How do you choose your powder?

[Bazoo]

I generally look for a powder that has a lot of data for different bullets and power ranges for a cartridge. I also look for a powder that has a broad application across cartridges. Bullseye, unique, 231, universal, I research the powder and see what folks think about it and what success they have. Bullseye and 231 for example both have data for reduced magnum loads in 357 and 44 mags. That tells me two things. 1 it's versatile and 2, the work has already been done for me.

Wsf doesn't like light loads. But I ran into two pounds of it during the last shortage and bought it for use in 45 acp. It works great.

I like to get an idea of the powders personality. Example, 2400 can be reduced some for moderate loads and still be safe whereas 296/h110 cannot.

For rifle I do much the same. Except I also look at cartridges I'm interested in but don't have yet to see if the powder has data there. It doesn't play largely into my choice but I consider it.

I also consider charge weight for handgun. Lower weight for same velocity means cheaper reloads.

Then there is the new or new to me powders. Im tempted to try just about anything if I can get a bottle cheap.

 

[illinoisburt]

As others mentioned years ago I researched a lot and bought based on what powder(s) had a wide range of load data and could be used in many different applications

Much the same here. I tried to settle on fewer powders and stock up when times were good. Worked out for handgun using Unique, Trailboss, and H110/296 to cover most everything I load and not worry when a new cartridge shows up. Rifles I've not done so well with that. Got varget, 3031, 4198, cfe223, 4064, 4350, 4895, RL15, and RL19 on the shelf. Truth be told end up using more 4064 and 4895 than the others by wide margin and could probably get by with either one if nothing else was available for an extended time.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I listed my favorite goto handgun powders in Post #6 so here are my rifle powder choices. They are more extensive than with handguns.

I can get by with AA5744, H335, both 4895 powders and both 4350 powders.

I use and like others like IMR-3031, Varget, LVR, IMR4064, BL-(C)2 and sometimes 4198.

I also have the newer IMR4166 and IMR4451 but haven't done much testing with them yet.

 

[Bazoo]

I enjoy testing, so I buy the occasional powder just to try. But I also have a few go to loads with classic powders for general use. Best of both worlds.

 

[entropy]

Cross-useability for pistol powders, (with shotgun & vice versa) established powders in rifle, though with newer ones I'll look on here and gather info. Bought some 2230 and CFE223 when BL-C(2) and Varget were nowhere to be found. (Sadly still the case. )

 

[irishlad]

Cross-useability for pistol powders,

I agree. I use W231 for all my pistol rounds. 380,9mm,45acp and 45 colt.

 

[BJung]

I have not tried powders with a burn rate next to a powder I'm using in an accuracy load ( petload ). Has anyone done so and found the load very close? Would it be safe to say powders that are close on a burn rate chart like IMR 4198 and R7 or IMR4831 and R19? I personally like ball powders like AA2 because it meters well but I'm willing to trickle stick powders for my rifle cartridges. A benchrest forum online commented that ball powders are harder to burn and is more temperature sensitive. Has anyone come across this?

 

[AJC1]

I have not tried powders with a burn rate next to a powder I'm using in an accuracy load ( petload ). Has anyone done so and found the load very close? Would it be safe to say powders that are close on a burn rate chart like IMR 4198 and R7 or IMR4831 and R19? I personally like ball powders like AA2 because it meters well but I'm willing to trickle stick powders for my rifle cartridges. A benchrest forum online commented that ball powders are harder to burn and is more temperature sensitive. Has anyone come across this?

Powders that are close on the br chart should provide a good option. I'm working my way from universal through #9 in my 357. 4198 and r7 are both exellent rifle powders for cast bullets. Do not use the chard to infer load data.

 

[BJung]

Powders that are close on the br chart should provide a good option. I'm working my way from universal through #9 in my 357. 4198 and r7 are both exellent rifle powders for cast bullets. Do not use the chard to infer load data.

