[sky walker]

So I purchased a Dillion 650
Tumbler several books and all the needed gear but where do I find powder...
I'm going to be loading mostly 45acp for now ( training for competition)
I did a lot of research and went with the Dillion for quality and simple design.
I purchased the auto case feeder and the low/over charge powder alarm that I thought was a great safety feature for a guy whom has only used a single stage in the past.. Also I have heard that some companies have went to small pistol primers in the 45 if you have run accords them can you let me know the brands so I can stay away from them.. Thank you for any and all help god bless and have a good day

 

[HandLoad]

Powder valley is my best source for powder and primers, when I can't make a run to a Gun show. ( no HAZMAT Fees, no shipping fees at gun shows round hereabouts).

Best powder that all the shootists use here at my club is "Tite Group" - burns incredibly clean.

Dillon, eh? Just the top tier loader! Good choice!

 

[ManyFeathers]

^^^^^^Good Advice^^^^^^

And good for you for getting started into reloading, you'll enjoy it I'm sure.

I typically always use CCI primers, no reason other than they are the most available. I do use Winchester for shotguns though-no reason there either

I have good luck with something, I'll feel inclined to buy it again in most cases.

You also might consider buying Unique powder. It's a little dirtier but it's a good multi-purpose powder that works with lots of different calibers and load variations......just FYI

 

[buckfynn]

Gundot is a good powder source if you are willing to tolerate the hazmat and shipping charges for online vendors.

http://www.gunbot.net/reloading/Powder/

Earlier this year I scored 8 1 lb containers of WST at 3rd Generation Shooting Supply Store by using gunbot.

 

[HandLoad]

Yeah, ManyFeathers, I am also an adherent of "Old School" - I have more than Ten Pounds each of Bullseye and Unique in stock/in use. But I also use "Tite Group", for .45 and .38...

For Target and plinking fun, I favor Rainier Ballistics' flash plated soft Lead Bullets. They actually burnish the barrels of guns that use them, leaving a perfectly shiny bore, especially when used with Winchester Blue Box (no mercury) primers, and "Tite Group" powder.

A perfect sub for the Rainiers is Berry's bullets. Buy whichever is cheaper - Helps keep costs down!

Then there is the wonderful world of bullet casting! Go to castboolits.com for another way to keep busy!

 

[giddyupgo55]

Check your primer pockets on 45 acp. They are now using both large pistol and small pistol primers. The last thing you want is to try seating a large primer into a small primer pocket. Great press the Dillon 650. Really can't help you on the powder.

 

[sky walker]

Thank you all I'll look into tite group
Have any of you used clays powder? I heard from several tree gun guys it good stuff.
I have used a single stage but it was years ago and only for deer rounds this is the first time I'm trying reloading in volume. Thanks again

 

[Hungry]

I recommend Unique powder. It's a shotgun powder that works very effectively in pistol cartridges.

I've used it for 38/357, 9mm, 45 ACP, 44 Remington Magnum and also reduced loads in 30-30, 30-06.

It's a versatile powder for sure. :thumb:

Good Luck

 

[BigSeanStudd]

Good advice from everyone on here. I'm going to get a Dillon 650 myself this spring. I already started to buy all the components this past fall and winter. What's odd is that there was a LOT of powder starting to become available. I have a 70lbs or so. But then all of a sudden POOF it's gone!!! I'm not sure what's happened. I mean, ALL of the internet sources that carry the stuff are out. Midway USA, Natchez, Powder Valley, Grafs & Sons etc. You can still find some primers, but no powder. I learned that each powder company (Hodgdon, IMR etc) has specific loads right on their website. Unique, Titegroup and several other favorites have not been available for quite some time... Good Luck and post back if you find anything!!!

 

[sky walker]

Everyone is out because every tom **** and Harry are stocking deep...
I'm just mad I waited so long to on the band wagon

 

[Tackleberry41]

The powder is out there just not so much selection. Some stuff is near impossible to find. So you may have to look at other less popular powders.

 

[BigSeanStudd]

The powder is out there just not so much selection. Some stuff is near impossible to find. So you may have to look at other less popular powders.

Yup! I bought some "blue dot" and "red dot" because there really hasn't been any kind of selection out there for a while. I'd rather have Unique, but beggars can't be choosers. Fortunately I was able to lay my hands on some H322 and H335 (and several thousand of regular and magnum primers) for reloading .223 and my 6.8... But, that was before Christmas and now none of it is available. So ya, now people are going to have to get whatever is available. I haven't hit up a gun show recently, so I'm not sure what kind of selection they might have...

 

[smaj100]

+1 to all the great info above. A few of the online places still allow back ordering of supplies, plus 1 is a local warehouse so I can go pick it up with no hazmat or s/h.

If you have any plans to expand your reloading gear to other calibers, start looking for multi use powders that will fit all of your needs if possible. I've tried to keep my pistol powders to a min, as well as all my rifle stuff. It's like Christmas at my house when I get a note for a back order of powder that has arrived and make a beeline for the store to pick it up. Also check with your local gun shops they may have a list of folks waiting on powders or be willing to hold some for you.

Berry's and Ranier's are both an excellent bullet when you can find them. Good luck and if you have any questions this is an excellent place to ask for advice.

 

[Rifleman55]

Thank you all I'll look into tite group
Have any of you used clays powder? I heard from several tree gun guys it good stuff.
I have used a single stage but it was years ago and only for deer rounds this is the first time I'm trying reloading in volume. Thanks again

I have used clays, 4 grains behind a 200gr. swc works well.
I use 231 when I can get it, to me it is more versatile.
I have run into .45acp with small primers, I don't get many and they go into my scrap bucket so they don't get mixed in with the regular ones. If I had a great many then I would save them and load them separate.
I load pistol rounds on a Dillon SDB.

 

[thelaststand]

There's been a general shortage of gunpowder for over a year. Some LGSs have gunpowder and you can stalk gunbot but the best advice is to research all the different types of powders you can use for your application and then keep an eye out for them. If you narrow it down to just one powder like bullseye you'll be waiting for a while.

Remember that reloading is a long term project.