New to reloading: powder question

[Constrictor]

I know unique is a flake powder, but im not sure what you mean metering well. I use a dillon and it throws very consistant charges.

 

[RandyP]

I presently reload 4 pistol calibers, all with Win 231/HP-38. No negatives to report. Meters very well.

I don't do ay rifle reloading so can't help there.

 

[USSR]

I know unique is a flake powder, but im not sure what you mean metering well.

+1. I use a Redding measure, and have absolutely no problem with Unique.

Don

 

[GT1]

Thank you all for the information, it is greatly appreciated.
My apologies for stepping on your discussion, IlikeSA.

 

[W.E.G.]

Ball powder usually meters better than flake power.

If you are using an automated powder-dispensing system, you will almost certainly be happier with a ball powder.

Any fast to medium handgun-rated ball powder will provide excellent results if you execute excellent method in assembling the ammo.

 

[GT1]

Ball powder usually meters better than flake power.

If you are using an automated powder-dispensing system, you will almost certainly be happier with a ball powder.

Any fast to medium handgun-rated ball powder will provide excellent results if you execute excellent method in assembling the ammo.

I have Lee auto disk pro powder measures on a Lee Classic turret press.

I did get my Modern Reloading book today and am spending all my free time reading it.

 

[gilgsn]

If you buy powder online, order both powders from the same manufacturer. This way, you only pay one HAZMAT fee. Like Unique and Reloder 15.

 

[Jim Watson]

?
I'm not ordering retail quantities of powder from the manufacturer.
A distributor like Midway or Powder Valley will send you whatever will go in the box on one hazmat ripoff.

I load non-magnum pistol calibers like 9mm, .38, and .45 with HP38. Win 231 is the same stuff under a different label if that is what you find in stock. It meters smoothly and gives service load ballistics.

 

[IlikeSA]

Thanks for the info guys. I decided on a Lee deluxe four hole turret kit with auto index from Natchez for 99.00. I also bought a set of 45 ACP Lee carbide dies. I wanted a Lyman, but it was single stage and just a press for $124, which between that, dies, extras and components would put me out of budget. There is a gun show coming on the 7th, so maybe I can head down there and pick up bullets, powder, primers and some brass. This hobby has a very steep entry fee, and was tough to justify to my wife. I am glad she supported me though, knowing that it would pay off in the long run. I think I break even after 1500 rounds.

Should I decide on a load before I purchase primers and powder? Why are reloading manuals so expensive?!

 

[Blue68f100]

You for sure want to buy primers and powder locally if you can to save on the HAZMAT Fee that is attached. Now you need to decide what powder you want to try and only buy 1# to try. If it does not work for you, you do not have 8# setting on the shelf. I do recommend that you start with a Ball Powder. This type of powder meters well in most all dispensers. Do not cheap on powder scales, a error here is not good. A scale like the RCBS 505 will last a life time of several generations if you take care of it. I can't say that about Lee, since most of there equipment does not carry a lifetime warranty. Their steel cast presses hold up ok.

But to choose a powder you need to know what bullet/weight you want to shoot.

You will need to buy in bulk to get the price savings. Buying small quantity of bullets and primers run the cost up greatly. Buy in 5k and greater for primers and bullets.

 

[AABEN]

IMR 4350 for the rifle and Accurate # 7 is a very good powder for the 45acp

 

[ArtP]

This hobby has a very steep entry fee, and was tough to justify to my wife.

I think I break even after 1500 rounds

Oh, just you wait. You have no idea what you're in for.

Break even -- LOL -- there's never any breaking even. That's the stuff of story and myth.

I'm looking at 12 step programs, myself.