buying a rifle to practice load development

[corngrower]

I am looking for advice on what would be a good choice for my first rifle to reload for. I have been loading for pistols and would like to start rifle load development.. I don't hunt but enjoy shooting for a hobby and reloading to pass time when I can't be shooting.
I am thinking either a bolt action. .223 or a 22.250. I have shot both and several others when shooting with friends. I don't think I need a large caliber just to kill paper starting out.

All advice welcome

 

[42769vette]

If its just for learning load development, I dont see any reason to go outside the 223. Brass will be easier to find, and require more work.

 

[Hosted]

I'd recommend a bolt action 223 also. That's what I reload and I like that components will hopefully one day be easy to get again and there is a TON of reloading info out there for it.

 

[Broom_jm]

If your goal is just practicing load development I don't really see how it matters which cartridge you choose. Most bottle-necked cases reload about the same, so far as technique. Folks usually pick a cartridge that fills a particular shooting need, like varmint hunting, deer hunting or target shooting. If you're going to have just a single center-fire rifle, get one chambered in 308 Winchester. It can loaded mild to wild, presenting you with many reloading challenges, while being a lot more versatile than a 223.

 

[sloughfoot]

It seems to me you are going at this backwards. How can you develop loads if you have not learned how to shoot a rifle accurately?

I suggest a 22LR and an Appleseed to learn basic rilfe skills, such as NPOA, calling the shot, and positions.