APM RM: You can either load differently for your semi and then use the same loadings in your bolt rifle, or you can load differently for each. It just depends on what you want to do.
Reloading for a semi requires the use of faster burning powders, such as the IMR 3031, 4895, 4064 which are also used to create factory duplication loads from the Lyman reloading manuals. These faster buring powders create sufficient pressures rapidly enough to enable the semi-auto action to function properly. You can load heavier for pumps and bolts if you wish. Here's an example for the 30-06 with a 180 gn slug - for a semi you might wish to use 3031, 4895 or 4064 which gets you into the upper 2600+'/sec range or slightly better and these loads will function your rifle at factory pressures. For my bolt rifles I use a heavier charge of IMR 4350 for about 2800'/sec with the same bullet - almost makes me wonder if I really need that extra 125+'/sec, ya know what I mean?
Pumps can be loaded the same as a bolt rifle.
You also need to pay attention to the cartridge overall length with a semi. Some bolts andpossibly pumps too may have long throats which enable you to load the bullet out far enough just to kiss the rifling and you may be able to do that with a semi, depending on the individual rifle but you may also find yourself limited to factory cartridge length to assure positive functioning. HTH. Mikey.
