Just a small, well maybe not so small 'caveat' to those just getting into, or oldtimers for that matter. Please be careful. I see all these questions about 'can I use this instead of that??' Substitutions can be a slippery slope -- a wrong move can ruin your day-- BE CAREFUL!!! JMHO

Is there a picture to go along with this thread ?

I’m confused, no never mind, it could be I haven’t had my coffee yet.

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I invest in Lead and Copper!

That's why I keep a supply of the components that I regularly use. Now, during the last powder "drought", I ended up buying a couple different powders that I had never used before. But before buying anything, I checked my loading manuals to insure they could be used in the calibers I reload. Then when my "go to" powders became available, (at reasonable prices) I stocked up on them. In good shape now, no worries (other than upcoming election).

Can I use a .50BMG instead of my 44 special for self defense?

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Go for it!!!

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Protocall Design

If big is good, fast is better, best home defense gun is 45-70 sharps replica?

For better home defense in post #5, I have some "plinker" loads in 50-70 with a smaller 500 grain bullet.

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S&WHF 366

With all the reloading manuals available, as well as most powders having data online I really don't understand asking in a forum setting. Maybe with primers, but unless you are loading to max pressures I can't see using brand x vs brand y making a whole lot of difference unless you are a competitor in shooting sports.

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Randy

I understand questions about plated vs jacketed bullets, they can look very similar, but have different properties when it comes to reloading.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

<<With all the reloading manuals available, as well as most powders having data online I really don't understand asking in a forum setting.>>

It can be confusing to a newbie to look at 5 sources and see five different max load recs for the same powder and bullet.

Yes but to be safe take the least powerful recommendation and then don't load to max. I would a lot rather drive a bullet out of a barrel then look for a new to me gun. Confusius say "he who load to max may get big memorable surprise".

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

Most of these questions are either from those that don't research or read their manual (wanting instant gratification) or those that overthink and confuse themselves and wind up ignoring published data/info and believe a forum will give them better answers.

Back when I was learning, and Al Gore had yet to invent the internet, I thoroughly enjoyed reading those reloading manuals. I read every section, over and over, and I still enjoy reading them. I guess with out instant society, there is a desire to just jump in with a little instant information. Just hope that haste does not lead to kaboom.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

The real truth is that all too often people just want to do something that is easier or cheaper or makes a bigger bang. They post the question because they already know it is wrong, but are looking for validation.

Just like being a supervisor at work - even though the guys usually know what to do, they want validation in case something goes upside down... I enjoy the forums but will never take advice contrary to what a manual may say...

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S&W factory revolver armorer

And there is the biggest problem with new reloaders. They want to learn from posts on a forum (this or any other)


They seem to have the money to buy top of the line equipment(always start with a Dillon Progressive) but cheap out on a $25 manual or two.

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For office use only

Didnt mean to start a brew-ha-ha. I see some of these questions and wonder. Like said above, I think some know the answer but-- however, I guess I am just not the sharpest tool in the shed. I studied ABC's of reloading, and manuals for two years before I knew I was going to have the room I needed to do so in the new house. Tales of mistakes, or the possibly scared the hell out of me. I tried to take ALL caution, and still do to this day. From what I read here and there, I see a lot of desperate people out there. Just saying-- take the time to be sure of what you're doing.

During the last powder drought (2008) I saw a lot of posts about can I use this for that. I was caught short without pistol powder as I had just started loading 45 ACP, and 38 spl. There was no Bullseye available so I had to find something else. I had 8 lbs of American Select from my trap shooting days that ended. There was no load data available for that powder for metal cartridges at that time because it was marketed as a shotgun powder. I searched the internet for load data and found very little. So I took it upon myself to work up a load that I still use. I would not recommend this as something someone should do but my experiment paid off. Now Alliant has data because people were screaming for it. It's a pretty good pistol powder in my estimation but people still don't consider it because of too many powders being marketed as "pistol powder"

Novices should stay away from anything that doesn't have load data from the powder manufacturer, but I see a time coming when we get hit with the "will this work for that" again. It's deja vu all over again.

My personal opinion is we're heading into a drought that will make 2008 look like a picnic.

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That's just somebody talkin.

I know exactly what you mean, that's why I have 6 different reloading manuals and a lose leaf note book full of data I've researched on line on my bench. I've been reloading since the early 60s and still don't nor will I ever know it all!

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Ed

I was taught handloading by my original gunsmith.
This man sold me my first adult (not .22LR) gun, a Rem 700BDL in 6mm Rem.
He also advised me he would hesitate to sell me any more weapons unless I acquired a chronograph as he taught me the principles of safe reloading.
I did.
Found that I took to the statistical side of shooting as I had been calculating circuit parts and field strength
values and such all my life as part of my radio hobby that turned into a career.
In fact, in amateur radio circles a guru advisor is called an "Elmer".
Eventually I did become a disciple of Elmer Keith.
I learned to keep an eye on the fps/gr. increase in a load ladder and quit if it started to rise noticeably before expected.
Combining this with all the data from bullet and powder makers kept me out of trouble when "normal" powders could be had.

Then comes that last shortage and no more powder except obscure stuff from warehouse crannies, grey market imports and military pulls.
Got 5 lb. of CSB-1 and worked up some nice 44 special target loads.
I believe just about any powder faster than Unique can be used in revolver target loads if you know what you are doing.
That might not be the case had I not had an Elmer to guide me as I started out and to remind me
that this is both a science and an art and that safety is number 1, 2 and 3.

Sadly this old school system is disappearing and many resort to our forum for information and validation.
I tend to cut most some slack knowing not everyone, especially city folk, are going to have a neighborhood gunsmith to refer to.
And many of those are not exactly reloading experts.
I lucked out.

Over the years I got a few books too...
(There are more under the loading bench)

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NEMO
"Everything 44"