Reloading newbie

[Even11]

So I have wanted to get into reloading for a while now. I bought a .300 Win Mag that is pushing me closer to it. Today I went to the new Cabela's near me and bought a reloading manual that was on sale, Nosler's guide #7. I may have made my first reloading mistake. I bought a manual that doesn't even cover 7.62x54R. I couldnt have checked though, since all their books are plastic sealed and also not returnable once the seal is broken of course. Oh, well it was only $20.

To prevent more mistakes, I thought I would ask for some opinions and or specifics from you guys who reload already.

Is there a press that it better regarded than others for a total newbie to reloading? I like the idea of a progressive press, but cheaper is better at this point. I plan on starting with rifle calibers, but possibly pistol in the future. Are there differences in the presses? What kind of press do you use? DO you need to pick a brand and stick with it or can dies and other parts interchange?

I was thinking of buying a pound or 2 of powder for 7.62x54r & .300 win mag. Is there a good suggestion that would work in both?

Thanks for looking, feel free to add any other helpful tidbits you have out there too.

-Dane

[iridium-192]

Winchester 760 is perfect candidate! SUPER CLEAN BURN!
I use it for my loads...
Good for30-06, 308, 7.62x54r & for magnum loads.... like - .300 Win Mag as well as .300 WSM
This is official info from Basic reloading manual.

[iridium-192]

Give me a sec, I'll post some data from a book I use.

[iridium-192]

Here it is...
WIN 760 for 7.62x54r 175 gr Sierra HPBT MatchKing bullets COAL 3.000"

Start - 46.9gr - 2100 FPS
- 49.0gr - 2200 FPS
- 51.0gr - 2300 FPS
- 53.1gr - 2400 FPS
MAX - 54.1gr - 2450 FPS

[iridium-192]

Hornady Bullets 178-180 Gr 7.62x54r COL : 2.830"

Win 760

Start 42.3gr - 2100 FPS
44.5gr - 2200 FPS
46.7gr - 2300 FPS
51.0gr - 2500 FPS
MAX 53.2gr - 2600 FPS

[iridium-192]

.300 Win Magnum

150 GR Bullet SIE SP
760 WIN - 68.0 gr 3145 FPS 52.500 CUP COL: 3.340"

180 GR Bullet SPR MT-SP
760 WIN - 62.0 gr 2845 FPS 52.300 CUP COL: 3.285"

[farmerboy78]

I would have to say either imr or h 4350... I'm getting 2800 fps out of my 28/76 with a 175 gr hpbt and 54 gr of imr4350...I use rcbs for almost all my loading needs except for a die or two

[Grimstod]

The Lyman and Hornady books have Mosin reloading info. I have both but more reloading books is always better. I would not say you waisted money. 20$ is cheep.

[ShootnMathews]

That's not a bad price for a book. They aren't cheap. I just use a Lee book that I got in like new condition off of ebay for $5 and free shipping. It's an ok book. I need to get a Siera book because I use lots of their bullets and their data is hard to find. Hodgdons reloading Data page online is a great resourse for load data. I use it pretty regular.

I myself would use IMR4350 powder. It will get you much higher velocity out of the Mosin and only sacrifice a little in the 300. I'm sure it won't be long before like the rest of us you start getting specific powders for specific guns. There really isn't a magic powder that shoots well in all of them because different caliber/case capacities need different burn rates to maximize the guns potential.

I would stay with an "O" style press over a "C" style. The "C" style can flex under the pressure required to do magnum cases and cause inconsistencies. The Lee Challenger Kit is a great kit at a great price. $107 on sale at MidwayUSA right now. I use nearly every piece in the kit religiously. Thread size it the same on most popular brands of dies so that's not a real big issue. There are a few brands that have odd thread sizes. RCBS, Lee, Hornaday, Redding and a few others are all interchangable. I personally like the Redding dies best, RCBS second and Lee 3rd. They are the only brands I own so I can't speak for the others.

Here's a link
Lee Challenger Press Kit

Jared

[iridium-192]

Here is a link to load books which you can purchase...
I'm sure it will be helpful
http://www.loadbooks.com/Store.html?EMPTYCART=TRUE


Just a suggestion - don't buy 8LB powder container, buy couple of 1lb containers of different powders & to evaluate differences. You'll find your own MAGIC recipe pretty soon when you'll start reloading...


As far as Press choice, Lee does great product & it will do whatever you need... Just so happened that I have Redding setup & it works very well for my needs...

Good luck!