More Newby Questions

[rezz]

I am about to get into reloading for my Handis in 22-250 and 25-06 with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press Master Kit. Kit includes press, 505 scale, Uniflow Powder Measure, Speer Reloading Manual, hand priming tool, hex key set, case loading block, case lube kit, powder funnel and deburring tool.

I have added a shell holder #3 and a Lee Deluxe Rifle 3-Die Set 22-250 Remington and the same set in 25-06. Getting a primer pocket cleaner, RCBS Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel, Lyman Quik Spray Case Lube, and a primer pocket cleaner. For bullets I am getting Hornady V-Max Bullets 25 Caliber (257 Diameter) 75 Grain and Nosler Partition Bullets 25 Caliber (257 Diameter) 115 Grain Spitzer for the 06 and will try Hornady Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 50 Grain Super Explosive (SX) Spire Point, V-Max Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 40 Grain, and V-Max Bullets 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) 55 Grain for the 22-250.

This kit claims to have everything needed to get started but I figure the caliper primer pocket cleaner will come in handy as extras.

My questions are:

1. If you had to pick one powder to start with for these two calibers and bullets, what would it be?

2. Do you see anything that is missing, overlooking, or in need of beyond what is already listed?

I am wondering about case trimming and such. My brass is all once fired in the same gun that it will be used in so hopefully trimming will only be needed down the road. Please take a look and let me know if I am obviously missing anything. I have been studying up as much as possible lately and feel fairly certain that I am going to get started in the very near future.

Thanks to all who contribute to this board. It is a great source of information.

[Wingman26]

The thing that jumps out is case trimming, you may not need to trim right now, but it won't be long, so you need to pick up some type of case trimmer pretty darn quick.  AFTER you resize the cases, measure the length, do this every time you reload them.

For powders, I use Varget in 22-250 with good success, I don't reload the other caliber but Varget would probably be appropriate for it also.

[rezz]

Thanks for the reply Wingman.
I'll look at the case trimming issue and try to find something to use for that.
From what I have read on the Handi forum, Varget does seem good for 22-250 so that is one powder that I have been thinking of getting. Another is IMR4895 which Nosler lists for the 06. They also show A380 for 22-250 but not for the 06.  I don't have a loading manual yet so am having to rely on online info to find powders and will then need to see what is available locally.

Almost ready and looking forward to getting into reloading.

[aldar]

I just started loading too. here are some of things I found I needed. I bought the Lee case trimmers and then bought a cordless screwdriver to use with it. really makes the job easy. you will also need a powder trickler to get precise loads.

[fastbike]

I like Varget as well. For many loads, Varget will give higher velocities but lower pressure than comparable powders (grain for grain). Go to Hodgson's data site for loading info for Hodgson, IMR and Winchester powders.

Thanks for the reply Wingman.
I'll look at the case trimming issue and try to find something to use for that.
From what I have read on the Handi forum, Varget does seem good for 22-250 so that is one powder that I have been thinking of getting. Another is IMR4895 which Nosler lists for the 06. They also show A380 for 22-250 but not for the 06.  I don't have a loading manual yet so am having to rely on online info to find powders and will then need to see what is available locally.

Almost ready and looking forward to getting into reloading.

[gypsyman]

Rezz, not sure if they'll send one to you? But a couple of powder company's have free-be brochure's that have loads listed in them. Accurate,DuPont(IMR), and Winchester are some. The company's might send you one, or you could check at your local gun shop, or gun show. Make sure you lube the inside of the case necks when sizing, as this will help cut down on brass stretching, and the number of times you have to trim. Good Luck!!  We keep trying peace, it usually doesn't work!! Remember-(12/7/41)-(9/11/01) gypsyman

[Lead pot]

rezz.

I been shooting the .22-250 and the .25-06 when they were wild cats.
The .22-250 likes a mid range powder, 4320, 4064, and H380 has always been a fine powder for the .22 varminter.
The 25-06 likes powder in the 4350, 4831 used to my best performing powder.
The large capacity cases like the 25-06 or the 220 swift you have to be particular with the loads, they will get a very high pressure spike in a hurry.
 Get a good  up to date loading manual !!!!and work for accuracy and not see how fast you can get that bullet down range, all that does is shorten your barrel life.
The 25-60 is a good caliber, but the .257 Roberts was better on the shorter case, but it suffered from short barrel life back in it's time.


Kurt

[the jigger]

first let me say i know nothing about handirifles. however, i have been loading your two cartridges for several years. after trying a variety of powders and bullets i have stopped at the following:
25/06 - IMR4831 - 75gr V-max and 100gr partition and 100gr sierra match hpbt
22/250 - IMR4064 - 55gr sierra game king hpbt.
if these are the only calibers you will load i suggest that you get "Load Books" for each. these will give you an overview of current data from a variety of sources.

[Val]

IMR 4350 works very well in my 25-06 for both 100 grain and 120 grain pellets. My 22-250 likes Varget.

[davem270win]

I have a powder trickler and never use it. I have a set of Lee measures (I think they cost about 6 bucks), and I will use the appropriate scoop to dump a charge in the pan of my scale, which puts me close to weight, and then use the scoop as a trickler. I put the powder in a plastic coffee mug for this process. It's also handy because if I get too much powder in the pan, I can also scoop it back out of the pan - something a trickler can't do!

[The Sodbuster]

I load for bolt guns in .22-250 and .25-06.  As others have stated, Varget is a good choice for .22-250.  I also have had very good results with IMR4064, H380 and especially W760.  My .25-06 likes 100 grain bullets with either H4831SC and IMR4350.  In .22-250 I haven't found anything that shoots better than a 50 grain VMax.  Your mileage may vary.

[rezz]

Thanks for all the info.

I checked my local sporting goods store today and was informed that "we don't carry powder and reloading stuff anymore because it isn't cost effective to reload anymore".  I just said "hmmm".

My arithmetic tells a different story and common sense would seem to say that even though reloading supplies may have went up in price those same supplies are used by factories to make their loads. It appears to me that bullets are about .17 each, primers @ .03, and powder @35grains per is about dime. That works out to about $6/box of 20. Even with the cost of brass at about .35 the cost of 20 is only about $13. So, unless I'm figuring wrong these people don't know what they are talking about.

Oh well, I may have to rethink my plans and make a long drive to get powder and primers or pay the hazmat fees to get started. Was hoping this store still had everything needed in the form of hazmat stuff, but not so. 

More figuring to do. Thanks again for the good info. It seems that Varget or H380 is a good way to go with the 22-250 and 4831 for the 06.

[stimpylu32]

rezz

If you can find another loader in your area , you may be able to combine an order and split the Haz-Mat fees , just an idea .The LGS may let you put up a note that you are looking for another reloader in the area and you may even be able to swap to get what you need .

stimpy

[rezz]

Thanks Stimpy, I'll see what can be figured out.

Are my figures on the cost of reloading that far off?

It ought to be easy enough to beat the cost of 25-06 115gr Federal Nosler Partitions which are in the $30/box area.

Surely.

[stimpylu32]

rezz

Your cost per box needs a little tweeking , you also need to add in the start-up cost of the press kit + extras , but that will be done over many boxes , also you have to think that the brass will be used over and over , so your over all cost is not that far off in the long run .

Depending how far you have to drive , ( @ $2.50 gas ) you may be ahead to pay the Haz-mat fees and be done with it .

stimpy