Powder recomendations

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February 17th, 2020, 05:05 PM
Pair88

Powder recomendations

Happy family day everyone, thinking about reloading come tax season time when I treat myself every year and been wanting to do so since last year so I have figured out most of everything but looking at different powders and there are alot out there. Would mostly be for rifle potentially pistol ammo as well but not sure if that will be this year. Looking for what everyone is using and if anyone has advise on issues or what brands they like vs avoid. Would it be best to buy a 1lbs bottle of a few different kinds and work up a few different load from start with different powder types?

Any advise is appreciated thanks and have a good one
February 17th, 2020, 05:09 PM
greatwhite

Depending on the caliber you are loading for there are certain powders the powder I use for my 375 is different than what I use for my 270 Winchester.
February 17th, 2020, 05:12 PM
Pair88

Would be definitely reloading 30-06 and 22-250 from the get go then potentially looking at getting a 308 or 30-30 as a spare so would be reloading pretty much everything other than shotgun shells for now
February 17th, 2020, 05:28 PM
greatwhite

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/
February 17th, 2020, 05:31 PM
greatwhite

Do not use a powder if it is not made for your caliber that a quick way of getting hurt, start at the low end and work up.

Some of the other guy's on here who know way more than me will chime in once they see the thread.

I have some reloading books on PDF but their to big to email. If you want to stop by some time I can put them on a USB stick for you
February 17th, 2020, 05:58 PM
Rob Stewart

First step is to get one or more reloading books. Then make a list of components and head to your local store and see what they carry.

When it comes to powder and projectiles you simply cannot make substitutions without significant risk.

The only place I’ve ever gone off-book is when I have projectiles that are really close to something in a reloading manual. For example 405 grain cast bullets purchased online don’t show up anywhere in my manuals but I have a load for self-cast 405 grain projectiles so I used it as a starting point and started with the lightest load and worked up looking for pressure signs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
February 18th, 2020, 08:13 AM
line052

Powder supplies in Canada can be tricky to find, especially the type you might like to reload. It is best to get a manual and check the load data against the type of powder recommended, then call the local store to see what they have in stock. I really like CFE 223 for 22-250, .308, and .223. Pistol powders have a lot of load data across the shotgun reloading powder types and can be dual purpose for both platforms.

I always check my source of powder suppliers first, before deciding what brand of powder to use. Once you settle on works best for your particular caliber, when you are out an about it is easy to keep buying powder stock when you come across it on the shelf. I have managed to accumulate significant stores of my common powders over the last couple of years.

Another consideration is shipping cost of primers and powders - you can better prices online with suppliers, however the cost of shipping (dangerous goods) usually outweighs the cost of locally found powders that you pick up yourself. Primers, every time I go to gun shops or the range I buy 500 of either in Large/Small for Pistol/Rifle or shotgun. The cost of 1000 primers has doubled in the last 5 yrs, as with powder (about 40%). So as you have the funds and when you are out, stock up on what you can afford. Prices are not going down.

I have Black powder and CFE 233 that I paid $19.99 (BP), now $35 and CFE 223 $28.99 now $42.99, so when you find buy.

Hope that helps
February 18th, 2020, 09:14 AM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

Would be definitely reloading 30-06 and 22-250 from the get go then potentially looking at getting a 308 or 30-30 as a spare so would be reloading pretty much everything other than shotgun shells for now

H4895 is a general powder, this is used in many cartridges and is the only one that has a defined reduced load, most powders it is not safe to go below the minimum loads but H4895 has a rule that Hodgdon has a write up on for reduced loads, if you want to consider a lighter recoiling load for the 30-06.

H4895 may not be the fastest or most accurate for your gun but it is considered one of the universal powders, it can be used for a lot of cartridges.

Check out the link greatwhite has and look up that powder. The nice thing too, anyone who sells powder will be able to get this, as it is so popular.
February 18th, 2020, 10:51 AM
rf2

I've had good luck with H4350 in the 30-06 and other calibres. I don't know if it is suitable for the 22-250, but I would be surprised it it wasn't.
I don''t have experience loading for handguns, but I am pretty sure you will be looking at completely different powders than what you are using for rifles.
February 18th, 2020, 10:58 AM
jim

The Hornady site is a good place to look. I mostly use Varget powder for all my rifle calibers. [less confusing]. Hornady has a page where you can develop a load for what ever Hornady powder you want.
February 18th, 2020, 11:29 AM
MikePal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

Would be definitely reloading 30-06

I have a whack of 30-06 once fired brass that I was going to send to my buddy in MB, but he's stopped shooting (medical). So if you want it, it's yours.
February 18th, 2020, 11:37 AM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim

The Hornady site is a good place to look. I mostly use Varget powder for all my rifle calibers. [less confusing]. Hornady has a page where you can develop a load for what ever Hornady powder you want.

