They discontinued my favorite 7mm Rem Mag load!!

160gr Nosler Accubond's are no longer being offered by Federal.

My guess is that they are pushing their new Trophy Bonded Tipped loading.

My gun shoots minus 1/2 MOA and I have a custom turret as well.

Nosler makes what seems to be an identical load but at $65.00 a box...Cabela's sold the Federal for $42.00!

Thanks...needed to vent!

I had a Blaser that also shot 3/8th" with that load. Alas, I no longer have the barrel, but it was a great 7mm Rem round.

Beibs,

I am trying to buy up all that I can find but I am seriously thinking about buying a Lee Loader, duplicating the load, and doing it myself one by one

That's the spirit, we ain't no slaves to factories.

Federal is owned by ATK, and Nosler is a competitor. Why use a competitor's bullet when Federal spent money and years in R&D for their own premium bullet? Try reloading as many of us enjoy it.

reload reload reload

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Beibs,

I am trying to buy up all that I can find but I am seriously thinking about buying a Lee Loader, duplicating the load, and doing it myself one by one

Not to disparage reloading, I do it a lot but realistically you will probably not "duplicate" the load and you probably won't be happy with the Lee Loader.

If you wish to reload and be happy and have good accurate ammunition, buy a press, scale, etc. and do it right.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Beibs,

I am trying to buy up all that I can find but I am seriously thinking about buying a Lee Loader, duplicating the load, and doing it myself one by one

Don't go half way on reloading. Lee Loaders -- if it's the hand press setup I'm thinking of -- is slow, inconsistent.

Invest (INVEST) in some RCBS or Dillon (I like RCBS), maybe some Sinclair case prep tools. Then you can load custom, match grade ammo, consistently, and probably more accurately than anything off the shelf.

I run my Rem. 700 PSS, .308 Win. w/ fire formed brass. No resizing, just neck sizing, neck prep, pocket prep, OAL trim. 100 yd bench groups are running 0.2 MOA.

Win. Mod. 70 Stainless Classic, 30-06 Spfd, runs sub MOA. This is more my "range plinker." I don't do bench rest w/ this rifle.

Don't think you're going to "save money" with reloading. You don't. You DO get to shoot more.

And don't launch into reloading unless you're serious about reading a micrometer, doing some precise machine operations.

It amazes me that folks will pay for a box of ammo almost what it would cost to get a entry level reloading kit. Many years ago, I figured out that (already having the brass)I could reload 100 rounds of 30-06 ammo for the cost of a box of store bought.
IMO, a Lee Loader is a wonderful tool and an excellent means of getting into reloading. I have one for every cartridge I shoot. And every so often, I'll break one out and reload some ammo with it. If for no other reason, to remind me that most of the shit cluttering our reloading benches is whistles and bells. To me, some cartridges call for a Lee Loader. I have a .300sav that I have only shot Lee Loader reloads thru even tho I have a full compliment of dies and seaters for the .300sav.

quote:

It amazes me that folks will pay for a box of ammo almost what it would cost to get a entry level reloading kit.

Amazes me what people will pay for a rifle or handgun and yet flinch at the idea of investing about half that in a press, dies, micrometer, scales.

20 rds of Federal "Cape Shok" .458 Win Mag runs $120 last time I checked -- a few years back. I can probably pay for my press and equipment loading 100 rds of this ammo.

I must have the rare accurate Lee reloading equipment. I seem to have no problems producing accurate ammunition in about 10 different calibers.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Beibs,

I am trying to buy up all that I can find but I am seriously thinking about buying a Lee Loader, duplicating the load, and doing it myself one by one

Nothing wrong with the Lee Loader. I end up busting a few primers every batch, though. Bum, bum bum, PAP! :-)

Thanks fellas!

Yes this is opening a can of worms for me since I need a hobby like a hole in the head (Pun Intended) but I think that I am going to give reloading a try.

Grumulkin, why do you say that I probably cannot duplicate the Federal load...my rifle shoots the 160gr Accubond over the Chrono at 3056fps average for 10 shots.

A 160gr bullet at 3056 is the same no matter who loads it correct???

Bear with me fellas and thanks for the help!

Leopardtrack,

Once you start rolling your own you won't go back. I hope things work your way in NYC with legislation and such

Eric

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Thanks fellas!

A 160gr bullet at 3056 is the same no matter who loads it correct???

Bear with me fellas and thanks for the help!

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm -- not necessarily. Burn rates in powder affect acceleration in the barrel. Once the bullet leaves the barrel, it slows down. But how it accelerates in the barrel can affect performance.

Then you get into the load minutia of neck tension and how square your bullet releases from the case.

