Sitting here before work talking to a co-worker/reloading buddy, and we got on the topic of powders we're looking for and wanting try. For me I'm looking forward to getting some AR Comp to try with 75/77gr .223 and 165/168gr .308, and Power Pro Varmint to get an idea if it's a good alternative to TAC in .223. He is looking for RL-26 and Retumbo to try in his .300WM. So what are you guys looking for and what are you wanting to try it in?
Powders you want to try?
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Charlie98
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I'd like to find a powder I can use in both 5.56mm and 7.52mm blasting ammo, with an added bonus of .30-06 M1 Garand loads. Right now I use 3 different powders (H335, IMR3031, and IMR4895, respectively...) and I've not found a whole lot of interchangeability between them. H335 works in both the 7.62mm and .30-06, but it's not the best choice by far. Similarly, not fond of trying to fit all those little Lincoln Log IMR powders into a 5.56mm case on a progressive. Yes, IMR4895 works with both the .30's, but my short-barreled M1a works better with IMR3031. The answer to all of this might very well be TAC... and I've been trying to get my hands on a can of it for about a year.
As far as pistol powders... about a year and a half ago I set out on a similar quest as my rifle powder... to find a powder that works well in both the 9mm and .45ACP out of short-barreled pistols. To say I was underwhelmed by the newer powders would be an understatement. Nothing worked as well as tried and true Unique. I did, finally, come up with an alternate... and that's W244, which if you load it within it's narrow parameters, behaved pretty well. So, what's old is new, again...
As far as pistol powders... about a year and a half ago I set out on a similar quest as my rifle powder... to find a powder that works well in both the 9mm and .45ACP out of short-barreled pistols. To say I was underwhelmed by the newer powders would be an understatement. Nothing worked as well as tried and true Unique. I did, finally, come up with an alternate... and that's W244, which if you load it within it's narrow parameters, behaved pretty well. So, what's old is new, again...
Howland937
Member
I've actually gotten all the different powders I've wanted to try in handgun loads in the last year, and several others that I may end up trying and may not. I wouldn't mind finding some more AA7 and Power Pistol though.
I haven't loaded for rifles in probably 15 years since I rarely ever shoot them. I ended up with some H414/W760 in a package deal that looks like it has some versatility if I ever get back into rifle shooting.
I haven't loaded for rifles in probably 15 years since I rarely ever shoot them. I ended up with some H414/W760 in a package deal that looks like it has some versatility if I ever get back into rifle shooting.
TAC and CFE 223 would probably be your answer, Powder valley has had tac on and off
Targa
Member
I would like to try some Trail Boss for light 30-30 loads.
Dudedog
Contributing Member
Don't know about in a Garand but TAC works well for me in 5.56 and meters great so good for blasting ammo.
People seem to like it ok for .308 as well.
People seem to like it ok for .308 as well.
.308 Norma
Member
I guess I'm kind of boring, but I'm going to try some Universal in my mid-range .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads. I've used Unique for those loads for more years than I can remember, and I still have quite a bit of Unique on hand, but largely due to what I've read right here on THR, I've gotten the impression that Universal works just as well as Unique for those types of loads, and it might burn a little cleaner to boot.
Phantom 309
Member
You might keep an eye out for some BL-C(2). To be honest my experience with it is limited thus far but it meters pretty well and there is data for all 3 of your listed applications.
stillquietvoice
Contributing Member
H4350, h4895, more ramshot hunter, for use in 223, 7mm08, 3006.
I agree blc2 will perform well in all 3. I've used it I. 223, 556, 7mm08 and 3006.
wankerjake
Member
I’m excited to try Power Pistol and the Shooter’s World powders, got a few. The AR powder and I believe Precision Rifle and Match. Way cheaper than the others and they have good reviews. All purchased last couple months online. Also looking forward to Ramshot Xterminator in my AR pistol
wankerjake
Member
I guess I'm kind of boring, but I'm going to try some Universal in my mid-range .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads. I've used Unique for those loads for more years than I can remember, and I still have quite a bit of Unique on hand, but largely due to what I've read right here on THR, I've gotten the impression that Universal works just as well as Unique for those types of loads, and it might burn a little cleaner to boot.
Herco is another good Unique substitute. What little I’ve used of Universal, I’m a fan. All good stuff
Charlie98
Member
BL-C2 has been described to me as quite 'blasty,' something I'm trying to avoid. My tests with H335 in .308 and .30-06 showed it was pretty... uh... blasty, too, in those cartridges, yet works very well in the 5.56mm... which is why I continue to use it there. I know... I'm probably searching for a pound of unicorn tears... but the AR guys love TAC in the 5.56mm, and I've read good things about it in .308 (M1a in particular...) so I thought I would give it a try. IMR4895 works so darn well in the Garand I'm reluctant to waste any more powder trying to find an alternate; both H335 and IMR4064 work, just not as well as IMR4895.
Charlie98
Member
wankerjake
Member
Maybe step-brother is a better choice of words
Unique... there is no substitute.
Thanks for reminding me! I forgot trail boss for some cast boolit loads in 45-70!
@Charlie98 , TAC has been really good for me in 5.56 from 62-77gr bullets, shoots well in my LR308. It's not super accurate in the .308, but it makes some pretty good 150gr fmj blasting ammo.
I’ve been reloading since 1980 and I’m at the point with powders that there are not any I have a particular desire to try.
That does not mean I don’t keep my options open. I like to read reviews on powders and if I branch out into a new cartridge, I may try something new to me. That is how I got into using CFE223 for my 204 Ruger ammunition.
I discovered True Blue for 9x19 during the Obama shortages when my favorite powder was not available.
I’ve been dabbling with Accurate #2 for 185-200 gr SWC target loads for my Gold Cup. It seemed like something good to try in the Gold Cup.
In my early days of reloading, I tended to be more open to trying new powders. It is a good way to learn what you like or not.
That does not mean I don’t keep my options open. I like to read reviews on powders and if I branch out into a new cartridge, I may try something new to me. That is how I got into using CFE223 for my 204 Ruger ammunition.
I discovered True Blue for 9x19 during the Obama shortages when my favorite powder was not available.
I’ve been dabbling with Accurate #2 for 185-200 gr SWC target loads for my Gold Cup. It seemed like something good to try in the Gold Cup.
In my early days of reloading, I tended to be more open to trying new powders. It is a good way to learn what you like or not.
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Soonerpesek
Member
Charlie98
Member
I've had a curiosity of AA pistol powders in general. I have a friend of mine that swears by AA#5, 7, and 9, he uses them for everything. When I was trying new pistol powders last year, I probably should have included one or two of the AA's.
milsurpguy
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A compressed load of AA #9 in a 9mm with 124gr bullets is pretty impressive. I'm sure a 10 with a full power load won't disappoint.
GoldieMI
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Either SW Precision or VV N540 in 6 Dasher
Running out of Varget
Running out of Varget
riverats
Member
I generally use TCM, W296 & H110 powders, but having read good things about Hodgdon’s Lil’Gun (& the .22 Hornet), I’d like to try some in the .22 TCM.
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