Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Brass powder primers and bullets

I'm curious where everyone is getting their reloading supplies now a day? I'm just starting new to reloading and was wondering where I should start to get supplies. Oh and one hurdle.... I'm in NY, near Syracuse.

I managed to get everything I needed to start loading for my 243. The hardest part was the powder. None of the ones I researched and planned to get were in stock. Out of the few that were in stock and after a quick google search I got 2000-mr and r17 since others were using it with my calibers and they seemed to be able to work with all my rifles. The only problem is that there is not exact work ups of my exact bullets I plan to use. I'm not sure where to start. The shop I got them from did have some imr 4895 and hodgdon 4895. Should I have gotten that instead? After getting home and doing more research it looked like the 4895 is more popular. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice would be great!!!

With powder hard to come by these days I'd try what you have and see what you can do. Start low and work up and all should be fine. Be skeptical of internet reloading info. Some guys like to push it a little hard for my liking. Look for the pressure signs and you will be good.

What bullets are you planning on using?

Reno

I was in the Cuse from 2004 to 2009. Your screwed.
Best place to get components is here. For bullets, dies and brass that is. Powder and primers? Check Bass Pro in Auburn. Book mark Midsouth shooters supply and Shooters Pro shop. Midway usa has some good deals but sell out quick. If you need a hard to find item post a want to buy here. What are you in need of? I might have something to help you get started. Shoot me a pm.

A reloading manual from your bullet manufacturer would be a great help.

Denny.

Thanks! I just went and picked up supplies to get me started. I bought a box of hornady 87 gr vmax in 243 and for my 7mm-08 I grabbed a box of 150gr rem accutips and 150gr nosler ballistic tips. I'm really open to bullets but I wanted to get something cheap till I can figure this out and find the grove to be able to know what I'm doing

Powder mfg's have data online for you to use....

You still need a hard copy of a current manual too...

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

http://www.nosler.com/7mm-08-remington

I've looked at the online guides but none have my component, like the hodgdons sit does not have 87gr vmax. Can I just use a bullet that's similar and use it's work up?

Powder mfg's cannot list each & every bullet made for their data

Always start low & work up & watch for any pressure signs...

Yes you should have bought the H4895....good stuff & scarce

Please don't use the 87 V max on anything bigger than a coyote...



http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/

Thanks! I think I might go back and get a couple pounds of it. So since there is no start load for 87gr but there are for 80, 85, 100gr should I start with the 85 gr one since it's closest? And does the type and brand of bullet determine a lot where to start when starting a load? And I understand to start low but does that mean start at the "start load" in the book or should I start lower than that? Thanks again!

Savage88, The Nosler 120 grain B'tip is a tough deadly bullet out of the 7/08 on deer.

It's in my top 3 that I shoot out of my 284 Win.


Denny.

Yes, use the 85gr data, and begin with the "start load". The start loads are plenty low, and in some rare instanced you can create problems if you go below them.

Start with the min load listed, and your OAL at magazine length. Work up in 1/2 grain increments to the listed max. Shoot for groups, and see where your results appear best. If they are good enough retest that loading, If not you can change OAL or one component and work up again.

savage 88, if there is a bullet made, there is data for it somewhere. that being said, If I don't have firm data for a specific bullet I go with the data for the next HEAVIER bullet of like construction, ie spire point, round nose, boattail, etc.
using the start data for the heavier bullet should keep you out of trouble. then work up in 1/2 grain increments. generally I have found the best accuracy in any load is mid range. have fun and be safe.

Thanks a lot guys!! You all are becoming father-like figures for reloading!!

savage 88, just had a chance to read through more of this.

check out franks shooting supply

they had primers & powder when a lot of others didn't. Just call before you go and if you need primers and make it Utica way let me know

Start with the nearest bullet wt. to what you are using. You will need to load below max listed load, how much lower can depend on the volume of the case and the rifle's chamber. So for a small case 1 to1.5 gr maybe where to start,and a larger case maybe 3 or 4 grs. You can have problems if powder load is too low and the neck does not seal and gases collapse the case. So a good rule of thumb is 10 % below max load

Savage88.... Not much here in NY as you are finding out. For powder, I had to go to Cabelas in Pa ....and they were very limited at that time. Still very tough around here to get just about anything. The Bass Pro here in Utica does not sell any Reloading supplies. Just keep searching like everyone else. Wish i had better news for you.