Well I have bitten the bullet, so to speak and have all the components coming in over the next ten days. I have done a lot of research and have the following list of calibers/powders that I intend to stock to begin the process. If you have problems with any listed or would like to add several that is the help I seek.

25-06 IMR 4831/H4350 100 gr TSX
30-06 H4350/IMR4350 150-168 gr TSX
270 H4831 (SC) 130 gr TSX
338-06 IMR 4320 210 gr TSX
35 Whelen RL15 225 gr TSX

All comments are more than welcome.

Well first off each rifle is different. I also see nothing wrong with your choice. That said,

I see you have choosen TSX for each rifle. In my experience there are better bullets for less $$. I've tried them in several rifles. I've NEVER (I'm sure others have) gotten them to group as well as other high quality bullets. Heck just about everything I shoot now is loaded with Nosler Accubond 2nds.

As to powder. In an 06 based case if I had to choose one powder it would be IMR4350 (I have not used the other 4350s). Add H4831 (IMR 4831 is faster and closer to 4350) 4350 would work with the 338-06 or Whelen but I would start with 4064. I've had better accuracy with it than I got with 4320.

Time for coffee.

Paul, very good info and thanks for sharing your experiences. I am adding the 4064 for Whelen/338-06 efforts.

For the .30-06 and 168 TSX, I've had excellent success with RL19.

If you don't have the current Barnes manual, buy it because it lists recommended powders for each bullet weight and cartridge, and I have had very good results using the recommended powders rather than just any from the load data.

Also, as much as I like the TSX, I agree with ramrod that there are other bullets out there to be considered especially for the price. The Nosler seconds from shootersproshop.com are an exceptional value.

LWD

LWD, thanks for your input and I mentioned the TSX's as to begin I am using the "keep it simple stupid" theory and will adjust if my rifles tell me to switch to partitions/accubonds/etc. I do intend to stay with one of the "premium" bullets in all calibers when all is said and done.I am trying to do the same with the limited powders to begin with but fully realize that this is going to prove to be as foolish as my "budget" was forthe "hardware".

I have six other calibers to add to those mentioned as time/money come available such as 22-250, 260, 280, and the mags in 300 Wby, 300/375 H&H, which I plan on coming last.

quote:

22-250, 260, 280, and the mags in 300 Wby, 300/375 H&H, which I plan on coming last.

What works in the 270 works in the 280. For the 260 & 22-250 the 4064 and 4350 would work. While the 4831 would work for the 300s 7828 or slower would be better.

This may sound like a broken record, get as much DP85 as you can afford. roger

When I was working up loads for a plains game hunt using Barnes X bullets, I settled on AA MagPro for the 25-06 and H414 for the 338-06AI. Both gave the best accuracy with the most speed.

I hope you know that Barnes all copper bullets are treated slightly different than the old cup-'n-core bullets? Lots of good info on their website. Also, Ty Herring, the head of Barnes customer service always answered my questions personally. I liked that.

The Barnes manual #3 is now 6 years old and I think they will publish a new version very soon.

quote:

get as much DP85 as you can afford

?? Replay your record. What is DP85.

A websearch calls it new surplus. Load close to ramshot hunter. Never used it either. From the chart in the range do h4350-rl19-imr4831???

First of all, I believe Barnes TSXs can be made to shoot well in most guns. The barrel needs to be meticulously clean, the bullets should not be seated right at the lands, and the load should be near maximum.

Varget, 165 grain Barnes TSXs or 165 gr. banded solid spitzers are very accurate in my 30/06. It also does well with 165 gr. Hornady Interbonds and Nosler 168 gr. HPBT match bullets over Varget.

quote:

25-06 IMR 4831/H4350 100 gr TSX
30-06 H4350/IMR4350 150-168 gr TSX
270 H4831 (SC) 130 gr TSX
338-06 IMR 4320 210 gr TSX
35 Whelen RL15 225 gr TSX

I think you are on the right track. You may also get good results in the 25-06 with R22 and IMR7828 and You may find some good loads in the 06 with H4895, H380, and Varget.

