How did I do for purchasing local?

[1TwistedGimp]

Hey all,
I’ve been out looking for powder locally even though I know I can buy bulk online, I was trying to get a variety of powders to test for 5.56/.223 and also heavier 30-30 hunting stuff (170gr jsp). I have been watching a few stores but .223/5.56 powder has been hard to find so I grab anything I see that is suitable to my needs even if it’s not the best I could get.

I have ended up with,
5lbs cfe .223 (mostly for plinking 55-62gr)
2lbs BL-C(2) (for plinking/possibly varmint- hunting coyotes)
1lbs H4895 (for deer hunting load development not further than 125yards/ .223/5.56 varmint loads at same distance.
1lbs Varget for 30-30 win 170gr jsp load workup hunting only.
1lbs AR-Comp for plinking/ varmint/ personal defense ( I know everything else I would load for.223/5.56 would probably work just as well for personal defense also)

All together I spent right around $235.00 to buy locally for 10lbs of powder which honestly seems almost as good as buying from powder valley or any other online retailer. Almost!

I just moved recently and haven’t even had time to set up my hobby/reloading bench so have just been gearing up to reload for rifles and buying a lot of new gear to make my reloading hobby more enjoyable.

I also broke down and purchased a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 ($289.00 in store) due to the great reviews even though I’m a Hornady guy for the most part.

I reload on a ss, I know I could produce faster on a progressive but I’m happy with going slowly and making sure everything is perfect for my needs at my speed.

I saw a lb of reloader 15 but they wanted 48.00 for it and it was just too rich for my blood...

Just wanted to get my feet wet reloading for .223/5.56 and 30-30...

How did I do???

Dave

 

[thomas15]

I think you did well!

BTW I love my RCBS Charge Master.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

$48 is way too much for a pound of any powder, you were right to pass.

I'm not sure why you bought 5lbs of CFE223 before you were sure you like it. It is a good powder and can be used for more than plinking in the .223.

Along with Varget you can used both H4895 and BL-C(2) in the 30-30 although I like 3031 and LVR best in that cartridge.

A note on the 30-30, the case is thin and can be crushed when seating and crimping at the same time easier than most newer cartridges. It's also easier to dent the neck if you get any lube on the neck of the case.

 

[1TwistedGimp]

I think you did well!

BTW I love my RCBS Charge Master.

thomas15,
Thank you, I felt I was doing almost as good as ordering online for the powder.
I’m about a week from setting up my bench right now. I have eliminated any florescent lights and told the wife that cellphones won’t be allowed in the room while reloading, I have two other digital scales to check the charge weights against but feel I really need a beam scale instead. How does the CM1500 do with a reduction in interference of cellphone signals, do I really need to worry about it or should I keep with just not having them in the room while reloading?

Dave

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have eliminated any florescent lights and told the wife that cellphones won’t be allowed in the room while reloading,

Why is that?

 

[Varminterror]

The Hornady LNL Autocharge is junk, so you did yourself a favor by getting a Chargemaster instead.

Did that particular store not have any more Varget? Almost all of what you described could be done as well or better by Varget.

ETA - if a local shop had RL15 at $48/lb, I wouldn’t ever buy from them again, and would hope they would lose their business.

 

[thomas15]

I haven't noticed any problems with cell phone interference but where I'm at I have at best 1 bar.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Hey all,
I’ve been out looking for powder locally even though I know I can buy bulk online, I was trying to get a variety of powders to test for 5.56/.223 and also heavier 30-30 hunting stuff (170gr jsp). I have been watching a few stores but .223/5.56 powder has been hard to find so I grab anything I see that is suitable to my needs even if it’s not the best I could get.

I have ended up with,
5lbs cfe .223 (mostly for plinking 55-62gr)
2lbs BL-C(2) (for plinking/possibly varmint- hunting coyotes)
1lbs H4895 (for deer hunting load development not further than 125yards/ .223/5.56 varmint loads at same distance.
1lbs Varget for 30-30 win 170gr jsp load workup hunting only.
1lbs AR-Comp for plinking/ varmint/ personal defense ( I know everything else I would load for.223/5.56 would probably work just as well for personal defense also)

All together I spent right around $235.00 to buy locally for 10lbs of powder which honestly seems almost as good as buying from powder valley or any other online retailer. Almost!

