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Reloading question 270wsm 300wsm

Posted on 1/16/17 at 9:42 am
Posted by NOLAGT
Over there
Member since Dec 2012
13501 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 9:42 am
I know nothing about reloading but im thinking one day I will look into doing it. I have a 270wsm that I was going to sell off but I may hang on to it. Cant find ammo in stores but can order it.

If I re load that would be a non issue im assuming? Everything can be had easy like brass?

If I had a 270wsm setup (dies and whatnot)...does it use same things to do the 300wsm? Like if you were looking at a 300win mag or a 300 wsm would I be a head of the game in any way if I was already loading a 270 wsm or would it not matter?

thanks
Posted by civiltiger07
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2011
14022 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 10:07 am to
You would be able to use the same press, but you would have to get different dies.
Posted by bayoudude
Member since Dec 2007
24950 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 10:37 am to
Brass can be hit or miss in stores but you can usually pick some up online. 50 brass cases will last a lifetime if just used for hunting purposes. Each case should be able to be reused at least a dozen times maybe more if you aren't loading them up too hot. A one pound can of powder will last for over 100 rifle rounds as well.

ETA: like previously mentioned you will need a set of dies for each caliber. And probably a different shell holder as well.
This post was edited on 1/16/17 at 10:38 am
Posted by NOLAGT
Over there
Member since Dec 2012
13501 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 10:53 am to
So it doesn't really matter from the re loading aspect it seems. If I keep the 270wsm it would be for hunting only...and probably the one I lend out to friends. I was just thinking long term if I ever stepped up to the 300wm/wsm range if there was any benefit with re loading wsm already.
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30734 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 11:10 am to
Well you'd already have powder and primers.

You may be able to get away with the same dies of you use a Redding type s or similar die. Needs to be a bushing die. All you would do is swap the bushing the bushing out. This will only work if the body of the brass has the same specs. I'm at work so I can't look, but it may be possible.

However, those bushing type dies are pretty expensive compared to a standard die. They do give you the ultimate control in adjusting neck tension though.
Posted by NOLAGT
Over there
Member since Dec 2012
13501 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 11:21 am to
quote:

Well you'd already have powder and primers


So do the 2 wsm rounds take the same powders and dies vs the win mag?
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30734 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 11:25 am to
Depending on what powder was used it could potentially be used for both win mag and wsm.

The dies between winmag and wsm would be a definite no. I was referring to 300 wsm and 270 wsm. Didn't see the winmag part originally.
Posted by NOLAGT
Over there
Member since Dec 2012
13501 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 11:44 am to
Just day dreaming lol. I have the 270 and one day I may be in the market for a 300 wsm or wm and was looking to see if having a wsm round already would benefit the 300 wsm any.
Posted by INFIDEL
The couch
Member since Aug 2006
16199 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 1:15 pm to
Same shell holder for 270 wsm and 300 wsm. Could actually use the same brass. Same primers, possibly same powder.
Posted by NOLAGT
Over there
Member since Dec 2012
13501 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 1:46 pm to
So it does seem having a 270wsm could be in the pro column for when im looking at the 300s
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6811 posts
Posted on 1/16/17 at 7:44 pm to
NOLAGT,
Welcome (potentially) to the wonderful world of handloading/reloading. Yes, if you already handload for the 270 WSM and add the 300 WSM to the party, there are a lot of tools that would be used for both calibers, including:
Press and case holder (press is prob the single most expensive tool)
Primers
Priming tool and primer case holder
Scales (depending on type, this would be your 1st or 2nd most expensive tool).
Dial calipers
Handloading books
Powder(s). There are a lot of powders that are commonly used in both the 270 and 300 WSM, but you wouldn't know for sure w/ your guns until you started load development.
Trimming tool, depending on type.
Case mouth chamfer tool

Items that would be different:
Brass (although a knowledgable handloader could make 270 WSM to 300 WSM and vice versa). If you've saved your shot 270 Win you're off to a good start already. Brass will prob be your 3rd most expensive item.
?Powder (see above)
Dies (each caliber will use different dies. New dies cost $30-$60 or more/caliber)
Trimming tool, depending on type.

