General Powder Question For a Rifle Load

[hooper]

My first post and new to reloading. New as in reading and learning (and purchasing a few components here and there) with hopes of being able to get into the game in a once the supply chains are restored.

I would like to reload for 30-06, 30-30, 308 and probably 300 Win Mag. Since these reloads are for hunting and general range time, I think it would be best to identify a single powder for the calibers in question. Do reloaders try to consolidate your powder choices?

I looked at the IMR-4895 and Hodgen says it will work for all of the above calibers and projectiles I am initially researching.

The loads in question would be for hunting and general range outings, nothing competition wise.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Charlie]

It's always good to have at least a couple or more reloading manuals to choose from. One can buy them new or sometimes find them used in a book store. You can also address load data on line.

 

[hooper]

Noted. I have a Lee Manual and was thinking about getting at least a Hornady and a Speer.

 

[Charlie]

Good idea. I used to see many manuals at used book stores.

 

[hooper]

Nice, good idea. I use to love going to Half-priced books, I'll check them out.

 

[TexMex247]

Imr 4064 would top my list. Maybe blc2 or h4895 a tie for second.

 

[hooper]

Cool, thanks. The underlying reason for the question is when I look for powder, I can target specific ones that will be able to load what I'm currently interested in. Mainly the ones that have a broad application range.

 

[Charlie]

Nice, good idea. I use to love going to Half-priced books, I'll check them out.

Good luck!

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Noted. I have a Lee Manual and was thinking about getting at least a Hornady and a Speer.

Skip the Speer and get a Sierra and a Nosler.

 

[hooper]

Sierra is definitely at the top of the list, had not thought about Nosler, but I'll add them to the list.

 

[TxStetson]

To answer the question in the OP, Varget is what you seek. I use it for 223 up to 45-70. The only rifle round I don’t use Varget in is 338 Lapua.

 

[hooper]

Thank you for the input!

 

[jrbfishn]

Try 2 or 3 powders that will work for as many rounds as possible. You will find that with the bullets you chose for each that no one powder will give you the most accurate load for all of them.

Sent by an idjit coffeeholic from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Sierra is definitely at the top of the list, had not thought about Nosler, but I'll add them to the list.

Speer is a good book especially the general guidance on reloading. It was my first book but I find the others have better powder selections. Yours may vary.

 

[dobarker]

Another vote for h4895 for the rounds in question.
IMR4350 does well for all of them as well. It does fill a .308 win case to a compressed load depending on projectile choice. Using 180 grain projectiles for any of the mentioned .30 rounds, it does very well.

If you run into any questions, post them up. There’s a lot of good knowledge floating around this forum.

Main thing to do before getting started is to read the intro to reloading in most manuals, stock up on manuals, read those too (half priced books, goodwill and garage sales), and ask questions.

IMR has an online database for loading data and most of the old reloaders here have a small library of manuals and software if you need some input or reference.

 

[hooper]

Will do and thanks for the input on the powder.

I did pick up the ABCs of Reloading based on a comment made in another thread for new reloaders. Been going through it off and on.

 

[Dawico]

ABCs, Lyman, and Lee are my go to books.

Bullet manufacturer's books are good if you use their bullets but they usually don't have a lot of data in them.

The 4350s, 4895s, 4064s, and Varget are some of the most versatile powders out there.

 

[contender buff]

All the above powders mentioned will work, a lot of it is going to be trial and error to find the right combination your rifles like. Invest in a few manuals so you’ll have different choices.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Varget works for
most everything and it’s also the hardest powder to find due to
it’s popularity.

 

[Leadeye]

Any of the rifles semi auto? They generally like faster burning powders in their reloading range. Bolt, SS or lever guns it's not an issue.