New to reloading and have a question

[One-eyed Jack]

I'm sure this has been asked plenty of times but I have a simple question which I'm sure has a hundred answers.

I have just setup my Dillon XL 650 and am about ready to reload my very first (ever) round of ammo.  I've got brass and have bullets on their way.  But what is your recommendation for a smokeless powder and primers?

Remember, I'm brand new to this so keep it as simple as possible.  I shoot .44 special in a Ruger Vaquero and .45 LC in a Colt SAA 3rd generation.

Also re bullets, I have ordered 200gr RNFP lead bullets, I assume this is appropriate for NCOWS

thanks,
One-eyed Jack

[Irish Dave]

Well, I have been using Winchester primers and Winchester WW231 powder. It is versatile (.38 SP, .44 Russian and .45 LC) and works well for me, but there are many good powders out there and I'm sure others will have very good recommendations as well.

[RickB]

I use unique powder and cci primers.
I reload using a Lee Pro 1000 and it feeds these primers reliably.

[Cutter Carl]

I have been using Clays with both Winchester and CCI primers for 45LC.  I am using a 200 grain bullet and a middle of the road powder charge.

I would suggest checking a loading manual or two.  Find your caliber and bullet type and weight and see what powders work for the velocity range you want.  I did that and had a lost of about 5-6 powders.  Went to the local supplier and picked the powder that he had in stock on my list.  Turned out to be Clays and I have stuck with it since then.  May try a different one when the Clays runs out.

Hope this helps.

[Shotgun Franklin]

About 30 years ago I bought a Dillon 450 Press, I talked to Mike Dillon who suggested Winchester Primers. I've used them ever since with no problem that I can't trace back to my mistakes. I happen to like Red Dot Powder because it's clean. I shoot a 200 gr lead bullet because it shoots to point of aim with my revolvers. I want at least 900 fps velocity. While my suggestions may not work out to be the best for you and your guns, it's as good a place to start as any.

[Deadeye Don]

I have a Dillon 550B and love it.  I use Unique for all my reloading.  You will find plenty of data on Unique as it has been around for a long time. Your 200 grain bullet is just fine.  I use Winchester primers and always buy them on sale.  Where are you getting your bullets from? 

Be careful and most of all have fun and take pride in your finished product. 

[Tjackstephens]

I too use clays, Most of the time I shoot 44/40's. But do shoot 45 colt sometimes with a 200 grain bullet. I use federal primers. However winchester or cci are ok. Tj

[One-eyed Jack]

Thanks everyone for your replies.  I'll be on my way to actually loading a round or two pretty soon.  Just need to get the powder issue settled.

Re where I am getting my bullets, it's from Cowboy Shooting Store, .45 LC Oregon Trail 200g .454 RNFP Bullets.

thanks again,
OEJ

[G.W. Strong]

The good news is all the powders these fine folks have mentioned work equally well. I personally use Bullseye due to its economy (very tiny loads) for all my pistol caliber shootng. I use it is 44spl and 45 colt. It works just fine but so will all the others.

For the first time loading see of there is a pard who can come to you and teach you to load or you can go to there place. There is no substitute for hands on experience. That is what I did. I posted the need for help on an internet forum and a met a guy in my area. Turns out he is now one of my best friends and my constant shooting companion. Friends helping friends is the way to go. If you are near Chicago I'd be glad to help you lear.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Good advice, Hopalong!  I was going to suggest the same.

I guess you know what they say about "great minds?"

[G.W. Strong]

Good advice, Hopalong!  I was going to suggest the same.

I guess you know what they say about "great minds?"

If we are the "great minds" the world is in serious trouble! 

[G.W. Strong]

One-eyed Jack, where are you located?

[Cliff Fendley]

I prefer Trailboss for 44wcf and 45 colt. It fills the case a lot more as it was designed too do. I usually use CCI or Winchester primers.