I just moved recently and haven’t even had time to set up my hobby/reloading bench so have just been gearing up to reload for rifles and buying a lot of new gear to make my reloading hobby more enjoyable.

I also broke down and purchased a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 ($289.00 in store) due to the great reviews even though I’m a Hornady guy for the most part.

I reload on a ss, I know I could produce faster on a progressive but I’m happy with going slowly and making sure everything is perfect for my needs at my speed.

I saw a lb of reloader 15 but they wanted 48.00 for it and it was just too rich for my blood...

Just wanted to get my feet wet reloading for .223/5.56 and 30-30...

How did I do???

Dave

Try CFE223 in the 30-30. You will be surprised. CFE has wide accuracy nodes, but is very touchy when you get to max charges. If you work up in cool weather, cut 1 grain off for summer time.
I don't see why you purchased so many types of powder. Usually that is done when your first choice doesn't work. Unless you are living in the sticks where you drive really far.

 

[1TwistedGimp]

$48 is way too much for a pound of any powder, you were right to pass.

I'm not sure why you bought 5lbs of CFE223 before you were sure you like it. It is a good powder and can be used for more than plinking in the .223.

Along with Varget you can used both H4895 and BL-C(2) in the 30-30 although I like 3031 and LVR best in that cartridge.

A note on the 30-30, the case is thin and can be crushed when seating and crimping at the same time easier than most newer cartridges. It's also easier to dent the neck if you get any lube on the neck of the case.

ArchAngelCD,
I know you’re experienced in reloading and always appreciate your advice and replies to my posts.

I bought that 5lbs of CFE.223 Cause trying to find any powder suitable for the.223/5.56 locally is a losing crap shoot around here. Very few lgs and only a couple big box stores (Academy & Bass Pro) I know it will work, weather it’s the best powder or not is moot for plinking stuff at this point. I just wanted to get some sort of supply to get reloading for this caliber.

I hope to learn the ins and outs of reloading rifle this year and truly appreciate your advice on the difficulty of reloading 30-30 (thin case), I know you know WAAAAAY more than I do and always bow to the wisdom of those that know more than I do.

I might mess up a few cases learning but I know that I’ll get it figured out with the help of people like yourself on this forum.

Dave

 

[1TwistedGimp]

I haven't noticed any problems with cell phone interference but where I'm at I have at best 1 bar.

thomas15,

The 1 bar cellphone signal is only on a good day for me way out here in the boonies where I live lol!

I’m way ok with that though but heard so many reviews saying keep your cellphone away from the CM1500 that I wanted some real feedback on weather or not it caused real problems.

Thank you for sharing your experience with that!

Dave

 

[Varminterror]

You should keep your cellphone away from any digital scale, not just the Chargemaster.

 

[1TwistedGimp]

Why is that?

ArchAngelCD,

I have heard that fluorescent lights and cellphones throw off the accuracy of digital scales, I noticed as much with my Hornady gs1500 scale in that I didn’t trust it and always zeroed between charges. I could pick up the pan with weighed charge and set it back down and it would be 2gr off one way or the other. I removed the fluorescent lite over my bench and replaced with incandescent and charge weight was always the same regardless as to how many times I weighed it.

2gr in pistol loads one way or the other made for some weak and hot loads for me even though I seem to find a midrange load that works well for me in most of my pistols with the powder that I have reloaded with (powders found at the height of the panic a few years ago - imr 7625, imr 4756, 700X and imr PB) of which I still have 7lbs of and still use to reload for the pistols that I shoot. Not the best but I’ve worked up some very accurate loads for the pistols I still have. I ran across a lb of unique and picked up a lb of trailboss in the last couple years to reload some extreme high and low stuff like .45 colt and .25auto . When I am finally out of these powders I’ll do what I can to get pick up better stuff but it seems a ways off at the moment.

