So I have finally started reloading

[gfercaks33]

2 more questions.

A) is a dent in the shoulder ok? My ar likes to put a dent in the case (see pic below).

B) how do you pick out powder and do you need a separate powder for rifle and pistols?

 

[dennishoddy]

Yes, you typically need different powders for rifle and pistol.
The best way to pick out powders for new reloaders Is to go to your reloading manual and use the recipe's that the powder manufacturers recommend. They have done tons of testing and know what they are talking about. If in doubt, call their customer service. Now, I won't say that some pistol powders won't work in rifle loads, as there are some rounds like .357, .44 mag used in rifles and others. But, most bottle nose rifle rounds require powder different than what is used in pistol rounds.

 

[swampratt]

Dennis is correct and the dent will form back out when you fire it, just keep an eye on cases, really close inspection for cracks or splits.

Red dot and 2400 and a few other powders will work for pistol and rifle depending on what pistol and rifle, But the rifle load will usually be a cast bullet at reduced velocity, again something you can read in some manuals.

 

[Mad Professor]

Do a bit of research on powders. As a beginner, you want powders that meter well and fill the case by 1/3 or more. That makes it easier to spot a missing or double charge.

Don't rely on any one source of loading data. Verify load data you see posted on forums with written manuals. Even verify a written manual with another source.

Start with a straight wall pistol round before graduating to rifle rounds.

Find someone to observe loading so you can see the process. But, read the manual first to make sure they are not teaching you bad habits or shortcuts that will get you hurt.

Go ahead and take ownership in the possibility that you are not going to save money reloading. Most won't. But you may get a better quality product for your firearms. If you are a high volume shooter, you might get there. But that usually makes us buy more equipment!!!!

 

[Mad Professor]

Here is some data I captured this morning compared to factory and commercial reloads. Same ammo in two guns. Notice how close the spread is in the two groups marked 1680 that I loaded compared to the other two. Don't even ask how many rounds I'll have reload to offset the cost of the chronograph. .


MagnetoSpeed XFR Results...
Series: 300blk 220. 11.2 1680 9" Barrel
Sierra bullet, 2.020 OAL

Device: V3
Sensitivity: 5
Units: ft/s


Shots: 6
Max : 945
Min : 918
ES : 27
Avg : 928
SD : 10
1: 945
2: 930
3: 935
4: 918
5: 918
6: 926


MagnetoSpeed XFR Results...
Series: 300blk 220 Rem Fact 9" Barrel
Remington Factory Subsonic 220gr

Device: V3
Sensitivity: 5
Units: ft/s


Shots: 5
Max : 971
Min : 869
ES : 102
Avg : 922
SD : 43
1: 869
2: 971
3: 944
4: 946
5: 884


MagnetoSpeed XFR Results...
Series: 300blk 220 11.2 1680 16" Barrel
Sierra bullet, 2.020 OAL


Device: V3
Sensitivity: 5
Units: ft/s


Shots: 5
Max : 1120
Min : 1095
ES : 25
Avg : 1105
SD : 9
1: 1106
2: 1120
3: 1107
4: 1099
5: 1095


MagnetoSpeed XFR Results...
Series: 300blk 220 Rem Fact 16" Barrel
Remington Factory Subsonic 220gr

Device: V3
Sensitivity: 5
Units: ft/s


Shots: 5
Max : 1167
Min : 1091
ES : 76
Avg : 1126
SD : 33
1: 1129
2: 1167
3: 1150
4: 1091
5: 1096


MagnetoSpeed XFR Results...
Series: 300blk 220 VilTact 16" Barrel

Device: V3
Sensitivity: 5
Units: ft/s


Shots: 5
Max : 1087
Min : 1034
ES : 53
Avg : 1058
SD : 22
1: 1087
2: 1059
3: 1039
4: 1072
5: 1034