You are thinking Hodgdon, Hornady is the bullet manufacturer, they have a book but most of their data you need to buy the book.
February 18th, 2020, 11:39 AM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by rf2

I've had good luck with H4350 in the 30-06 and other calibres. I don't know if it is suitable for the 22-250, but I would be surprised it it wasn't.
I don''t have experience loading for handguns, but I am pretty sure you will be looking at completely different powders than what you are using for rifles.

50-70gr in the 22-250 for H4350, cannot do reduced loads but that is what I worked up for a 30-06, accurate as heck in a 30-06 and is the go to powder for 30-06 for a lot of people.
February 18th, 2020, 01:00 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePal

I have a whack of 30-06 once fired brass that I was going to send to my buddy in MB, but he's stopped shooting (medical). So if you want it, it's yours.

I'll definitely take it if your not using it, I'm thinking of going to check out the conrwall handgun club range 300 for me and my wife for the year and it's only a 15 minute drive from our place. Also being off every friday I can put her on the bus and go shoot the day away lol.
I haven't been to the range enough to keep an eye out for brass but when I do I will definitely pick up whatever is around anything specific anyone wants or just grab it all and eventually someone may need it?
February 18th, 2020, 01:00 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

50-70gr in the 22-250 for H4350, cannot do reduced loads but that is what I worked up for a 30-06, accurate as heck in a 30-06 and is the go to powder for 30-06 for a lot of people.

I'm sure once I get a book and look more into it I'll understand but I dont understand what you mean by a reduced load?
February 18th, 2020, 01:13 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

H4895 is a general powder, this is used in many cartridges and is the only one that has a defined reduced load, most powders it is not safe to go below the minimum loads but H4895 has a rule that Hodgdon has a write up on for reduced loads, if you want to consider a lighter recoiling load for the 30-06.

H4895 may not be the fastest or most accurate for your gun but it is considered one of the universal powders, it can be used for a lot of cartridges.

Check out the link greatwhite has and look up that powder. The nice thing too, anyone who sells powder will be able to get this, as it is so popular.

Looked it up on the website and that powder would work up for both 30-06 and 22-250 as well as potentially another 2 calibers I'm debating purchasing. Thanks for the advise, where do you all find this powder at?
February 18th, 2020, 01:17 PM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

I'm sure once I get a book and look more into it I'll understand but I dont understand what you mean by a reduced load?

Go to https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/, there is your data.

This is the link to the H4895 reduced loads, https://imrpowder.com/wp-content/upl...ifle-loads.pdf. What it means is that if there is a load using H4895 you can safely use 60% of the maximum load as a reduced load. Most powders it is not safe to use below the starting load, which is due to a few things, mainly the idea of flash over, which is when the powder burns from the bullet side rather than the powder side due to having too little volume of powder in the case. H4895 has been tested as a safe powder for reduced loads.

One big reason for this is recoil sensitive shooters, you can load up a reduced load with a 150gr bullet in a 30-06 to have a much milder recoil, rather than find another gun for them to use, may be something you want to do in that case.

Cornwall is only 15min from you? Look into Grenville Fish and game club too, that is the range we go to, they have a waiting list now but if you put on the list you will get in next year. It is much further but running around $125 for the family a year.
February 18th, 2020, 01:36 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

Cornwall is only 15min from you? Look into Grenville Fish and game club too, that is the range we go to, they have a waiting list now but if you put on the list you will get in next year. It is much further but running around $125 for the family a year.

There range is only 15 minutes from my place, I live in moose creek and I'm about 35-45 from 401 at cornwall but there range is further up the 138hwy and I drive by it going to cornwall it's very close. But the range you recommended is only 1hr away from us so that's no different then going to cabelas to window shop lol. Looking at the website looks like a good place is 100 yards the longest range they have there?
February 18th, 2020, 01:38 PM
MikePal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

Looked it up on the website and that powder would work up for both 30-06 and 22-250 as well as potentially another 2 calibers I'm debating purchasing. Thanks for the advise, where do you all find this powder at?

