Reloading components

[itchy finger]

I am just getting into reloading and needed some advise. I am using a Dillon 650XL and I am going to reloading .308, .223 and .40. What are some good quality powder and primers to use and what are good prices (when they can be found)? Everything is going to be shot from semi autos (AR platform or pistol). Also where are some good places to get the components (on line or local- north San Diego). Any advise would be appreciated.

[copenhagen269]

I just got a Dillion 650xl from brianenos.com a couple of weeks ago. As far as powder goes I picked up some Hogdon Titegroup to reload my .40

[brian01tj]

Back in the day, 7months ago, I used to only use Varget for all of my rifle calibers. Now it's anything available, H335, BLC2, H4198, IMR4198, Reloader 15, Reloader 22, H748. For the .40SW powder options are big too: Clays, Unique, 700-x, 800-x, HP-38, WST, W231, Titegroup, Bullseye, Accurate #5.

The problem is finding it. Chances are that you will not find everything you need in one location.

[itchy finger]

components

Thats what I have figured. I have seen deals for primers 1k for $100, and don't know if that is a good deal or not. A buddy of mine, who is going to be teaching me has not bought anything for a year or so (stock piled) and thinks that is a little high. From what I have seen (uneducated) seems normal. Which is why I posted here. Any other info on pricing and component types are appreciated. Another question, is there a difference in primers hard/soft for semi auto rifles?

[762cavalier]

I have seen deals for primers 1k for $100, and don't know if that is a good deal or not

Well, Post Obama that might be a good deal, but before the frenzy $30/1k was a little on the high side.

[Sideline Shooter]

Make a list, check it twice

itchy finger,

I am in San Diego also and unfortunately we are both out of luck. We do not have many places to get powder AND not get screwed on the price. Do what I did and get your load books out. Look at the loads you want to reload and make a list of powders you want to use. Get on the popular websites and order what you can all at once. Too many people are crying about a $22.50 Hazmat fee. Give up a weeks worth of Starbucks or Beer and use that money you saved
Waiting for a gun show is too risky with inflated prices, availability, or even time to go. The last show had 2 lines, one for powder and one for primers. Which one is more important? 100 bucks for 1k of primers?? No way dude, your better off buying ammo in bulk and waiting for components. You just gotta decide what caliber you want more and is least expensive.

Sideline Shooter

[ChrisXD45T]

For simplicity try finding rifle powders that will work well in both 223 and 308. Some good ones have been mentioned already, but I'll add IMR4064, N140, N540, TAC, AA2520, IMR4895. Don't you dare pay $100 for 1K primers! That's outrageous. I can still find them a gun stores for less than $35/1K, some stores will try a limit the number you buy but I've been able to talk folks into taking my money. For 223 just load with SR magnum primers, try and stick with CCI, remington, or winchester, their cups are harder and better suited for semi-autos. Most time you only need magnum primers for ball powder, but it's simpler just to buy and use one kind of primer.
For 40 S&W, adding to the list, AA#2, W231, Unique, AA#5...really, you could work up a load with a lot of powders here.

[itchy finger]

Thanks to all for the advise and info. It is greatly appreciated. Please continue to educate me on my new hobby.

[copenhagen269]

If you have a wife she'll wonder why she never sees you anymore

[Beelzy]

1k of primers for under $35??

I laugh!

[Hans Gruber]

1k of primers for under $35??

I laugh!

I paid $20/1k for SRP a couple of weeks ago Should be getting them tomorrow.

[ChrisXD45T]

1k of primers for under $35??

I laugh!

Sounds like someone needs to enroll in charm school.

[mike100]

I bought 5000 Wolf large pistol primers for $103 a couple of months ago at the gunshow.... winchester/remington ones were like $147/5k. I don't know if you can still get $25 1k wolf primers, but when you do, get a couple of years worth (that's the way to save in reloading -in bulk).


I mostly utilize pistol powders- some of them cross over to shotshell loads too so I stock the moderately faster powders in larger quantities:

Unique, WST, Win 231(same as HP38), and H110 (same as win296).

[itchy finger]

She already wonders why she never sees me

If you have a wife she'll wonder why she never sees you anymore

[popeye4]

If you're going to load on a Dillon XL650, try to find a powder that flows well through the powder system. They'll either be spherical (ball) powder or something like the Vihtavuori powders (fat barrel shaped kernels that flow almost like spheres). That will let you charge your cases more uniformly. I also use the same technique with each pull (same energy in the stroke, and I tap the powder dispenser 5 times after each stroke, it helps to consistently charge the powder bar).

You can use the stick powders (like the IMRs) but they won't meter quite as well. If you develop a load that isn't too sensitive to powder charge, that shouldn't be an issue.

Of course right now it is any port in a storm, but once this shortage clears up you'll have choices again.