Depending on what cartridges you load for, many of us seem to find 1 powder that consitently workes in multiple cartridges and guns agisn and again. For me, it is H414. While it is usually not the very fastest, nor is ever the absolute most accurate, again and again I will throw a starting charge, take to the range and be very statisfied with the groups consistency.
I love R 19 in 6.5 Swede, but one day threw a bunch together with easy to meter H414 and darn near got the same groups.
9.3 x 62 loves R15 but H414 is my hunting load with 250 TSXs.
8mm wildcat mage is like the Swede. R19 with 220g but H414 with 185 Nosler BT or 200 Partitions works well.
The 300 Savage is not a fan of H414, and neither is the 7mm Rem Mag. Rem Mag likes 4831 and the 300 Savage is bullet dependent. 4064 3031 Bl-C2 4895
It seems I burn more H414 followed by R19.
You find a versatile favorite?
No not really....but, RL 17 may find itself a favorite "go to"! memtb
If it's bigger than a 223 and doesn't do well with 4895 or 4350 then I'm not that interested any more.
What are you guys running it in?
SR-4759, now discontinued. Figures.
I use H4895 in
.223
.243 - 70-85gr bullets
30/06
.358 Win
30/30
.35 Rem
45/70
.375 Win
7-08
35 Whelen
I can make a load for just about anything else I shoot rifle wise. It won't max out the velocity on a magnum but it'll work.
SR-4759, now discontinued. Figures.
Excellent powder. I have many pounds and dread the day it runs out
R19 or H4895 are my top two.
Used to be H4831 and R22 but I find a lot to like about R26 and it covers 90% of the cartridges I load for now. Need to see if it will work in the 375 H&H then it would cover all but the little guys .22 & .17, pistols and shot guns. I also have been working on a keg of Red Dot for awhile. It is good in trap, skeet, and field loads and doubles as a fire forming load with some pistol, and plinking applications.
Not sure what the 3rd choice is R15, H4350 or some others.
I have a Kennel full of them.
JG,
Varget gets a lot of love. I've never use used it. What are you running it in?
That combo covers a LOT of territory, for sure.
New powders in those burn ranges are interesting, those are proven.
DF
I use slow burning powders in my rifles almost exclusively.
I use 4350, IMR 4831, H 450, IMR 7828, and Surplus 4831 ( I've got nearly 10 #s of it)
I have been stocked up so I haven't tried Rl 22 or 26 yet.
To answer more specifically,
IF, IF worse came to worse , IMR/H 4350 will work across the board for me.
Jerry
H4895, I4350, Re22, Unique 😁
IMR-4350
H335
Or I could go for.
RL-22
TAC
Either pair would serve me well for the rest of my reloading days!
Elk Country
Norma MRP and RL26 Plus RL17
I use a lot of powders, but Varget is the rifle powder that I find works well for me in the largest number of applications.
H4895 - I always keep a stash on hand. It works well, not necessarily best, in any caliber I reload. Plus it has the versatility of using it for reduced loads if one wants.
drover
I always seem to get good results with
IMR4350
TAC
IMR3031
H4895 - I always keep a stash on hand. It works well, not necessarily best, in any caliber I reload. Plus it has the versatility of using it for reduced loads if one wants.
drover
+1
Another H4895 fan. Works across a broad spectrum. I'll add IMR 4350, IMR 4198, H4831, 700X, Unique and 2400 as some of my other favorites.
JG,
Varget gets a lot of love. I've never use used it. What are you running it in?
Jeff, I use it in my 7-08. I haven't found a 120gr or 140gr bullet yet that doesn't love it.
I bought 200 pounds of surplus H380 once...
But I have to many differing rounds to have a single powder. Tried to get there once and just could not.
If I had to suffer, I'd probably suffer with Varget. And hope I could fuel the few mags I have...That said I dont' use varget for all that much, but tend to keep it on hand as it is not sensitive and very versatile.
Varget and H4831.
Varget:
223 and 75 grainers at 2950 fps
6BR and 105 grainers at 2900 fps for a silhouette load
260 Rem: 107/108s and 36 grains for 2770 fps for CPT in silhouette
260 Rem: 139/140s and 36 grains for 2650 fps for rams in silhouette
9.3X62: 250 grainers at 2650 fps (JB load)
H4831:
243AI and 105 grainers for 3100+ fps
260 Rem: 139/140 grainers at 2800+ fps for long range play and occasional F Class
280 Rem: 140s and 150 grainers
But I burn an 8 pound keg of Varget for every pound of H4831.
JG,
Varget gets a lot of love. I've never use used it. What are you running it in?
Jeff, I use it in my 7-08. I haven't found a 120gr or 140gr bullet yet that doesn't love it.
I've used Varget in everything from the .223 to the .475 Turnbull.
I like to use powders that work well in several different cartridges, so I can justify buying the 8lb kegs
After Varget, probably Rel22 & Big Game, Rel 26 looks very promising.