You should find good loads with the powders you've listed but, there are so many powders that work well in these cartridges that there are endless possibilities.

Good Luck

Reloader

Thanks to everyone. My mind is like I expected it would be but glad to have so much to work with.

Reloader, I did see a lot of people using the 7828 with the 22-250 but just looking at the different burn rates of powders I had a hard time in my novice reloading mind jumping from say 4064, recommended by some, to 7828- what am I missing here?

I don't see anything wrong with your powder selections. I would however get away from that high priced crap and start with SIERRA BULLETS.
Ain't none better. Jim

Jim thanks for the powder confirmation. Sierra I have heard of but only by brand name such as prohunter, gameking, etc and hear very little about their bullets.

I have hunted rifle for the past forty years and have used virtually every factory fodder manufacturer and have never used any Sierra bullet. Certainly not being against them just have not heard much about them.

I have chosen the Barnes bullet to begin my reloading with as they shoot very good in several of my rifles in "store bought" ammunition. Surely I can improve with handloads and if so I will be satisfied.

quote:

Reloader, I did see a lot of people using the 7828 with the 22-250 but just looking at the different burn rates of powders I had a hard time in my novice reloading mind jumping from say 4064, recommended by some, to 7828- what am I missing here?

You're thinking right IMO, I feel 7828 is alittle slow for the 22-250 as well but, for the 25-06 it is a fine powder. I get good velocity and consistency with 7828 in the 25-06.

Good Luck

Reloader

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:

quote:

get as much DP85 as you can afford

?? Replay your record. What is DP85.

A websearch calls it new surplus. Load close to ramshot hunter. Never used it either. From the chart in the range do h4350-rl19-imr4831???

Form the data we are generating it looks as slow as 4831 but you can get more into the case. I can E- Mail you what data my buddies and I have generated. It may be even a more pleasant surprise Than DP86. roger

What's the matter with BlC-2 , 4895 either Hod or IMR , Varget , H 414 are also real accurate powders . I personally have never had good luck with IMR 4831 !.
Doesn't mean someone else wouldn't . I also like 4064 for larger calibers H870 Solo 1000 or Retumbo real slow for large case .
My Garand's like BlC-2 produce .675 - .875" all day but on a real good day they kiss !.
Just another $.0025 opinion !.

If you want to consolidate a bit;
H4831 will work equally well in the 25-06 & 270.
I like 4320 in the 338-06 but RL15 is a bit better.
H4350 will work in the 06 & 338-06 too as well as the 25-06 w/ lighter bullets.

Looks like a good place to start in the powder department. I would recommend not limiting yourself to Barnes bullets. If your goal is to produce high quality hunting ammo that you rarely shoot, you may be right on track. If you also enjoy shooting and practice at the range, other bullets may be better and some will be cheaper.

Some other issues with the TSX....first, go back to their website and make sure the BC you are using is current. They have recently finished revising them--significantly downward. This may not matter to you much, but I like to have the best info/data on my loads I can.

Second, while the TSX isn't the fouling machine that the original X was, it doesn't play will with others....so if you switch between their copper and traditional loads at the range fouling will increase fast.

Finally, Barnes doesn't yet have published data for their TSX bullets. As I said, the BC's listed in their manual are not correct for the TSX bullets....ultimately you will want to work up carefully and with a chrono to make sure you are getting what you intend out of your loads, especially if you don't have a long range to shoot over.

I'd also look at adding Nosler and Sierra...both also have great manuals.

Cheers,

Dan

quote:

I can E- Mail you what data my buddies and I have generated. It may be even a more pleasant surprise Than DP86

Would love to see it. Along with a supply source.
Ramrod340@hotmail.com

You'll do fine with the powders you've chosen. I tend to shoot the heavier bullets in most calibers, and you might get some RL22 or similar if you go up to the heavier weights.

My only comment on 338-06 is that I get the best results with H414 (W760 is the same thing.) I can get 2620 fps with a Sierra 250 SPBT with no pressure signs in my rifle.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their powder experience with me.

Also Dan H, good info to have as to the TSX bullet. I use my rifles for hunting and do very little paper punching although with upcoming load development time I expect range time to increase.