Rationalizing all my loads

[mjcmichigan]

Well, I have a shelf full of completely useful powders and bullets that don’t get used and I keep reaching for favorites. Having more time on my hands than is healthy, I’ve decided to simplify. Atleast try too.

I’m dividing all my powders into one of two categories. Hunting powders and plinking powders.
Hunting powders:
Accuracy & appropriate v for the cartridge and temperature insensitive
.
So my list of hunting powders. Buy on good sales:
RL15.5, RL16, RL23 and RL26
H4198, H4350, H4831(sc), H1000,
H-Benchmark
IMR Endurons (atleast until I run out)
Winchester StaBall’s(6.5 and Match)

Plinking powders - avoid buying again
RL15,17,19,22
IMR 4198, IMR 4350,
H414, H380
W 760, W748, W780
Big Game, Hunter, TAC, Xterminator

Bullets.
Hunting
223 Nosler BTv 50 gn
22-250 Vmax 40
243 85gn NPT, SGK HP 85gn
Nosler Varmegedon 58gn
270 win NBT130, Barnes TTSX 130
3030 Sierra ProHunter FN 150
(Might try Nosler CTBT again now that I learned a little more about my 3030)
30-06 NBT 150 NPT150
300 WSM Berger VLDH 165, Nosler PT 200gn
300 WM NAB 180gn.
Maybe a Berger VLDX165 for a lighter bullet.
45/70 H FTX325, and SPH FN 300.
350 Legend Barnes HP 170

Not messing with hand guns yet.

Also, upgrading brass.
270 gets Norma and Starline.
300 WM gets Norma
300 WSM gets Lapua
3006 starline - and maybe something else…
Have a couple Hundred R&P with turned necks.
If the starline outshoots it, it will likely be orphaned.
350 Legend Starline
45/70Gov StarLine
243 getting starline to start.. maybe something else

If I get ambitious, I might get back on track to build a 35 Whelan. I really liked Thankful Otter’s collection of H&H cartridges (275, 300 and 375). So I’m thinking about going after the 3006 family tree. If any of you up in the great white north talk to her, tell her I said hi and I miss her posts!

 

[mjcmichigan]

Meant to add the list of bullets I’ll be abandoning as they over lap with bullets listed. I think what I’d like to do is offer them in the want ad section. I’d like to make them free to good home, but my wife would not be pleased with me paying a lot of postage to give away unloved bullets. Maybe free for postage.

 

[Blkram]

It has been some time since Thankful Otter has responded to a message. I too hope that is all is well with her and her family.

Simplifying things can be a good thing, and hope that you accomplish your goal!
I too have thought of this, but do not think I am quite ready as there is still much that I wish to try and learn about through experimentation.
Once I have finalized my load development for each rifle/cartridge combination, I will think about simplifying things...but that should be a few years off yet. Too many adventures yet to be had!
And then perhaps after taking game with those which have not yet done so, I will settle on which firearms I intend to keep, and those that will be sold off to finance more hunting adventures!

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Sometimes I get to looking at the components I have and think as you about just going with one maybe two loads per rifle. Then again just use what I don't prefer as trigger range time. Then if I get rid of something there's someone who asks if I have it and can't help them out. So, my stuff mostly stays where it's at

 

[TackDriver284]

I'm in the same boat where I have a ton of different powders and bullets, but have done tests over the years with each rifle and narrowed down on powder selections and bullets after finalizing most of the tests. I have settled mostly for Varget, H4895, H4350, H4831sc, H1000, RL15, RL22, RL26 and a few others. Most bullets I use are Nosler Ballistic Tips, Accubonds, Hornady ELD X, M, Berger Hybrids, VLD , VLDH, Vapor Trails and Barnes TTSX. The Barnes TRX is to be tested soon. Have not tested with Sierras much, but on the to do list. If there was anyone locally that would help themselves to my powders and bullets I don't really use anymore, I would let them have it.

 

[jimbires]

my 7mm Rem Mag , I use two loads in it . one being the Hornady 154 gr SP FB bullet , the other being the 160 AccuBond . I have cheat sheets in each ammo box , saying how to set the scope for this bullet . I have a note I closed in the Magazine floor plate saying what bullet the scope is set for . I'll make the cheat sheet adjustment , then go to the range and check the zero . * this is not a fool proof system * I've lost track a few times .

 

[Firebird24]

I keep it all. You never know when something new will come along or an unexpected opportunity.
I had a guy bring me a Ruger youth rifle last
Fall. It hated everything I tried. Then I saw on line another guy or two had found what that rifle loved. I had some and was able to get that finicky little rifle to drive tacks. It was a great day when he texted me a pic of his daughter and her first buck.