But if you're serious about loading and accuracy it's the difference between coming up with your own really great BBQ ribs or picking up a bag of processed whatever at some drive through.

quote:

Originally posted by Sevastopol:

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Beibs,

I am trying to buy up all that I can find but I am seriously thinking about buying a Lee Loader, duplicating the load, and doing it myself one by one

Nothing wrong with the Lee Loader. I end up busting a few primers every batch, though. Bum, bum bum, PAP! :-)

I loaded my first 1000 rounds for my 270 with a Lee Loader and a Redding scale. I still have both.

Have you tried the New Federal load???

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Thanks fellas!

Grumulkin, why do you say that I probably cannot duplicate the Federal load...my rifle shoots the 160gr Accubond over the Chrono at 3056fps average for 10 shots.

A 160gr bullet at 3056 is the same no matter who loads it correct???

Yes, if the muzzle velocity of your current favorite ammunition and that of your reloads is the same, the extreme velocity spread is the same, the bullet is the same, the bullet seating depth is the same, and the the bullet concentricity is the same, you will have duplicated factory ammunition. I'm not saying it can't be done but it will probably take more than a try of one powder and a Lee Loader to do it.

I did, by the way, start my reloading with a Lee Loader. You can make usable ammunition with a Lee Loader but I highly doubt you will duplicate the results you are getting with your well performing factory ammunition by using one. Reloading with a Lee Loader is also a bit tedious.

What would you recommend for a very basic setup for my purposes??

New York...I am still sick to my stomach over what our pathetic Gov did. What makes it worse is that many rep senators caved in and voted for it. I still can't believed it happened, even in a liberal state like NY.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm almost happy that Obama screwed us Federally so that the entire country has a stake in fighting this disaster.

I have rifles that cost less than you pay for ammo. That used to be one of the afflictions of Norma ammo. Many of the rifles cost less than a box of Norma ammo.
What to do? Get off of your butt and learn to reload. No one is really that busy if they have time to post their whining here.

I should have known that somewhere would post something like this sooner or later...

Thanks for the "Advice" SR4759...

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
I have rifles that cost less than you pay for ammo. That used to be one of the afflictions of Norma ammo. Many of the rifles cost less than a box of Norma ammo.
What to do? Get off of your butt and learn to reload. No one is really that busy if they have time to post their whining here.

Leopardtrack,

I think you'll find that reloading opens a new level of appreciation for your rifles. I get as much appreciation out of using ammo I loaded as I do from hunting with my own rifles vs a camp rifle.

It really isn't that hard to do on a basic level of producing good reliable ammo. Start with buying a good reloading manual that explains what you'll need and the basics for rolling your own.

You'll find that you quickly recoup any financial outlay for the equipment with the cost savings. If you shoot any of the big bores, and especially the odd ones or Nitro Express rounds, you'll likely pay for the equipment in one box of reloaded ammo.

One of the first things you'll notice is the ability to shoot whatever bullet you really want without having to find it in a factory offering. It opens many possibilities. Then as you improve with your knowledge and technique, you'll find your rifles shooting better than any factory fodder could ever produce.

Good luck to you.

Nosler Custom Ammo? I wait for it to go on blem...hammered the shit out of a 250# hog with it...

Leopardtrack, welcome to the world of reloading. Ask away! There are a lot of us on here with quite a few years of rolling our own under our belt. I have been doing it for a bit over 31 years and I am a newcomer, comparatively speaking.

Oh, and not all of us are as brusque and blunt as some of the posters in this thread.

Have fun and give us a shout if you run into a jam. I suspect we will all try to help "spread the addiction".

(And I like RCBS stuff.... a LOT!)

Don't sweat it, Leopard tracks. The factory powder may not be available in canister form but using a good load book and a powder within the recommended range, you can come close to or surpass any factory offering. may I suggest that as a first step to reloading, you get a couple of reloading books and read the intro to reloading section a couple of times.

I want to thank you all for the advice and I am going to join the club. I just went to Barnes and Noble and found "The ABC's of Reloading" 9th addition, so I will read it and go from there.

I'll keep you fellas posted!

I'm pissed at Federal also. They took the TBBC off the reloading market and also refuse to offer the Trophy tipped. I'll vent at the Federal booth in Reno next week.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
What would you recommend for a very basic setup for my purposes??

I bought a basic setup around 1983 and am still using most of it though I've added stuff along the way. You will get different answers from different people and while not claiming that my way is the only way this is what I've been most happy with:

1. An RCBS single stage kit with press, scale and powder measure. I've loaded thousands of rounds on mine from 204 Ruger to 458 Lott over the years.

