I want to get back into reloading.

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Any suggestions on equipment and loads would be appreciated.

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If you want a very compact single stage, I strongly suggest the RCBS Partner Press.

Partner Press

[quote]Good luck finding powder[/quote

Is it because you live in Ontario?

As far as specific loads, you'll get recommendations all over the place. Having said that, my favorite loads for my personal 270 rifle used IMR 4350, IMR 4381 and, most recently, Reloder 22. For bullets, I liked the 130 gr Hornady SP and 140 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip.

Data Manuals: Some of the component manufacturers have good online load data available. Nevertheless, I rec you buy 2 or 3 complete handloading data manuals for the extra handloading instructions. I'm partial to Sierra, Hornady, Hodgdon and Nosler. If you want to save a few bucks, Hodgdon publishes a data manual annually that's in a magazine format and only costs $10-12. After looking in a couple manuals you'll get a good idea of what's normally a good powder for a particular round.

Equipment: The only press I've ever had is a Lee Turret that I've had for >30 yrs. I use dies made by Lee, RCBS, Hornady and Redding. Lee is least expensive and Redding are the nicest looking. W/ propper load work up and a sufficiently accurate rifle, any die should be able to produce accurate loads. I bought a small electronic scale from MTM, but I've found myself going back to my old RCBS balance beam scale.

Primers: Use what's reliably available to you. I routinely use Remington primers in all my rifles and handguns, mainly for simplicity's sake. I've never found a significant change in accuracy from one primer to another. I even bought some Tulammo primers this summer just to try out. Guess what....they shot 6/10" groups in a gun that normally shoots 1/2" groups.

Powder: Buy locally, IF YOU CAN FIND IT locally. If you can't find it, you can order online. Each shipment will cost an extra $28 hazardous shipping fee, in addition to the actual shipping fee. Once you find what will be your go to powders, order online. Powder Valley and Third Generation Shooters have been good to me. You can also order primers online, but will have the same fee. If you mix primers and powder in same order there will only be one hazardous shipping fee. Gun Bot is a great site to find what's currently in stock. Graf's, Widener's, Natchez Shooter's Supply, Midway USA and Midsouth Shooter's Supply are good companies, as well.

Bullets: I order all my bullets online as there are no local stores that carry much of a supply. I use the same vendors as w/ powders.

Brass: If the guys you're going to load for will provide their once shot brass, you'll be fine. Otherwise you'll be in for some frustration. Some brass is just NOT available right now. I've been on multiple email notification lists for 7-08 brass for >1 1/2 yrs and still don't have any. Some brass can be found only be going to more expensive brands such as Lapua, Norma, Hornady and Nosler.

Good luck and keep us up to date.

I started out on a RCBS Rock Chucker and still have it 16 years later. Thing is tough as a Mack truck.

I've graduated to a Dillon progressive, but the RCBS still gets some use.

LC

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my favorite loads for my personal 270 rifle used IMR 4350, IMR 4381 and, most recently, Reloder 22. For bullets, I liked the 130 gr Hornady SP and 140 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip.

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Dam close to what I use for loading my .270.

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I have a lot of brass and did buy a wet tumbler. Those are the best! I never got brass that clean and shiny with dry media.

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I will never go back to dry tumbling. Stainless all day, every day...

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Powder is tricky right now...

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Agreed, for even just the minimal amount of turkey shells I load each year you have to be constantly on the lookout for powder. The Hazmat fees and everything else really add up.

mucho thanks Tiger!! I have been looking in the catalogs at the various offerings. pricey. I still want to kick my ex is butt for not loaning me the 120 bucks way back in the day to buy a clearance rcbs rockchuker starter set.

we have a shooting range at the deer camp and I have been picking up brass for awhile so I should be good on that.

I still think I have my 7mm dies somewhere.....

and I have the rcbs balance scale. I lost its wire cup hanger and made another out of wire, as long as I zero it, that shouldn't matter, right?

I used to use a rcbs manual, I see you didn't list that one. which is your favorite?

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I lost its wire cup hanger and made another out of wire, as long as I zero it, that shouldn't matter, right?

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Correct.

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is Jims the only place in BR to get reloading supplies?

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Louisiana Gun and Reloading Supply is on Jefferson between Airline and Stumberg. Last time I was in there (prob Nov) they had some rifle powder, bullets and primers. They have a good selection of stuff. They sell Dillon presses but have other brand products (dies, scales, tumblers, etc).