If I had a 270 WSM, my main reason to handload would be to assure myself longterm of easily available ammo. I'm not sure yet which (or any) of the WSM's will be here long term. Buy #100 pieces of brass and you'll have a lifetime supply. I tell new handloaders NOT to expect to save money by handloading because you'll find themselves shooting more. Keep us updated. I'll gladly share anything I know!
Posted by NOLAGT
Over there
Member since Dec 2012
13501 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 11:13 am to
quote:

If I had a 270 WSM, my main reason to handload would be to assure myself longterm of easily available ammo. I'm not sure yet which (or any) of the WSM's will be here long term. Buy #100 pieces of brass and you'll have a lifetime supply. I tell new handloaders NOT to expect to save money by handloading because you'll find themselves shooting more.


I dont expect to save anything...it would really be for load development and longterm like you stated. I thought about dumping the wsm but I hate to get rid of a nice gun. The action is so smooth on the browning A bolt.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7673 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 12:39 pm to
I hand load my 270wsm Abolt

I would have to look at my load recipe and COAL to let you know what works in my gun, but it might not work in yours. I use RL19 powder in mine.

Depending on the brass, it will not last a lifetime. You have to develop the load which means shooting 3 shot groups minimum with different powder weights in half grain increments. Next you have to play with the bullet seating. Which is more 3 shot minimum groups until you find the one your gun likes.

Some Federal cases wont hold a primer anymore after 4-5 shots in my experience and that brass has to be thrown away.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6811 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 4:36 pm to
quote:

Depending on the brass, it will not last a lifetime.

Sure, there are a number of factors in play, but when dealing w/ a big game rifle, as long as the pressures are not excessive and the brass is high quality, #100 pieces of brass would last me a lifetime. Once I have an established load, a #20 round box of hunting ammo will last a couple years.

quote:

You have to develop the load which means shooting 3 shot groups minimum with different powder weights in half grain increments. Next you have to play with the bullet seating. Which is more 3 shot minimum groups until you find the one your gun likes.
Through the years, I've refined my load development process so that I don't shoot nearly as many rounds as I used to. I don't shoot 3 shot groups until the final stages. I pick the ONE bullet I'm going to use and load it w/ 2-3 appropriate powders. I don't try different primers. Very rarely do I play w/ bullet seating depth. I usually have a final load after shooting <25 rounds.

quote:

Some Federal cases wont hold a primer anymore after 4-5 shots in my experience and that brass has to be thrown away.

You're right to trash brass w/ loose primer pockets. I've not personally used Fed brass, but it's apparently known for developing loose primer pockets. Loose primer pockets after only 4-5 loads would suggest either poor quality brass or a load generating excessive pressures. When I started handloading i used either Rem or Win brass. A few years ago I started loading for a 6 Rem BR handgun that required Lapua brass. That stuff is GOOD. Now I find myself using more Lapua. Norma brass also has a really good reputation.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7673 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 6:32 pm to
quote:

hrough the years, I've refined my load development process so that I don't shoot nearly as many rounds as I used to. I don't shoot 3 shot groups until the final stages. I pick the ONE bullet I'm going to use and load it w/ 2-3 appropriate powders. I don't try different primers. Very rarely do I play w/ bullet seating depth. I usually have a final load after shooting <25 rounds.



Explain please.

quote:

You're right to trash brass w/ loose primer pockets. I've not personally used Fed brass, but it's apparently known for developing loose primer pockets. Loose primer pockets after only 4-5 loads would suggest either poor quality brass or a load generating excessive pressures. When I started handloading i used either Rem or Win brass. A few years ago I started loading for a 6 Rem BR handgun that required Lapua brass. That stuff is GOOD. Now I find myself using more Lapua. Norma brass also has a really good reputation.




