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Okay guys / gals finally got a press to load my own, mainly gonna be 45 acp and 223/5.56. One question is on powders, with so many out there and available I'm looking to get some responses on the best for the buck powder. Also looking for local in stock if possible (dang haz-mat fees), also if anyone happens to know where some primers are in stock local Houston area also (large pistol primers). Thanks everyone and looking forward to getting into this.

Reloading supplies are still in short supply. Get a book, or better yet get several, and put together a list of powders that are suitable for the bullets you have (or intend to buy.) Then when you finally find some powder in stock you can reference that list you put together. You may or may not get your preferred powder.

Primers are available at a Cabelas near me but I don't see a store listing for Houston. You're on your own for primers but of all the supplies you need these should be the easiest, at least they are in my area.

Good luck.
Larry

I published a powder cost per hundred rounds analysis for .45 ACP a couple of years ago. It isn't current prices, but it does give a comparison of which powders are more or less expensive than each other.

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Can't help you with .223/5.56

Basically, you buy what is available these days and develop loads for what you can get.

For .223 I like H335 but I can't find it. IMR4320 is an old reliable powder and a good one for my .223 loads. It flows great and drops a consistent load.

For 45 ACP I really like Bullseye. Unique is a good powder to start with but does not meter as well as Bullseye in my powder measure. I also use Clays but can't find it locally.

Be certain that you develop your loads starting at the bottom of the load data and incrementally increase your loads. Keep an eye on your brass for signs of over-pressure : bulges, blown primers, etc.

thanks guys, i was looking at bullseye myself just for one cause it seems you will get more loads per pound then other brands. I did happen to find some primers locally now on to looking for some powder which i think i have found locally also

well carters country in pasadena has plenty of primers all brands all sizes -- some powders too but not a huge selection -- i ended up going with 1lb of IMR SR 4756 was looking for bullseye but they were out of it

My local WalMart has CCI primers and Academy has Winchester primers (you have to ask for them). Powder is another story. Bullseye, HP-38 (same as Win 231) seem hard to come by. Why I don't know. The primer shortage is over but the powder shortage persists...

I got my powder from WC Armory in Round Rock, here is what their site says if your willing to wait a month for them to come to you:

November 23 & 24 2013, The Woodlands, Legends Sports Complex, Pruitt Road - Premier Gun Shows.


or if you willing to drive (or have reason to) to Austin they are pretty friendly and will meet you somewhere in North Austin. I wasn't about to
pay the HazMat fee either.