Dies and powder

[xpertgreg]

I have a few questions. First off let me begin by saying that I have purchased the Lee Aniversary kit from midsouth shooter supply. I have also purchased Nosler's reloading book (it was readily available locally). and have purchased some new cases for my .270 Winchester and bullets and primers.

first question:
I have looked at the usuall powders available, but they seem to be a bit specific and was wondering what would be a good all around powder for .270 WIN., and various Milsurps. after the .270 next I will begin loading stuff like 7.65 Arg, 7.62x54R, 7.5 Swiss and the like. what's your favorite brand of powder and type of powder. Remember, I have no experience so I'm open to any suggestions.


second question:
I have also looked at different dies. Do I have to use Lee dies or will others fit my press? what should I look for in sets of dies? I would rather buy the best set available, that will last.

thanks in advance,

GW

[Mosko]

I purchase IMR-4895 in 8lb bulk jugs. I use it as my general powder for about all the calibers you listed there. Secondly I use IMR-3031 which is just a bit slower than the 4895. Those two are practically interchangable. Other more expensive powders can be used to fine tune a load. Some rifles seem to like one powder over another. It's an experimentation thing.

I suggest the 4895 as a general starting powder, for you. Nearly all loading manuals give loads using 4895.

I don't know your particular press, but most presses use the standard dies which are 7/8" x 14 tpi. Practically any die will work. If your press does not use the standard dies, don't let anybody even pay you to take it!

You can spend a lot of money on dies if you want to. The Lee dies are the cheapest, but they work fine, I have several sets. The only problem that I have ever had with them is that the metal used will rust if you don't keep them oiled.

Lee is also the only company that makes some of the odd calibers at reasonable cost. For instance, I think it was a Beaumont sizing die they custom made for me after I sent them a chamber cast for 32 dollars or something like that. CH4 wanted 125 dollars for the same thing and the delivery was going to be longer than the Lee custom.

[Stan in SC]

The IMR4895 is a good all around powder.I use it in .303 and .270 loading.
Use the Lee dies.They are the best for the money.
Don't fall into the same trap many other new reloaders seem to.Just because you CAN load hot don't do it to start with.Stick with middle of the road loads.You'll get better accuracy.After several years of experience you might want to carefully upload some stuff.
Now you can get into Enfields big time.Also 45/70.
Reloading manuals are available free from most powder manufacturers.
Any way that the rest of us can help you have but to ask.
Oh,forget about case lube for resizing.Get some Imperial wax.Best stuff you will ever use.
Stan

[xpertgreg]

thanks for the great answers. just what I needed. BTW Mosko, after reading your post I went and checked and my press will use standard dies in the thread size you posted. Looks like I'll be reloading by this weekend!

thanks again guys!

gw

[Mosko]

Thats good Greg, if you have any problems give me a call.

[al collins]

i like H335 for .223, 30-30 and .444. i use H483l for most everything else, 6.5 swede, 7.5 swiss, 7.65 mauser, 7.7-06 jap 7mm mauser, .308 win, 30-06 EXCEPT IN MY GARAND for which i use win 746. for pistol i use bullseye, unique or 700X in magnums.
i have over 30 sets of dies and they are mostly by lee. i started out with rcbs many years and still use a couple of their presses but use mostly lee stuff for case prep, powder measurement, primer loading and bullet casting. i preger winchester primers and have used about 6000 of them in the past 2 years.
good luck with your reloading. it is a great way to spend those winter days when it is too miserable to go shoot. load lightly and work up to your rifle's best load. measure everything twice till you get a feel for it. when you set up your powder measure check every 10th load or so with the scale. be careful!!!
al collins

[Toney]

I really like the IMR 4831 in my 270.
I like the hornady dies, they're not to much higher than lee, and the bullet seater is much much better!!!