Let's say I'm getting good groups with 24.5gr R7. Can I infer that I'm going to get good groups with IMR 4198? Or 24.5gr +/- 0.5gr like as if I'm using R7 of another lot? Let's say I tested my 7RM - 175 SP Noslers and there was a node between 62 and 62.5gr R22 with MV= 2752 to 2781. If I take powder next to it and load to the same MV. Would I reach the same node, just that the load will be off a little?

 

[bullseye308]

30 years ago I started with Bullseye for pistol and accurate 2460 for rifle. 20 years ago I discovered Varget and blc2 for rifle with better results and when BE-86 came out I tried it and loved it for 9mm. I still use the same loads for 38 and 357 I have for decades with bullseye, but I'm almost 16 lbs into be-86 in 9mm and not likely to change.

I'm only loading 9, 38, 357, & 223, so I can get by with blc2, and either bullseye or be-86 and be happy.

 

[AJC1]

Let's say I'm getting good groups with 24.5gr R7. Can I infer that I'm going to get good groups with IMR 4198? Or 24.5gr +/- 0.5gr like as if I'm using R7 of another lot? Let's say I tested my 7RM - 175 SP Noslers and there was a node between 62 and 62.5gr R22 with MV= 2752 to 2781. If I take powder next to it and load to the same MV. Would I reach the same node, just that the load will be off a little?

No experience with 7mm rm but I would expect a node close +- 50fps of your rl7 to 4198 in the same rifle. I would load a velosity ladder looking to match your current good load and see how that goes.

 

[Tallinar]

First, I do what Dad taught me. Always have Unique on hand.

Second, look for the old guys on THR. While you could have a lot of fun buying lots of powders and doing lots of testing, there’s also little need to reinvent the wheel. Many cartridges have that classic, tried and true load that just plain works. Go ahead and stand on the shoulders of the great reloaders who came before you.

 

[AgPilot]

By what’s in stock!!
Glad I got plenty on hand to choose from!

 

[lightman]

I use a combination of methods. I start with known favorites from gun writers and shooting buddies. And from internet sites like this one and AccurateShooter. Then I look at load data. If its for a semi auto I use something from the top(faster) end of the chart to the middle of it. If its a bolt gun I choose from the middle to the lower (slower) end. After I find a pet load I stock up on that powder. I've noticed that my Son is more likely to try new stuff than I am. I guess that makes me one of the older guys!

 

[jmorris]

If you are well stocked a round of “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” might do it for some versatile rounds.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

If you are well stocked a round of “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” might do it for some versatile rounds.

When I first got started (age 13) I was told there were three powders: Bullseye, Unique and 2400. I needed to stick to Bullseye and Unique until I learnt how to make "perfect" rounds time after time, with no variation because 2400 was powerful stuff. I was also told there were "other powders" I might look at if those three weren't available or I wanted to expand my reloading into handloading. When I got out on my own, I would talk to the guys at the rifle & pistol club range, LGS and hunt club about loads and powders. Those conversations always started with, "Well, what exactly are you trying to DO...?" Then I'd be directed to some loading manual or magazine article about the activity some wisenheimer already wrote about and told to try what he tried with the caveat of, "...but don't stand next to me when you try it out for the first time [guffaw! chuckle! hee-haw!]...!" Them old guys back then were real cards, God love 'em, and I miss every mother's son of them. I can't say most of them fellers were any more or less helpful than just asking the Magic 8-ball but they were by far more entertaining.

My powder selections have always started there: what's the goal? What do I want to make X pistol/rifle DO that it can't already DO with Y primer-case-powder-bullet combo currently in my inventory? Am I looking for a load that's faster, cheaper, cleaner, cooler/hotter, more accurate, lower recoil, less flashy, etc. than what I've got now or is it just a matter of filling out the missing pages of my Pet Loads book?

