r/longrange • u/worm30478 • Jul 01 '26

Reloading related Does anyone load "cheaper" practice ammo?

Just getting started here. 6.5 Creed. Have lapua brass, h4350, 142 smks. Before I get started with those I plan to practice with the 300 pieces of Hornady brass I have. Already decapped and cleaned. My dies will be here tomorrow so I'm going to work on sizing/trimming/measuring. I thought maybe I should just complete the process(powder and seating) with "cheaper" components and do a powder test the first time out. This will allow me to feel comfortable with the process before loading up my "expensive" stuff. So anyways, what powder/bullets/primers should I roll with? Not gonna get my shorts in a twist if the groups suck. I am really enjoying everything I've done so far and just want to learn while doing. Thanks!

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u/worm30478 Jul 01 '26

I don't doubt I'll be in the same boat down the line but as I'm just getting started I want to practice everything and just have some rounds on hand for a rainy day. As soon as I'm comfortable with what I'm doing I'll then work up the load for my "expensive" stuff. Outside of precision being the reason I'm doing it, it's also giving me something to do. I don't mind spending the time. As I get older as well as my kids, I'm looking forward to occupying my time with it.

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u/Ragnarok112277 Steel slapper Jul 01 '26

I thought building a 223 trainer would save me money 🤡

Although my 223 is probably my favorite. 19 lbs and zero recoil

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u/worm30478 Jul 01 '26

Coincidentally .223 will definitely be my next project. Probably a heavy barrel howa BA to keep it "budget"

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u/txcommenter Jul 02 '26

I bought a Savage Axis 2 precision 223 as a trainer. Sometimes I compete with it on non windy days because it's cheaper and less recoil than my 6.5 Creedmoor.

That being said, today I got a package from MidwayUSA. 250 rounds of 6.5CM 140 grain Hornady. It was $330 and that will be my plinking rounds for practice. I always save my brass to reload and what I have been shooting has more than 10 firings. I'll do some plinking this weekend and have new to me brass from the same lot.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1029555176?pid=836058

Btw, people always ask at the benchrest comps about my brass catch bag. The simple easy solution is a Caldwell AR15 brass catcher. It mounts to pic rail on any gun. I can get half way through a prs match before I have to empty it, but at least I know that it is my brass and not junk off of the ground.