[concentric]

I am looking to standardize my new setup to as little clutter as possible and one of the things I'd like to accomplish is reloading the following calibers well with the fewest amount of powders possible. I'd like to see if you guys in the know can review this list and tell me what you would choose as powders to cover them (I'd like to stock only two if possible, one for the pistols and one for the rifles. If I need more to cover some of them, c'est la vie, but that's the goal):

.25 cal
.380 auto
9mm
.357 mag
.38 spl
.44 mag
.45 auto

.223 Rem
7.62x39
.30-30
.308
.308 match (in case there is a difference)
.30-06

I am willing to stock powders that make exceptional loads, but as I mentioned, I'd like to keep this as clean and minimal as possible, while maintaining versatility for the calibers above (and expediently, others).

Any thoughts?

[Walkalong]

I'd like to stock only two if possible, one for the pistols and one for the rifles

You need two or three pistol powders and two rifle powders minimum, IMHO. :)

Welcome to THR concentric.

[trickyasafox]

IMR 4895 or H4895 could knock out all your rifle needs, H335 or BL-C2 might be able to cover all those bases as well.

unique would cover all your pistol loads too.

[tkcomer]

They don't show a load for 25ACP, but Ramshot's True Blue covers the rest of the pistol rounds. Might contact Ramshot about the 25ACP. Ramshot also doesn't show a load for the 7.62x39, but Tac covers the 223, 30-30 and 308. And that's on sale at Powder Valley for about 78 bucks for 8 pounds. 30-06 takes a different powder in the Ramshot line.

[cheygriz]

231, HS6 and H110 will cover all of those pistol loads quite well.

H335, or W-W 748 will cover all of the rifle loads. (Although I prefer W-W 760 for the .30-06.)

[tbtrout]

While you will not capitolize on your magnums full power as you would using 296, Win 231 should cover all your calibers for pistol.

For rifle I would say IMR 4895 will work.

you may want to expand to 4 powders for all and you would get better choices.

[pinkymingeo]

If you could only have one pistol powder, I can't imagine choosing anything except Bullseye. Works well in most everything.

[EddieCoyle]

Titegroup for the pistols.

[MarshallDodge]

Pistol: Hodgdon Clays - It won't give you magnum performance in the magnums but I have used it in 9mm, 40, 45ACP, 45LC, 357, and 44 mag.
You can use it in 12 gauge too....bonus!

Rifle: Hodgdon Varget - I have shot it in 6mm Rem, 308, and 270 with very good results. It has not performed as well for me in .223 but I like those little tiny groups. I haven't really given Varget much of a chance in .223 because I use Vihtavuori 135, it's very clean in the AR's. It may have been the way it metered :confused:

[SlamFire1]

Unique will work adequately for all your pistol calibers. You won't get top velocity in the 357 or 44 Mag, but you will get respectable velocity.

I believe all my pistol needs, from 32 S&W L to 44 Mag are well served by Bullseye, Unique and 2400. The best target powder, and a very good standard velocity powder is Bullseye. I have used it in 9mm, 38 Spl, 32 S&W L, 45 ACP with total satisfaction. Unique is very flexible and works well in most pistol calibers. I think it is the best powder in the 44 Spl and 45 L Colt, neither of which you have. I get 1000 fps with a 240 L with 8.5 grains Unique in the 44 Magnum, and it is very accurate. Probably could bump it up even more. 2400 is a magnum powder for the 357 and 44 Mag. One of the oldest and still a top choice.

And as others have said, the 4895 types will do outstandingly. Of the ones out there, IMR 4895, H4895, and AA2495, I have used kegs of IMR and AA. However I have been told that H4895 is short cut, and I would use that if I were starting out.

[trickyasafox]

the alliant website does list a load for 25acp with unique.

[philbo]

Titegroup is great as an all around powder for pistols if you're looking for plinking loads. HS6 or HP38 are also good all around choices, but you'll need something else like 296, 110, etc to get top performance out of the magnums though. Can't think of one powder that would do all the rifle rounds with top performance though.

[MarshallDodge]

I agree, Titegroup is a good pistol powder.

[dmftoy1]

FWIW . . .

I'm loading for:

.357 magnum
.45 ACP
.45 LC
.500 S&W

.223
.308
45-70

I'm able to get by pretty easily with:

AA#5
H335
Trailboss

Now bear in mind that I'm not looking for the highest velocity in any given caliber. I'm just looking for nice safe loads that group well. (preferably with a good SD)

The hardest thing about using H335 is that there's lots of data for certain calibers but you have to scratch/sniff to find data for others. (45-70 loads especially . .although Hodgdon's annual helps alot)

With the three powders above I satisfy I'd say 95% of my shooting/reloading needs. I use H110 when I want to have warmer pistol loads for showing off. :)

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

[Steve C]

Unique will load everything up to and including low velocity loads in the Rifles. A medium burn rate rifle powder like Win 748 or IMR 4064 will get you hunting velocities in all the rifle cartridges. There is data for each of these powders for the calibers you listed.

[Clark]

.25 cal Bullseye Power Pistol [my hand still hurts from the recoil]
.380 auto Power Pistol [aka Bullseye 84]
9mm Power Pistol
.357 mag LIL'GUN or H110 [aka W296]
.38 spl LIL'GUN or H110 [aka W296]
.44 mag H110
.45 auto Power Pistol

.223 Rem Blue Dot
7.62x39 H110
.30-30 IMR4895
.308 IMR4895
.308 match IMR4895
.30-06 IMR4895

[concentric]

Thanks guys, this is a good start for me.