2. RCBS dies. RCBS has a lifetime warranty on their stuff they actually stand behind and their dies have a tiny relief hole in the sizing die that lets excess lube out so it doesn't dent the shoulders of the case.

3. A Lee hand held case primer.

4. Imperial Sizing Wax for lube. It's much better than other case lubes.

5. Some way to trim cases. If you're doing relatively low volume reloading, a trim die would work for you. It's simple and cheap. I wouldn't get the Redding case trimmer as the cutter heads are expensive and don't last as long as they should. For a hand operated trimer I'd probably go with Wilson.

6. A or some reloading manuals. I like the Nosler manual because it says which powder gave the best accuracy with a particular bullet. If you're into cast bullet loads, then get the Lyman manual. All of the manuals have sections on reloading basics. I have a bunch of manuals which I cross reference frequently from Hornady, Barnes, Hodgdon, Nosler, Sierra, Lyman and maybe some I don't remember.

7. A tool for chamfering case mouths after you've trimmed them. Various reloading companies make them and it doesn't matter which one you buy. If you prefer, you could also use your pocket knife.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Beibs,

I am trying to buy up all that I can find but I am seriously thinking about buying a Lee Loader, duplicating the load, and doing it myself one by one

That would be a wise idea. Buy a good scale and you'd be set.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
I should have known that somewhere would post something like this sooner or later...

Thanks for the "Advice" SR4759...

quote:

Originally posted by SR4759:
I have rifles that cost less than you pay for ammo. That used to be one of the afflictions of Norma ammo. Many of the rifles cost less than a box of Norma ammo.
What to do? Get off of your butt and learn to reload. No one is really that busy if they have time to post their whining here.

Leopardtrack,
Things don't look too good for you in NYC....

Those of us that do reload were once in your shoes. We knew then what you know now.
What we know now, that you do not know, is that you cannot really enjoy your rifles or really learn to shoot very well if you do not reload.
A rifle fired only for hunting big game is largely wasted.
Hang out in the handloading forum and you will learn the minimum setup needed for good handloads. What is needed is mostly knowledge and not so much in the way of equipment. The most accurate ammo on the planet is put together by benchresters using a set of hand tools that will fit in a cigar box.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
What would you recommend for a very basic setup for my purposes?

I was in your shoes about 5 years ago. Never reloaded, bought ABCs of Reloading.

I started with a Lee Challenger Kit. I added a digital scale because it was easier and a Lee Zip N Trim. The Challenger kit is $120 and the zip n trim is $20. You can use the scale that comes with the kit, I just think digital is easier.

I didn't want to invest a ton of money in case I didn't like it. I now load about 10 different cartridges and I've never felt the need for more expensive equipment. I've had no issues finding MOA or better loads for all my riles.

For case lube, I prefer spray on like Franks Arsenal, it's much more convenient than the wipe on lube that Lee sells.

Once you decide you like like it, you'll probably want shiny brass and buy a tumbler.



http://www.midwayusa.com/Produ...ngle-stage-press-kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/515804/lee-zip-trim

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Thanks fellas!

Yes this is opening a can of worms for me since I need a hobby like a hole in the head !

Boy can I ever relate to that.. Too many projects and not enough trigger time..

Latley I have been looking at ways to more or less "streamline" my reloading process while actualy improving the quality of my product, with some degree of success. But there is only so much that can be done there without taking the plunge into an expensive progressive setup like a Dillon, which really doesnt intrest me personaly.

A big part of the reason that I got into reloading years ago was because of the pathetic selection of overpriced factory ammo. In that aspect reloading is the only way to fly and is VASTLY superior.

I've been reloading for a whole large number of years and have never lost sight of the fact that it's not the volume of your reloads but rather the quality. And so, I have never used anything except a single stage press(es)
And I have streamlined my operation by deleting pointless facets of the process. Like weighing cases, uniforming primer pockets, and the like. If it doesn't add to the quality of my reloads, I don't do it. I have read the stories about how uniforming primer pockets, inside and out, or sorting cases by .0000001 grs, and using a space age scale would change a pray and spray loading into a one holer, but that hasn't been my experience.

I've got a Lee. It's OK, but I wouldn't think of bragging it up as one of the best. I don't shoot all that hot anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
They discontinued my favorite 7mm Rem Mag load!!

160gr Nosler Accubond's are no longer being offered by Federal.

My guess is that they are pushing their new Trophy Bonded Tipped loading.

My gun shoots minus 1/2 MOA and I have a custom turret as well.

Nosler makes what seems to be an identical load but at $65.00 a box...Cabela's sold the Federal for $42.00!

Thanks...needed to vent!

What about Winchester Supreme ammo in the 160gr Accubonds?? Might be worth a try. Its what my father-in-law shoots in his.