Lapua only makes Military and BR calibers. Not many hunting calibers. Norma is expensive.

I am loading under a full grain from book max and 4-5 shots is all I could get with Federal. Winchester has lasted longer.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6811 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 8:30 pm to
quote:

Lapua only makes Military and BR calibers. Not many hunting calibers. Norma is expensive.

In the last couple of years Lapua has expanded their line of brass to include a number of common hunting calibers as well. And yes, Norma and Lapua are expensive, but that can be relative. For example, when it's available, 221 Fireball brass by Rem runs about $50/100. Lapus is $73/100. Brass prep steps I take w/ Rem to improve accuracy (uniforming the primer pocket and deburring the flash hole) don't need to be done w/ Lapua. W/ Rem brass, I cull about 20% of the brass because of unacceptable neck thickness variation; w/ Lapua it's 4%. One batch of 221 brass from Rem had poorly annealed necks so that on the second loading I lost 40/50 pieces of brass due to split necks. Sadly, neither Normal nor Lapua make 270 WSM brass.

quote:

Explain please.

As far as my load development, I load up 5-6 rounds in 1/2 grain increments using the same bullet, but usually 1-2 powders. I chronograph the loads and watch pressure signs closely. If accuracy looks promising, I then shoot 3 shot groups w/ the loads that meet my velocity goal. It's worked pretty well and has saved me lots of time and energy.

quote:

I am loading under a full grain from book max and 4-5 shots is all I could get with Federal. Winchester has lasted longer.


I'm sure you're aware of it, but even loads less than book max can still have high pressures. Rarely my personal loads exceed the max load (at least in one of my handloading book, but not all); sometimes they're less than the max. It depends on a lot of variables.

ETA: How many loads are you getting from Win brass?


This post was edited on 1/17/17 at 8:40 pm
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7673 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 9:15 pm to
quote:

I'm sure you're aware of it, but even loads less than book max can still have high pressures. Rarely my personal loads exceed the max load (at least in one of my handloading book, but not all); sometimes they're less than the max. It depends on a lot of variables.

ETA: How many loads are you getting from Win brass?





I dont have a chronograph. I thought about getting one, but I figured whats on paper will tell me when i find a good load. It would probably be ideal

Also I loaded .5 to 1 gr over book max before I saw pressure signs on the case, which was flattened primers and some bolt face on the rear of the case. I gradually worked up to that inspecting each case starting at the minimum book rec.

I never loaded any brass until failure so I dont know. I do know that the primer pockets hold up better in Winchester and Rem over Federal.

quote:

As far as my load development, I load up 5-6 rounds in 1/2 grain increments using the same bullet, but usually 1-2 powders. I chronograph the loads and watch pressure signs closely. If accuracy looks promising, I then shoot 3 shot groups w/ the loads that meet my velocity goal. It's worked pretty well and has saved me lots of time and energy.



So you only load 5 or 6 rounds at like
60.0
60.5
61.0
61.5
62.0 and then only use the velocity you like before getting a group?
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6811 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 10:08 pm to
Get a chronograph! You'll enjoy it! :-) You'll also be surprised by the velocity some loads generate (or don't generate). Chronographs today are better and less expensive than they were not that many years ago.

quote:

So you only load 5 or 6 rounds at like
60.0
60.5
61.0
61.5
62.0 and then only use the velocity you like before getting a group?

I didn't explain it well, but yeah, that's it. If the gun/bullet really like a particular powder, it's surprising how tight a "group" one sometimes sees w/ the 1/2 gr incremental loads.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7673 posts
Posted on 1/17/17 at 10:21 pm to


I will eventually get a chrono to help shoot long range at 500yds or so.

I usually load about 20 bullets. 2 foulers and 6 3 shot groups in .5 gr increments. I dont care what the groups look like. I choose the 3 groups that impact the paper at the same point and use the load in the middle. I fine tune the group with bullet seating and I usually have a deceent load. I have no idea how fast or slow its travelling so unless I shot out to 500 I would never know what the drop is.
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