im talking manufacter.....or does it matter or what?? also....where can i get silver cases to load?? i LOVE the look of the silver cases....i think they look sweet....where can i find them to load for the 3006?? are they just as good as the brass cases?? how do you clean them? are they just silver brass or what?? i just love the silver color.....also what dies should i buy?? my main loading will be 3006.....so what dies do i need to buy and who makes good ones?? keep in mind im buying cheap equiptment to get started(other post) and am just starting....if i can match factory accuracy i will be happy for now......thanx alot

You can buy nickel plated brass (silver) from Remington. Buy it from Midsouth or Midway or your local reloading shop.

I recommend RCBS or Redding reloading dies.

When it comes to powder for the .30-06 I'd recommend IMR 4831 or H-4831SC

Ditto to what Vapodog said.
A Lee classic press would be a good press to start with also- they are big solid presses like a RCBS but cowst about 1/2 (~50) as much as a RCBS press if you get it from Midway.

IMR4350 and H4350 are good for 30-06 also. Make sure you use the EXACT loading data for each powder, though the names of some powders sound the same, their characteristics are diferent.

thanx guys.....when i buy the press and everything im just going to buy the lee aniversary kit to get started....and buying a manual soon to start my reading....how do i clean nickel plated brass?? the same way as brass? i plan to buy a cheap tumbler and do it that way to start....i found a cabelas vibrating tumbler kit for 60 bucks comes with a sifter media and brass cleaner....might be small and not the best....but id only clean 20rds at a time anyway....but what about the nickle stuff? i think it looks really cool....im wierd like that...and i know i dont need a tumbler to start but as i get into reloading im going to be one of the tedious people.....and dirty brass wont fly with me....i know that now.....if my car passes inspection fine i sohuld have a few hundred left to buy my stuff.....thanx alot

Treat the nickel cases the same as brass colored cases.....just run them thru the tumbler

I like the looks too, but nickel case trim a little different than brass, and can have a different load with them. I suggest sticking with brass. Easier to clean.

Only one powder for 06. That IMR4350. Can't go wrong.

I agree with Bigcountry stay with the brass cases.Much better to work with and last longer.If you do go with the nickel turn the inside of the necks they are very very rough.By the basics first and work up you will find you like some products from different brands.

With nickle plated brass you risk a chance of scratching the inside of your dies.

For 180 gr. bullets and heaver I like to use RL-19 or IMR4831 in that order. My rifle likes IMR4831 with lighter than 180 gr. Bullets.

Good luck.

Personally I like the nickel cases too and use them in more than half of my loads. The main thing I like is they do not tarnish like brass. I think they are easier to clean than brass. I will agree though that they are a little more difficult to work with. For a beginner I would start with plain brass until you get some case sizing and trimming experience. One more thing about nickel, I have had very good luck with Starline nickel plated brass for .44 Mag and .45 ACP.

My favorite load for 30-06 is 56.0 gr. of H4350 behind a Sierra 165 gr. HPBT.

Good luck. You're doing the right thing by asking a lot of questions.

thanx guys....i know it seems like im pestering you guys but i dont want to buy useless stuff when i dont have alot of cash to work with in the first place....i want to buy good htings that i need and thats it.......ill probably stick with brass for now......i have a good bit of it laying aorund......im going to dig it up and sort it now......some remington some winchester some federal and some other brands.....i know dont mix it...whats teh best brass maker to use?? i think ive read remington? i think i have a good bit of remington and federal......