I'm new to reloading and have ordered and RCBS Master kit. While I wait for that to arrive, I am looking into what components to order, specifically, powder and primers.

I plan to load for my 223, 243, 308, and 25-06 to start with (now you understand my username).

What powders should I stock up on or try first? What primers would I be safe in ordering?

Thanks in advance.

If it makes a difference all rifles are bolts except the 243 which is a lever.

I would start with W748 for the .223 (50 or 55 gr bullets & 27 gr. W748), .243 and .308 (150s) and H4831 or H4350 for the .308 (with heavier bullets) and .25-06. HOWEVER, what you really need first is at least one good loading manual. Pick your favorite bullet manufacturer's most recent and you'll be reasonably happy for the short term. Look at the data and pick one or two powders that YOU feel will work reasonably well in your collection of rifles.

However, that will never do. In a matter of months you'll have a collection of powders, bullets, primers and cases that would do Saeed proud. This is, if anything, an addiction greater than just plain shooting.

I'd also suggest, from Wolfe Publishing, Ken Waters' book "Pet Loads". Even though your cartridges aren't the only ones covered, there is a wealth of reloading knowledge AND it is good entertaining reading for when you can't be shooting or actually reloading. Of course the wide range of cartridges expounded on in the pages of this book will never create an urge in you to purchase new rifles (or barrels for your Contender, G2 or Encore), more die sets, additional accessories such as bullet casting equipment, case trimmers, neck turners, primer pocket reamers, flash hole deburrers, digital powder scales, comparators, etc. ad naseum. I've every confidence in your ability to resist these urges...

Yeah, right.

If you want to keep it really simple you could get by with 2 different powers. For the 223 and the 308 you could use something like r15/h335/h380/bc2/imr3031/imr4895/imr4064. For the 243 and 25-06 a slower power like r19/r22/any 4831/4350 or similar. If you only wanted one power r15 does a lot.

I would try to find 2 powers then order bulk. I use R15 for 22-250, 30-30, 300 sav and 308. R19 is for 260 and 30-06, and r22 for 300 Win. I have a self full of powders but really only use the 3 for rifles.

REL-15 is one versatile powder for several cartridges. H-4895 or IMR 4895 in the 223. I have fired some very impressive groups in my 243 and 308 with REL-15 and BLC#2. REL-19 or H-4831 in the 25-06. I get very consistant results with Federal primers in all my rifles.

Every rifle has it's own wants in the powder it likes best and your rifles may not like the powders I have listed. Never exceed maximum loads listed in your relaoding manual. Shooting hot loads in any rifle is asking for trouble and possible rifle failure. Seating depth of the bullet is also very important in top accuracy in all rifles.

Good choice in equipment....check out Steve's pages..almost all his "white loads" have worked well for me..sakofan..

Hobie, you forgot to tell him to hide the credit card reciepts from his wife too......

And my personal favorite..."but honey, this is it, no more ever. Think of the money "we're" saving by reloading!!"

They dont appreciate the difference between a world class firearm...and just anougher gun!!....sakofan..

You can get by with 2 powders.

.223 Rem and .308 Win - Hodgdon Varget
.243 Win and .25-06 Rem - IMR 4350

There are some powders that will produce higher velocity in the .243 Winc and .25-06 but IMR 4350 is a powder that should produce some very good groups while producing good velocity.

If you want one powder that will work fairly well in all of them I'd start out with H4895.

I concur that 4895 and/or Rlr 15 are hard to go wrong with for starters.

Smallcal; I would for the most part agree with Hobie but My 08 Bench Rifle prefers 4064 and the 300 Wby likes 7828. Also I have about 10 reloading manuals of various ages. derF

Start with IMR(Improved Military Rifle) Used to be DuPont 4064.... this should be decent in everything you are loading for.... get GOOD manuals and study them. Welcome to the great art of handloading. You will never be the same......

Hopsing

P.S. I recomend (sp?) Phil Sharp's "The Complete Guide to Handloading" highly.

By the time you find a copy, YOU WILL BE THE MAN.

I'd get some Varget for the 308, light 243 loads, and heavy .223 loads, and some RL19 or RL22 for heavy 243 loads and 25-06 loads.

Federal 210 primers should be good for all but the .223, which takes small rifle caps.

Thanks for all of the great replies. I'll have to pick up a couple of manuals and study up.

Anyone know of a good online place to buy components? Not too many good sporting goods shops in my immediate area.

Thanks again. Comments and suggestions are welcome and much appreciated.

www.natchezss.com or www.midwayusa.com or www.midsouthshooterssupply.com There are others also, but these are my top three. Hope I got those right!

Dave

try www.midwayusa.com...they alog with midsouth are really the best I have dealt with...sakofan..

Sorry......www.midwayusa.com

SmallCal,
Something I've found that is usually a good indication to an efficient powder in a cartridge is which powder gives the highest velocity. Check to determine the rifle used to develope the loads is similar to your rifle.
These are the powders I'd start with in these calibers. .223=H-Benchmark, .243=H-Varget, .308=H-Varget, .25-05=H-4350. The CCI BR#2 primers will work well in all of them. Good luck.