Rookie reloader - Powder Questions

[john81276]

Hi all,

I'm a brand new reloader, and I'm going to be reloading over time for my .40 S&W, .380 Auto, .45 Auto and .223.

I've been reading manuals and posts before actually trying any loading. DaveInFloweryBranchGA's sticky post has been a great help in picking out the stuff I need to get going.

Long story short, I've got a buddy who's going hunting this week, with stops at Cabela's. He got a $50 gift card there for reloading only, and isn't going to use it, and has offered to buy stuff for me. I'm thinking powder since with him driving it back, no haz-mat fees.

So, long story short, I'm looking for the "old reliable" powders/loads for my calibers - .40 S&W, .380 Auto, .45 Auto and .223.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[noylj]

So many choices, so little time to test 'em all. The following are just my suggestions off the top of my head:

.40S&W: Power Pistol, AA5, AA7, Unique or Universal

.380: 231/HP38, Power Pistol, Bullseye, AA2, AA5, Unique or Universal

.45ACP: 231/HP38, Bullseye, Power Pistol, AA2, AA5, Unique or Universal

.223: H335, Varget, H4198

These are powders I think the beginner will find satisfactory.
Do not start off with Clays or TiteGroup. They can be sensitive and somewhat tricky as you approach Max loads—and I haven't found them to be accurate in my guns.
H4198 is a great powder, but it may not meter as well as you think you need it to.

 

[sansone]

pistols- unique
.223- BLC-2, H4895, 2230

 

[Magoo]

I'm a new reloader as well and can't offer insight on powder choices. Primers are another item that require hazmat shipping fees though, and the choices there are a lot more straightforward if you can't/don't pick a powder.

 

[Walkalong]

noylj made some good suggestions. You should be able to find one or more of them at Cabelas.

 

[john81276]

Thanks guys!

 

[coug]

2230c is realy good in .223 for a turret loader.

 

[soloban]

I reload .45ACP and 9mm in my 1911 and CZ-75B. I use Power Pistol and it works great. I reload .223 for a CZ-527 and use Win 748.

I recommend CCI Primers. You'll need Large Pistol, Small Pistol, and Small Rifle.

 

[rozziboy18]

im with the above,

pistols- unique, clays,and american select
223.- varget, blc-2 hard to beat them two

 

[zxcvbob]

Unique and 748. Don't forget primers (but not too many cuz Cabela's primers are kind of expensive)

 

[MAUSER88]

Too keep it as simple as possible,

Pistol- Unique

.223 Rifle -H335