so im getting my stuff all ready to start reloading....well actually i just finalized my plans for a reloading bench:) anyways, a few simple questions...
1. when i read load data in a book, can you vary things such as bullet( same weight, but say a sp to hp), use different brands of primers or brass?
2. i have about 80% federal brass and 20% hornady, is it bad to mix the brass?
3. im only loading the .357 and 44mag....i know ones small pistol primer and the other is large but do you HAVE to use magnum primers?

sorry for all the questions....just wanna get everything right.

1. Yes, but you must start low and work up for each change.

2. No, although I sometimes use headstamps to help ID loads.

3. No, use Winchester primers and forget about it.

JMHO

thanks for the quick response! i was talking with a guy here at work, who happens to be a top chemist and reloader. he told me alot of his ways....like NEVER mix brass, due to wall thickness changes:)

also i'm looking at powders, i want to only keep 2 choices on hand. one being 2400 for my hunting loads....should i look for another for plinking?

Unique makes a nice light load for the 44 mag,2400 gets fairly dirty if you load it below the pressure it burns well.

Get a 22 for plinking ;-)

Otherwise, Trail Boss makes for nice plinking.

PS. If you are a bench rest shooter, then you get fussy about brass. For my straightwalls all I care is that they are the same length.

I agree with some of what has already been said. Start with the lower pressure data and work up, paying attention to pressure signs. Mixed brass is of low concern for the most part, until you approach max loads. For the 44 I would go with the WLP (Winchester Large Pistol), it will be good for most powders, but I recommend a magnum primer like cci350 when you start using H110 or W296. For 357 I recommend a small pistol magnum primer for all loads. For some top-end loads of slow powder I'll even use a small rifle primer, but don't recommend you do that until you've more reloading experience.

ok...so it looks to me like the winchester primers are labeled to be used with standard or magnum?

also, im no benchrest shooter....just a deer hunter who only carries a revolver:)

Correct. One less thing to worry about.

I've always used the WLP and H110 in my big bores and have never had a proplem.

awesome!

Same here, during the primer shortage I had to buy CCI's and I've had no problems with them but I prefer the winchesters since I can use them in a 500 Linebaugh full house load or a 44spcl cowboy load.

Im starting to use winchesters for everything also.

it just makes things a little easier and instead of having to stock up on two types of primers you only have to buy one. I wish they could do it with all primers. I bought three bricks of CCI's during the shortage and I still had a brick of WLP's so I won't need any for a little while.

Whew! I was about to get worried. I just ordered 3 bricks of WLPs
Sunday.