Got a few things ordered already but I’m looking at my last few items needed and I’m curious what everyone else thinks. As far and powders and primers, what are some choices that typically have better results and which ones if any should I stay away from? I’ll be loading 6.5CM and .300WM if that helps narrow it down. Also based on how much I plan on reloading and shooting I will most likely buy a scale and hand trickler, so does a more expensive scale really matter than much if they’re all at a .1 grain accuracy? I’m sure I’ll have a bunch more questions but for now I’ll keep this post short until I get closer to actually loading.
Great question. For your 6.5 Creedmoor, you’d unquestionably want H4350 powder. There are others that work well too, but that one is dominant. If you go with the Lapua brass, you’ll want small rifle primers. Most other brass for 6.5 Creedmoor is large rifle primers.
For 300WM, there are a lot more options on powders H1000 is probably the most common, and large rifle magnum primers.
For the reloading scale, unfortunately I have to say that the more expensive scales are worth it. MANY scales advertise being accurate to .1 grains, but I tested several of them, and it was quite a bit worse than advertised. I think a more expensive scale that can measure down to the kernel is worth it IF we’re talking about reloading for precision rifle. You can beat factory ammo with a scale that just measures to the tenth grain.
Jim, what powder would you recommend for reloading 308?
Thanks a lot for the tips I still have so many questions. The powder is pretty available right now at most places near me so that’s a good thing. Would you go for the Frankford or Hornady scale based on your experience? Does the brand of primer matter too much? If I can find Lapua brass I might get some but I have to get approval from the wife first since I’m spending a decent amount getting started. Do Nosler and Hornady make good brass if I can’t find any Lapua?
I agree with Jim, completely. Get a good automatic/electronic scale. Weighing the powder is the most mundane part of reloading. I have the RCBS but many other options are availiable.
In the reloading course you talked about choosing a powder that is near the middle of the range listed. For the 6.5 creedmoor 143 ELD-X, the H4350 is pretty close to the bottom of the list. Is this a case where you ignore it’s placement because it is so dominant, or is it worth trying some other powders on the list for this specific bullet?
If you’re shooting 6.5 Creedmoor just go with H4350. It’s great. I’d ignore its placement.
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Nosler makes good brass but I would stay away from Hornady. Other brass companies to consider would be ADG, Peterson, or alpha.
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What problems do you typically see with Hornady? I’m brand new to reloading and planned to use my once fired brass, which is all Hornady. After I get some experience I’ll upgrade to nicer brass, but don’t want to mess it up in the beginning.
Hornady brass is fine if that is what you have I have just seen more consistent neck wall thickness (this comes into play with your neck tension) and also you get better brass life with higher quality brass. Also if you find a load that works with the Hornady brass if you switch brands you may need to change your powder charge weight (generally it will need ti be lower because higher quality brass is thicker resulting in more pressure)