As far as load workup goes on everything I do I try to find something midrange or high midrange that works for me, I’m not a bench rest shooter or super precise out to 1000 yards kinda guy for now so a 2.5 inch group a 150 yards is gtg for now though I would like it much tighter, 2.5 inch at 150yrds gets the job done that I need to do. I only have 18 acres to play around on and only 10 if that is open field, even less for safe shots. I have over a dozen deer that cross my property every day here and most shots are within 50 yards so no need for super precision clover leaf shots at this time.

I intend on working up a good load but just wanted some powder to start with when I can finally set my bench back up and learn to reload bottle neck rifle rounds.

Dave

Hope I’m not coming off as bitchy, or disrespectful in anyway I’m just trying to explain my actions.

 

[1TwistedGimp]

Try CFE223 in the 30-30. You will be surprised. CFE has wide accuracy nodes, but is very touchy when you get to max charges. If you work up in cool weather, cut 1 grain off for summer time.
I don't see why you purchased so many types of powder. Usually that is done when your first choice doesn't work. Unless you are living in the sticks where you drive really far.

Bfh_auto
I do live in the sticks, it’s an hour + to get anywhere to purchase ANYTHING locally. I’ll look into the CFE223 for 30-30 for sure but I honestly shoot my ar way more than the 30-30 and picked up a wide variety of (to me) powder to play around with. I was trying to find powders that would work for plinking, varmint hunting (coyotes here and even some eastern coyotes & groundhog digging under my outbuildings and in the pasture) possibly deer as my furthest safe shot is 150 yards. If I reload for the 30-30 I want something that can sit up for years as I’ll only reload around 10-20 rounds a year for it.

I read a lot of posts here and tried to find a selection of powders that would suit my needs. Availability was a huge factor and being able to buy locally for near online prices pushed me over the edge. Varget was the most expensive at 39.00 a lb but thought it would work great for the 170gr jsp 30-30 rounds and probably wouldn’t have to buy more in my lifetime just to reload a few 30-30 rounds a year.

Dave

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hope I’m not coming off as bitchy, or disrespectful in anyway I’m just trying to explain my actions.

Nooptttqq

Hope I’m not coming off as bitchy, or disrespectful in anyway I’m just trying to explain my actions.

Not at all. I don't like all that politically correct junk anyway.

 

[DRAINSMITH]

The Hornady LNL Autocharge is junk, so you did yourself a favor by getting a Chargemaster instead.

Did that particular store not have any more Varget? Almost all of what you described could be done as well or better by Varget.

ETA - if a local shop had RL15 at $48/lb, I wouldn’t ever buy from them again, and would hope they would lose their business.

I bought a Hornady from a guy for fifty bucks I asked why he was selling it he told me that it always ran high and he had to set it a lower setting to get what he wanted. I read the instructions and found that you had to set the buffer. After I did that I got perfect drops. If you still have yours PM me and I will read the instructions really slowly for you so you can get your right.

 

[1TwistedGimp]

The Hornady LNL Autocharge is junk, so you did yourself a favor by getting a Chargemaster instead.

Did that particular store not have any more Varget? Almost all of what you described could be done as well or better by Varget.

ETA - if a local shop had RL15 at $48/lb, I wouldn’t ever buy from them again, and would hope they would lose their business.

Varminterror,

Thank you for replying, I read reviews on the lnl autocharge and didn’t think twice about finding something better, this forum led me to the CM1500 and I’m sure I’ll be happy with it as it gets the best reviews everywhere I’ve looked, I’m not a fanboy of any brand, I just find Hornady to fill most my needs so far.

The store had more Varget, but it was pricey at near 40.00 a lb and I was honestly think it would be the best for reloading the heavier 170gr Jsp for the 30-30 and would sit up on the shelf and still be good to go after 5-10 years...