FWIW: filling new pages in my load books is a perfectly legitimate reason to buy a new powder or experiment with an old one. It may take me a pound or two to get to know a powder's personality but I'm never in a rush.

 

[Seedy Character]

I look at how many of the calibers that I load, can be loaded with said powder.
What achieves highest velocity or desired velocity with least amount of powder.
Cost per pound.

At one time, I had a canister of nearly every Reliant powder. It was less expensive and it done they job.
I had a few of the DuPont powders, but they were expensive.

Got caught short or some were discontinued, burn rate chart to compare what I needed vs what was available.

The only brand is have never used, VV. Have seen some ladings that looks very interesting. But, it is expensive and LGS hasn't had stock of what I might try.

 

[Spare Parts]

I go by taste.

On another thread, someone suggested sprinkling powder on your salad. Whatever works for you is OK by me.

Personally, I smell my powder. Must be off-gassed NO2. Makes me happy.

The OP doesn't specify a particular need. My preferences tend toward personal defense clones - i.e. a slow powder for 9mm/.40/.45 that produce max MV. Blue Dot works well, but is currently unobtanium.

Currently have 1#+ CFE-Pistol, and working up some alternate loads. If ya got'em, smok'em.

 

[GaryL]

That said, I can load most handgun cartridges with only 3 powders.
They are:
W231/HP-38
W540/HS-6
W296/H110

On a side note, any chance you have any info or data on W450LS? I was given a couple cans of it years ago, but I've never found any load data for it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

On a side note, any chance you have any info or data on W450LS? I was given a couple cans of it years ago, but I've never found any load data for it.

I'm sorry to say I don't know if I have data or not. I have some old manuals going way back. Which cartridges are you looking to load and I will check for you.

 

[P Flados]

Decades ago (pre-internet), the bulk of my loading fell into 4 categories, 1 oz 12 gauge, ammo for offhand pistol shooting, IHMSA / Contender (357 Mag/Max and bottle neck) handguns, and rifle (30-06).

For shotgun and offhand handgun target shooting, I noted that Red Dot had easy to find load data for everything I wanted to shoot and the bulk version (Promo) was dirt cheap in an 8 lb jug. I bought a jug. It worked great for anything I wanted to use it for. During the Obama years, I ran out of Promo and could not find any more. I looked at the few powders I could find and decided that getting an 8 lb jug of Titegroup was the cheapest replacement powder for my Promo handgun applications (I was no longer loading shotgun). After Promo became available again, I returned to it for most (not all) applications where I had been using Titegroup. With buying both of these powders in 8lb jugs, my cost per round is near the low end of all of the choices and they both work just fine.

When the time came around where I was able to get Promo again, I decided that I needed to move in the direction of "buy cheap and stack deep". I also wanted to focus on my stockpiling just a handfull of choices.

For magnum pistol burn rate applications, I had originally gotten happy with WW 296. Eventually I swapped to H110. I was not thrilled with the "finicky nature" of the powder as I expanded into other calibers and eventually ran into some problems with poor ignition and decided to find a replacement. I tried 4227 and was not satisfied. I ended up with SW Heavy Pistol for stuff that was ok with slightly faster and WC 680 (milsurp version of 1680) for stuff that was ok with slightly slower. Both of these two have been much less finicky than 296 / H110. I bought both of these in ample quantity well before the last presidential election just in case.

My applications for routine loading with Rifle powder are currently just 223 and some Contender bottle neck handgun rounds. I found happiness with a single powder, Wc 844 (Milsurp H335). I have purchased 3 bulk batches (multiple 8 lb jugs) with the last order shortly before the start of the current supply crisis.

I do not need any special features and rarely do I push for maximum achievable performance. I do like having an ample stockpile that keeps me and my son capable of shooting together on a weekly basis.

 

[GaryL]

I'm sorry to say I don't know if I have data or not. I have some old manuals going way back. Which cartridges are you looking to load and I will check for you.