HIGGINSON POWDERS INC. 2708 Highway 34. HAWKESBURY....they have a catalog on-line.

https://www.higginsonpowders.com/products/powder.html
February 18th, 2020, 01:53 PM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePal

HIGGINSON POWDERS INC. 2708 Highway 34. HAWKESBURY....they have a catalog on-line.

https://www.higginsonpowders.com/products/powder.html

This right here, he is close for you, the prices are probably better than anywhere else too.
February 18th, 2020, 01:55 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePal

HIGGINSON POWDERS INC. 2708 Highway 34. HAWKESBURY....they have a catalog on-line.

https://www.higginsonpowders.com/products/powder.html

I go thru hawkesbury sometimes for work, take 50 to get to north montreal are to avoid traffic going there as well as coming back so good to know I can potentially do the stop without having to use my own gas lol
February 18th, 2020, 02:11 PM
rf2

You can use many powders in a wide variety of calibres. This doesn't mean that powder will produce a good load in each of those calibres. You could be getting 3-4 MOA (or worse) groups, which in my opinion, doesn't present any advantage over factory loaded ammo for most calibres. My advice would be to decide which will be your primary calibre of interest, find out (by looking online - CGN) which powder(s) are recognized by the majority as being a really good option for your calibre and bullet weight, then try to determine if those powders are also good for some of your other calibres. If you find something that should work, give it a try. If it turns out to be a dud, well, you can go out and buy something else. Keep in mind though that preparing handloads is time consuming, so sometimes it's better just to buy the powder that is known to be great for your calibre, even if this means you end up with several different powders for all of your calibres. It can be better than wasting your time (and money on bullets) messing around with a powder that might never work well in your calibre. In summary, the magic one-size-fits-all powder may not exist, depending on the calibres you have. Based on the ones you listed, I think you will have trouble finding one that will work in all.
February 18th, 2020, 02:46 PM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

I go thru hawkesbury sometimes for work, take 50 to get to north montreal are to avoid traffic going there as well as coming back so good to know I can potentially do the stop without having to use my own gas lol

I don't know if there is a storefront, probably best to call ahead.

As for the best powder, as rf2 said, you may or may not have good results.

If you want to use say H4350, google it with 30-06 and with 22-250 and get a sense of what type of groups others are getting. That does not mean that it will work out or not in your gun but if a lot of people have good results then it may be efficient for your cartridge and worth the $50 to try.

Worst case with H4350, if the 22-250 does not work it is not a waste, it will work for the 30-06. The same goes with that H4895, it is not a throw away powder. There are some powders out there that are very specific, if it does not work then it collects dust, I assume you want to stay away from those.
February 18th, 2020, 03:00 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

I don't know if there is a storefront, probably best to call ahead.

As for the best powder, as rf2 said, you may or may not have good results.

If you want to use say H4350, google it with 30-06 and with 22-250 and get a sense of what type of groups others are getting. That does not mean that it will work out or not in your gun but if a lot of people have good results then it may be efficient for your cartridge and worth the $50 to try.

Worst case with H4350, if the 22-250 does not work it is not a waste, it will work for the 30-06. The same goes with that H4895, it is not a throw away powder. There are some powders out there that are very specific, if it does not work then it collects dust, I assume you want to stay away from those.

Do they sell reloading kits? I noticed under the lee download they have 8 pages of part numbers for all different things but dont really want to look thru all the part numbers to find/make a kit lol
February 18th, 2020, 03:08 PM
Pair88

Also looking, I remember last Christmas 2018 RCSB had a kit on sale for 100$ but doesn't even look like it's available anymore but the lee kit is still 220 and need to upgrade the scale so still not a bad deal
February 18th, 2020, 03:33 PM
rf2

Higginson does have a storefront. If you want powder though, you have to call the day before at a minimum. They provide mostly bulk powder, so if you buy small quantities, don't expect to receive it in a nice little 1 lb cannister. It will come in a plastic bag in a little box. If Lee offers a kit, then Higginson probably has it. It should be in the Lee catalogue, or you can just give Higginson a call to confirm. They really have everything you would need to get into reloading, all in one place.
February 18th, 2020, 03:48 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by rf2

Higginson does have a storefront. If you want powder though, you have to call the day before at a minimum. They provide mostly bulk powder, so if you buy small quantities, don't expect to receive it in a nice little 1 lb cannister. It will come in a plastic bag in a little box. If Lee offers a kit, then Higginson probably has it. It should be in the Lee catalogue, or you can just give Higginson a call to confirm. They really have everything you would need to get into reloading, all in one place.