The local shop I saw reloader 15 in was THE ORIGINAL VERY FIRST TOURIST TRAP BASS PRO in Springfield mo. Never seen higher prices anywhere and don’t go there for much but they have a decent deal on a very few things and I drive 1 hr and 20 minuets up there for work frequently so dropped in for some new xbow bolts and whatnot, picked up a couple lbs of powder, Varget being one just cause I couldn’t find it anywhere else but won’t let them screw me on much else...

Dave

Edited for auto correct errors, meant to say reloader 15 not reloaded 25... derp!

 

[1TwistedGimp]

I bought a Hornady from a guy for fifty bucks I asked why he was selling it he told me that it always ran high and he had to set it a lower setting to get what he wanted. I read the instructions and found that you had to set the buffer. After I did that I got perfect drops. If you still have yours PM me and I will read the instructions really slowly for you so you can get your right.

DRAINSMITH,

I never bought the Hornady autocharge,
I’m sure they work great if set up properly! I spent a couple weeks researching what I thought would work best for my needs and settled on the CM1500 even though almost everything else on my bench is Hornady. Green is my favorite color anyway and even though it cost a bit more I like the charge memory and powder drain a touch more than the autocharge.

I truly appreciate the offer to help though, people like you make this forum GREAT!!!

Dave

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Great place this THR forum!

 

[1TwistedGimp]

Great place this THE forum!

Agreed! I don’t look anywhere else for good advice!

 

[DRAINSMITH]

DRAINSMITH,

I never bought the Hornady autocharge,
I’m sure they work great if set up properly! I spent a couple weeks researching what I thought would work best for my needs and settled on the CM1500 even though almost everything else on my bench is Hornady. Green is my favorite color anyway and even though it cost a bit more I like the charge memory and powder drain a touch more than the autocharge.

I truly appreciate the offer to help though, people like you make this forum GREAT!!!

Dave

I have no problem when anybody likes something other what I have. I just go off when someone states that mine sucks with no reason why. If they have a good reason I will listen.

 

[kwg020]

You only need one powder for all of your applications. H4895. Worst case scenario would be H4895 and Varget. A fast burning plinking powder would be IMR3031. Also look into Accurate Arms powders. AA2230 and AA2460. I think CFE223 is way too slow except for heavy .223 bullets but that's just me. It may work for the 170 grain 30-30 bullets but H4895 and Varget will work as well. Down load a burn rate chart and check prices on different powders. Many are similar burn rates then look for the best price.

I use an RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I bought it in 1975. I did have to clean it out about 10 years ago as it had a small build up that was interfering with powder flow.

kwg

 

[1TwistedGimp]

I have no problem when anybody likes something other what I have. I just go off when someone states that mine sucks with no reason why. If they have a good reason I will listen.

DRAINSMITH,
I know how you feel, to each their own. If I had ever encountered someone wanting to sell me an autocharge for that price I would have jumped on it as well. I waffled Between the two to be honest as the autocharge was a bit less and most everything else on my bench is Hornaday aside from a couple sets of lee dies which don’t work as well for me as all my Hornaday dies. I just can’t seem to get as consistent results with seating using the lee dies though many can and do, I won’t bash lee, it’s just as possible that I’m to blame for not setting them up correctly but it makes me crazy cause reloading for .380 and .25auto is difficult enough without having to constantly fiddle with die adjustments. With the Hornady dies i get them dialed in and lock them down and get pretty consistent results so far. I’ve never used any other brand of dies so far in the 10 years I’ve been reloading so I’ve probably got some bias going on but I won’t put anyone down for using something that works for them.

Different strokes for different folks

Dave

 

[1TwistedGimp]

You only need one powder for all of your applications. H4895. Worst case scenario would be H4895 and Varget. A fast burning plinking powder would be IMR3031. Also look into Accurate Arms powders. AA2230 and AA2460. I think CFE223 is way too slow except for heavy .223 bullets but that's just me. It may work for the 170 grain 30-30 bullets but H4895 and Varget will work as well. Down load a burn rate chart and check prices on different powders. Many are similar burn rates then look for the best price.

