New to reloading rifles

[Yoder]

I've been loading for my handguns for a few years and now I want to start loading for my rifles. I'm looking for a good powder to load all of the following calibers if possible:

.270
30-06
.308
.300 win mag

Since powder is pretty scarce right now I don't want to have to find four different kinds of powder. The .270 and .308 are not a real concern, more to just play around. I want something that will will be really accurate with the .300 and the 30-06. I'm looking to load around 140-180gr bullet depending on what I can find. Most likely 150's but they are pretty popular.

[dk99358]

One powder is going to be tough. I'd suggest one of the 4350's or maybe Reloder 17 or H4831SC. Those will work well in all but the 308. 4350 and 17 should work in the 308 but probably won't get you top velocity. 4831 is going to be too slow for the 308.

Now if you're willing to do 2 powders, then I'd suggest H4831SC for the 270 and 300 and IMR 4895 for the the 308/30-06 (or IMR 4320)

Dale

[knight0334]

There is a reason why you will need different powders - burn rate.

You will not have optimum performance or accuracy across your range of cartridges with one powder. The more options you have, the greater potential you will have to get the best performance and accuracy.

The .270 and .30-06 you could probably use the same powder, but the .308 and .300WinMag will each prefer their own powder.

[saleen322]

You could get something that would work ok in all but probably not excel anywhere (big case capacity/bore differences).

Some to think about for examples: IMR-4350 would work well in the 300 mag, pretty good in the 30-06 and ok in the .270. It is slow for a 308. The other way would be something faster like Varget. Good in the 308, work alright in the 30-06 and maybe the 270 but fast for a 300 mag. Hope this helps.

[saleen322]

There is a reason why you will need different powders - burn rate.

You will not have optimum performance or accuracy across your range of cartridges with one powder. The more options you have, the greater potential you will have to get the best performance and accuracy.

The .270 and .30-06 you could probably use the same powder, but the .308 and .300WinMag will each prefer their own powder.

You beat me to it! Rep you way.

[Yoder]

Ok, I guess I'll have to look around. Thanks for the info.

[762xIan]

First off....what kind of rifles? Semi-autos might require a faster/slower powder for operation of the action as well as accuracy, bolt guns give you a lot more leeway on powder types.

You could probably get away with IMR-4895, H-4895 or Varget for .270, .30-06 and .308 (depending on the rifle). There should be a load that will work for all of them to a certain degree.

I have utilized Varget quite a bit, but have recently been using IMR-4895 for Garand loads and .308 for my FAL's, as well as my hunting loads. I won't hesitate to buy any of those 3 powders, I have loads that work for all of them.

.300 win mag.....I have no idea, but looking at the Hodgdon site there is load data for all 3 of the powders I mentioned.

[Yoder]

First off....what kind of rifles? Semi-autos might require a faster/slower powder for operation of the action as well as accuracy, bolt guns give you a lot more leeway on powder types.

You could probably get away with IMR-4895, H-4895 or Varget for .270, .30-06 and .308 (depending on the rifle). There should be a load that will work for all of them to a certain degree.

I have utilized Varget quite a bit, but have recently been using IMR-4895 for Garand loads and .308 for my FAL's, as well as my hunting loads. I won't hesitate to buy any of those 3 powders, I have loads that work for all of them.

.300 win mag.....I have no idea, but looking at the Hodgdon site there is load data for all 3 of the powders I mentioned.

My .270 and .300 mag are bolts, 30-06 is a pump and the .308 is an AR-10. Sounds like I need to pick up at least two different kinds of powder to do this right. I'll see what I can find.

[Yoder]

I just ordered:

H-1000 powder
IMR-4064

According to the Hodgdon site the H-1000 is good for .270 and .300 win mag and the IMR is good for .308 and 30-06. Both are good for a broad range of bullet weights for both calibers. I also ordered some 140 gr, 168 gr and 185 gr Berger VLD Hunter bullets. This should cover all four rifles. Hopefully I get some good results. Now I just have to wait for it to get here.

[762xIan]

Load development can be addicting!

I hope you have a good place to shoot. There is nothing like (to me anyway) popping off 5 or so rounds at a target, then test another load, another 5 rounds, seeing and recording your results.

Then the satisfaction of knowing you "made" a round that works for you and your rifle.

Anybody can go out and buy a box of ammo.

Good luck and have fun!