That's good to know, may take a lunch break one day there and go see what they have. Thanks for letting me know.
February 18th, 2020, 05:10 PM
rf2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

That's good to know, may take a lunch break one day there and go see what they have. Thanks for letting me know.

Just to be clear, it's a small storefront. There's not really much to look at, but the guy is able to quickly tell you what he has in stock, so he could grab you stuff from the back if you want to see something. I've been there a couple of times and mail-ordered stuff a few other times. It's a great place, but it's a bit far for me.
February 18th, 2020, 05:20 PM
MikePal

Quote:

Originally Posted by rf2

It's a great place, but it's a bit far for me.

Gord at "The Old-Co-Op" in North Gower can take your order and get it filled there. I think he adds $8 to the price. Figuring it cost me $20 to drive there, that's a great deal.
February 18th, 2020, 08:16 PM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

Also looking, I remember last Christmas 2018 RCSB had a kit on sale for 100$ but doesn't even look like it's available anymore but the lee kit is still 220 and need to upgrade the scale so still not a bad deal

The Lee Challenger kit is a fine kit, just the scale sort of sucks, that is all I use, the Lee dies are also great dies, he can get anything Lee has in.
February 20th, 2020, 11:39 AM
line052

They sell all reloading supplies, I would always call ahead and pick up next day. You will hard pressed to find cheaper LEE reloading gear, or Hornaday bullets. Powder selection is priced good as well. I bought my 8lb jug of clays powder there and primers when I go through.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

Do they sell reloading kits? I noticed under the lee download they have 8 pages of part numbers for all different things but dont really want to look thru all the part numbers to find/make a kit lol
February 21st, 2020, 10:19 AM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by line052

They sell all reloading supplies, I would always call ahead and pick up next day. You will hard pressed to find cheaper LEE reloading gear, or Hornaday bullets. Powder selection is priced good as well. I bought my 8lb jug of clays powder there and primers when I go through.

Good to know maybe if tax return is as I plan I'll make a call and see if they have reloading kits in stock and make the trip out there to take a look and hopefully get a set up going to start reloading
February 24th, 2020, 07:47 AM
line052

My Press is RCBS all my reloading tools are LEE, I do have 2 other Lee Presses but I primarily use them re-sizing cast lead rounds. I have had and still have RCBS/Hornaday dies but they are never used anymore and are a back up now. Lots of opinions of Lymon/LEE/Hornaday equipment and dies. For me, I can always get parts for LEE products and they are better distributed and in stock then the rest in Eastern Ontario.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pair88

Good to know maybe if tax return is as I plan I'll make a call and see if they have reloading kits in stock and make the trip out there to take a look and hopefully get a set up going to start reloading
February 26th, 2020, 07:33 PM
Sam Menard

1 Attachment(s)

Attachment 39750Reloading can be a lot of trial and error due the various cartridge components involved. Many firearms prefer certain powders and loads. For example, I shoot a 30.06 and prefer the 180 grain Nosler partition bullet. When I got into hand-loading, I tried Winchester 760 powder and only managed to get 3” groups at 100 yards. I tinkered with that powder and eventually got fed up. The Nosler manual stated that the most accurate powder for that bullet was Reloader 22, so I gave it a try. I’m very happy that I did as I get half inch groups.

The attached image is sideways, but at the time I took the photo, my rifle was roughly sighted-in 2” high at 100 yards. I flinched on the first shot, but the other 3 shots are touching:
February 26th, 2020, 11:32 PM
Pair88

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Menard

Attachment 39750Reloading can be a lot of trial and error due the various cartridge components involved. Many firearms prefer certain powders and loads. For example, I shoot a 30.06 and prefer the 180 grain Nosler partition bullet. When I got into hand-loading, I tried Winchester 760 powder and only managed to get 3” groups at 100 yards. I tinkered with that powder and eventually got fed up. The Nosler manual stated that the most accurate powder for that bullet was Reloader 22, so I gave it a try. I’m very happy that I did as I get half inch groups.

The attached image is sideways, but at the time I took the photo, my rifle was roughly sighted-in 2” high at 100 yards. I flinched on the first shot, but the other 3 shots are touching:

Good to know, planning on going to pick up a book or 2 this weekend and look into bullet gr for both calibers and see what the books say ahead of time and hopefully have a better idea of what powder to get in the next few weeks when I pick up the full supplies to get going.

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