Reloading for Browning A Bolt-30/06

[Wilderness87]

I decided to give reloading a shot. My coworker who is an avid reloader and long range competitor is willing to sit down with me. I shoot a Browning A bolt 30/06. I bought Barnes 180 Tsx bullets along with their book, and IMR 4350. My co-worker has all reloading supplies for the 30-06 besides the bullets and powder. I am interested if anyone has any tips on where I should start for this load. I am beginner, so all ears here. I want to work a load up for big game.
Thanks

 

[Fracman]

I would start with reading the beginning of the reloading manual. If you have the room get a dedicated area for all of you reloading supplies that will make it easier for you to keep thing organized. Which will make it easier to keep reloading. Learn as much as your buddy will teach you. Reloading is pretty straight forward

 

[Kentucky Windage]

Use your buddies stuff to find out if you truly like reloading and have time for it. Ask to help him with his reloading, especially when your buddy is reloading a few hundred rounds at a time so you realize how much time is spent on it. Then, if you know you really like it, buy once, cry once- get good stuff the first time you buy. Read a reloading manual or 2 so you understand the process. Most important for me when I started reloading is being able to trouble shoot problems that will show up that you won't necessarily find in a reloading manual. Pick your buddies brain, ask him to tell stories of problems he has encountered and how he overcame them. A friends dad was my go to person when weird stuff would happen. I have gotten picky about which powders I will use in hunting rifles. I only use extreme powders for my hunting rifles. Something to think about.

 

[svnmag]

TSX is all about velocity not weight. I learned these things before I became civilized. Take them back if possible and get some 150's or 165's.

 

[Norske]

The best powder for a beginner reloading a 30-36 is Alliant Reloader 19. Accuracy will be good, and since it's "fluffy" you can't put too much in the case. Even if you make a mistake, the pressures will not be excessive. In fact, they may be 10,000psi below maximum. Safety, safety, safety. Don't damage an expensive firearm or yourself to save a few dollars on ammunition.

 

[SupressYourself]

I just got into it last fall, and the biggest surprise for me was the amount of work you can (should) put into the brass.
Cleaning, sizing, trimming, de-bur flash holes, uniform primer pockets, etc.
I agree that you should use your buddies stuff at first to make sure you want to commit. There's a lot of start up cost there. I'm definitely going to stick with it. I'm kind of a perfectionist, and putting five shots in one hole is what it's about for me. Unless you're very lucky, you'll never do that (consistently) with box ammo.