USSR
Member
If you have reloaded for any length of time, you know how you acquire many, many different components, some of which's use is pretty much restricted to one particular application. Everybody goes thru this, and to be quite honest, a lot of it has to do with trying many of the available components. So, you end up with a bunch of partial 1 lb. cannisters of powder and perhaps some primers that end up collecting dust. So, I'm starting this thread to have some of you tell how you are able to get the most out of just a few varieties of components. As for myself, I handload for pistol, revolver, rifle, and shotgun. I want to be as self-sufficient as possible. I cannot make powder or primers, but I can and do make all the bullets I use. So, I try to buy powders and primers that have more than one application. For example, I have a Magnum revolver that uses SPP's and a rifle that uses SRP's. When I use a powder such as 2400 in my Magnum, I use a standard SPP. However, when I use powders such as IMR4227 or HS-6, rather than use a Magnum SPP, I use a standard SRP which functions perfectly in my revolver. Sticking to primers, I like to buy Winchester LPP's because they are suitable for both standard and magnum loads. As for powders, I use the same powder for my standard power handgun loads as I use for my 12 gauge target and field loads (700X or Solo 1000). 2400 powder serves as both my .30 Carbine cast bullet load and high power revolver loads. HS-6 powder serves as both mid-range revolver loads and 12 gauge slug and buckshot loads. IMR4227 serves as high power revolver loads, .30 Carbine loads, and .30-06 cast bullet loads. Do I have a bunch of rarely used, partial one lb. powder cannisters on my shelf? Sure, but I am restricting my new purchases to items with several applications.
Don
Don