Most versatile powder for cast bullet loads

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orpington

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As I reload for a variety of revolvers and rifles, all of which pre date WWII, and use cast bullets, with the high price and scarcity of smokeless powder, there is the temptation to purchase in bulk —e.g., an 8 lb container of powder. If you elected to do this, and purchase ONE 8 lb container of powder, given my needs, what powder would that be?
 
Given the choice of ONLY one eight-pound canister of powder for cast bullet loads in rifle or pistol. My choice in order of preference would be. Price and availability would be the final determinate.

1st. Unique
2nd. Red Dot
3rd. 700-X
 
When I couldn't find unique I went with Tight group. I found that it works in everything I shoot. Plus you can use light loads in large cases and its not positional sensitive. Some powders will squib with light loads if the weapon is pointed down before you fire.
 
I would also have said Unique. But I have this policy: don’t recommend the unobtainable. And right now, for the foreseeable future, Unique is pure, 100% unobtainium.
If you can only get one 8lb jug, make it VV N340. Quality powder in the same use range as Unique. Expensive, yes, but available.
 
In times like this we all have been looking at options as things are just not in the shelves like they were. I completely agree with Unique as a go to powder. It just works with a broad range of loads. There are others that some have mentioned as well that if you see them for a decent price just grab them. I would never not buy a bottle of 231, Bullseye, Universal or 700X. That is assuming prices are realistic. I have been developing and testing loads with Winchester 244 lately and it’s a good powder for everything I have tried. .38/357, 44 Special and .45 ACP. Others like it for 9mm as well and data is available on the manufacturers website. The big reason for this powder is it is everywhere.

Eidit: 95% of my shooting is with cast or plated bullets, mostly cast.
 
With the caveat that I would, obviously, recommend Unique, I would also say that, even in our current powder shortage, you are likely better off with two different powders... one for pistol, and one for rifle. Once you separate pistol from rifle, you open up a lot more powders for your purposes... and particularly pistol.

You did not mention WHAT rifle cartridges you would be loading for... that would be a big help. Generically speaking, there are a number of powders that would work well with cast in rifle, including my favorite IMR4198, but also H4198, AA5744, 2400, IMR4227, and some others.
 
I use cast bullets for the majority of my rifle and pistol shooting these days. I have an assortment of powders, but if I had to use just one powder it would be Unique first followed by Red Dot.
 
I’m glad I asked! I hadn’t considered Unique. I was thinking along the lines of IMR 4198 or 4227. I have at least a one pound container of most common powders but had never considered an 8 pound purchase until now.

But, then again, these are most curious times!
 
I’m glad I asked! I hadn’t considered Unique. I was thinking along the lines of IMR 4198 or 4227. I have at least a one pound container of most common powders but had never considered an 8 pound purchase until now.

But, then again, these are most curious times!

I don't buy powder anymore unless I can get an 8#er, or I just can't get anything besides a 1# can.

Your initial thinking is correct... for rifle, it would be hard to go wrong with IMR4198. It is not an appropriate pistol powder, nor is IMR4227 unless you want heavy loads... IMR4227 burns terribly unless it's run at full pressure, generally speaking.
 
I used a lot of Unique and 700-X, BUT, reading the header, the absolute best for ANY cartridge, using a cast bullets is .........









TRAIL BOSS

No matter the cartridge, fill the case just shy of bullet base, load bullet and have fun.
 
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