Thanks. Probably 38spl (125gr or 158gr) and 45acp (200gr lead). I would also try it in 45C (250gr Lead) if that is a decent application for it. Being an old powder, I don't expect data for very many calibers.

I may try it in 9mm without data. Pretty tough to overload 9mm with the lighter bullets.

 

[BJung]

No experience with 7mm rm but I would expect a node close +- 50fps of your rl7 to 4198 in the same rifle. I would load a velosity ladder looking to match your current good load and see how that goes.

I made test loads to do just that. Thanks

 

[BJung]

My most versatile handgun powder is AA2. I've loaded everythng from Makarov 9mm to 45acp with it. It flows very good because it's a ball powder and Bartlett surplus powder use to sell Czech powder that was close to it. Bullseye has worked for my .38 and .45 loads well. I've never tried WW231/HP38. Maybe I'll try it someday. Then there is AA5, at low charges it leaves flakes and I didn't like that. But at higher loads for a .38, it's great. I tried WSF once and hated it unitl I discovered it shot great through my brother's 10mm. The gun lows flames, makes the backstock sound like a gong, and scares my brother but I know that no one wants to be on the receiving end of that bullet. AA7 has been okay but I've discovered it indirectly through Blue Dot. The vendor thought I was crazy choosing Blue Dot over 2400. Maybe someday I'll meet a reloader who can sell or trade me some so I can just test it.. I have AA9 again. It makes hot loads and is like 2400. My .357 grouped bullets well with it. The last two handgun powders I tried was Power Pistol and VVN310. The first was good. I just don't go out of my way to look for it. The other was too fast and I couldn't find a load that grouped well with it. Oh, surprisingly, I had the same problem with Red Dot.

As for rifle powders, I'm running low on R15. I'm looking for a powder that's just as good or better like maybe Varget or 4350? 4320 might be a second choice since .303 reloaders seem to do well with it. And - of course - there is 4895 and 4064.

I was hoping that on this post that some reloaders compared ball powders to stick powders and noticed a difference. On the accrateshooter.com site. I haven't come across anyone comparing the generated chamber pressure than just mv between powders and had hoped some reloaders rely on this instead,.when choosing powders.

 

[AJC1]

My most versatile handgun powder is AA2. I've loaded everythng from Makarov 9mm to 45acp with it. It flows very good because it's a ball powder and Bartlett surplus powder use to sell Czech powder that was close to it. Bullseye has worked for my .38 and .45 loads well. I've never tried WW231/HP38. Maybe I'll try it someday. Then there is AA5, at low charges it leaves flakes and I didn't like that. But at higher loads for a .38, it's great. I tried WSF once and hated it unitl I discovered it shot great through my brother's 10mm. The gun lows flames, makes the backstock sound like a gong, and scares my brother but I know that no one wants to be on the receiving end of that bullet. AA7 has been okay but I've discovered it indirectly through Blue Dot. The vendor thought I was crazy choosing Blue Dot over 2400. Maybe someday I'll meet a reloader who can sell or trade me some so I can just test it.. I have AA9 again. It makes hot loads and is like 2400. My .357 grouped bullets well with it. The last two handgun powders I tried was Power Pistol and VVN310. The first was good. I just don't go out of my way to look for it. The other was too fast and I couldn't find a load that grouped well with it. Oh, surprisingly, I had the same problem with Red Dot.

As for rifle powders, I'm running low on R15. I'm looking for a powder that's just as good or better like maybe Varget or 4350? 4320 might be a second choice since .303 reloaders seem to do well with it. And - of course - there is 4895 and 4064.

I was hoping that on this post that some reloaders compared ball powders to stick powders and noticed a difference. On the accrateshooter.com site. I haven't come across anyone comparing the generated chamber pressure than just mv between powders and had hoped some reloaders rely on this instead,.when choosing powders.

Norma 203b and rl15 are supposed to be real close I've read. The shooters world powders are supposed to match varget but I havent found any to test.