I use an RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I bought it in 1975. I did have to clean it out about 10 years ago as it had a small build up that was interfering with powder flow.

kwg

kwg020,
I have been keeping my eye out for quite a few of the powders you mentioned, I was pretty happy to find the 1lb of h4895 and Varget, both seem to be go to powders for many. All the others would have to be an online purchase for me as the selection around here is slim. I am considering picking up some AA2230 as I read many good reviews for it here and elsewhere on the net...

When you say CFE223 is better for heavier .223 bullets, what weights would that be? I’m interested in working up loads using heavier bullets in my ar, 16 inch 1-9 twist. It shoots 55gr and 62gr quite well and I’ve picked up some heavier Hornady 68gr bthp to test. I understand that anything heavier may or may not stabilize with the 1-9 twist rate so haven’t picked up anything heavier to test just yet. CFE.223 is a powder that’s listed in most of my manuals for numerous weights of bullets but I think testing was in 18-20 inch barrels so obviously may not be optimal for my needs to plink... just grabbed it cause it was there and hardly ever see anything suitable for .223/5.56 or 30-30 around here cause someone always snatches it up before I can.

I have a Hornady powder measure that came with my starter kit but have never really used it cause it couldn’t throw a charge small enough to reload for pistol without spending the money on a different drum but might pull it out and see if I can work it in to reloading for rifle. It would be nice to put it to use honestly as it’s spent the last decade in a drawer...

Dave

 

[DRAINSMITH]

I guess I am luckier than most I have a buddy that reloads and he is a lot like me. If you add his bench and my bench together it would look like an X-Mass tree. We like to play "My Johnson is bigger than your Johnson". I bought a sonic cleaner then he bought one. He bought a case prep I bought a case prep. I bought a wet tumbler he bought a weight tumbler. He told me that RCBS makes equipment to make lead bullets I told him that he doesn't shoot lead and Hornady makes the bullets that we reload.

We ran our power powder drops against each other side by side. Now if you told me that if you set both to run 40 grains and the RCBS was 2 seconds faster. I would agree. If you told me the RCBS you could save settings and the Hornady you can't. I would agree. But then I would tell you everything else is equal and the Hornady is 1/3 cheaper. And I can live with the 2 seconds and I would set mine up each and every time anyway.

 

[Varminterror]

I bought a Hornady from a guy for fifty bucks I asked why he was selling it he told me that it always ran high and he had to set it a lower setting to get what he wanted. I read the instructions and found that you had to set the buffer. After I did that I got perfect drops. If you still have yours PM me and I will read the instructions really slowly for you so you can get your right.

The trickle approach tuning isn’t the problem.

The computer failure which aborts all function after about 4 throws (my first one which I paid to replace 3 months out of warranty) isn’t fixed by the instruction manual.

The same computer failure which befell my SECOND Autocharge a few months before the 1yr warranty ran out also is not fixed by info in the instruction manual.

The dispenser drive motor burning out in my THIRD Autocharge about 6 months after the 1 year warranty also is not fixed by something in the instruction manual.

The same computer failure befell 2 other guys in my rifle club, both within their 1 year warranties.

Three failures in 3 machines, each in 18months or less of service is a pretty poor track record to me. Two more of the same failures in machines owned by my compatriots, out of a small handful of guys I know owning them...

Now... compare that to my Chargemasters - one is ~12yrs old, nary a hiccup. The second (addition, not replacement) is now 5yrs old, also, nary a hiccup... I also have a 3yr old Lyman which has also never given me any heartburn whatsoever.

So in a period of about 4yrs, I had to go through 3 Hornady machines and was left needing a 4th, whereas I have not gone through a single Chargemaster in 3 times as long...

I’ll respectfully decline your offer to “assist” me in tuning the trickle approach setting on my burned out motor. Hopefully that satisfies your need for self validation as to my justification of my statements. With equal hope that your ears aren’t too full of fanboi wax to hear firsthand experiences of poor performance by your beloved gear.