The ones I use the most are definitely AA2495 and IMR 7828 SSC. AA2495 covers all sorts of medium burn rate stuff, and is particularly excellent for straight wall lever gun cartridges with heavy bullets (producing top velocities in .45-70, .45-90 and .50-110). It also does well for light bullets in .375 H&H. 7828SSC is great for various small bore magnums and heavy .375 H&H
I experiment too much, with too many rifles and cartridges, to have one favorite. Plus, there are so damn many new powders to test, and quite a few turn out to be really good! Right now I have 91 different smokeless powders on hand, and while some are for handguns and shotguns, probably 80% are primarily rifle powders.
Right now the top ones on my list of loads for our various rifles are Varget, TAC, H4895, Big Game, Accurate 5744 and IMR4451. H4350 used to be right up there, but since it became scarce I started using 4451 in the same loads and rifles, and so far it's done as well or better in every one, and even in some I hadn't loaded for before, like the 6XC. But Reloder 23 and 26 are also starting to find their way onto the "short" list....
I have read all 4 pages so far....
I don't intend or mean to be critical at all.
Some yrs back I contemplated the powder situation. Multiple kinds or limiting it to 1 - 2 if possible? I came to this conclusion.
I'm going to burn X no. of pounds of powder so what does it matter if I have 2 or 8 different powders ? Also by using the commonly used powders it's easier to find even if I have to go to different sources.
BTW, in my earlier post I listed H 450, that's not a misprint. I use H 450 in my 6mm Rem at MID pressure levels. During a few years I scrounged around and bought every lb. I found. I have several lbs. left, I'd have to go count.
Jerry
Rather than a single pet, I have opened a zoo in my storage cupboard. If limited to one that the others probably think is my pet, it would be IMR4350.
I experiment too much, with too many rifles and cartridges, to have one favorite. Plus, there are so damn many new powders to test, and quite a few turn out to be really good! Right now I have 91 different smokeless powders on hand, and while some are for handguns and shotguns, probably 80% are primarily rifle powders.
Right now the top ones on my list of loads for our various rifles are Varget, TAC, H4895, Big Game, Accurate 5744 and IMR4451. H4350 used to be right up there, but since it became scarce I started using 4451 in the same loads and rifles, and so far it's done as well or better in every one, and even in some I hadn't loaded for before, like the 6XC. But Reloder 23 and 26 are also starting to find their way onto the "short" list....
Based on your rec, I started using IMR 4451, specifically in my 243 RAR. It loves that powder with 95 BT, 100Partitions, and 105 AMAX. Thanks!
About 90% of the rounds I reload are pistol, and I have not found a non magnum pistol that does not like Titegroup. I have 2 4lb and 1 8lb in the lab now. All other powders are 1 lb containers. I do like Varget for several rifles as well.
4350 and 4895 are my go to powders for 30-06, 270 and 375.
Right now IMR 8208, H 4350, IMR 7828 ssc and IMR 7977 are tops but I like to try new powders so that may be different this time next year. Want to try RL 26 as soon as some shows up locally.
Rather than a single pet, I have opened a zoo in my storage cupboard. If limited to one that the others probably think is my pet, it would be IMR4350.
I started out a long time ago with IMR4350. It's worked wonderfully for dang near any cartridge I've loaded for. It's not as versatile as one of my favorites like RL15, but has always proved to be a performer and something I always have on the shelf. I'd love to make a switch to H4350 since it's not as temp sensitive, but it HAS NOT been as readily available as IMR in recent years. Hence the reason I'll always have and use IMR4350... When I look at load data and targets from the 270, 30-06, 300wm, 22-250 and 338wm, I always see IMR4350 in that data for most of my pet loads. I don't think it's the "best" powder, but something I can always count on, kind of like the old 30-06 springfield: Not the best, but always works...
Have used mostly IMR-3031 and IMR-4064.
Last 10 years or so it seems that i use several more types,H-322,TAC and IMR-4831.
Seems it depends what the different combos like.
W760, I use it in just about all my 243 loads, and it can be used in the 22-250., 7X57, 308, and many others as well.
Varget is also a very versatile powder.
I have more surplus WC846 than anything else, followed by H322.
These days I am liking Re26, Hunter, Re16, LT32, and Benchmark for most rifle reloading, but since I like them all there's no "pet" powder. However, I think that if I could only have ONE rifle powder, it would likely be H4895.
H 4895 should be everyone's pet. I moved over from H335 and pretty much never looked back. Forgiving and cooperative, yet feisty enough in SO many different cases.
Big Game and Hunter, both from Ramshot.
P
AR2209 (aka H4350) is a good powder with a useful burning rate for a range of cartridges I load for (243, 250 Sav, 257 Roberts x 3, 6.5x55, 7x57, 280, 30-06). We don't have the huge range of powders you guys get. We get the locally made ADI stuff (sold in the U.S. as Hodgdon Extreme) and a bit of Winchester and Reloder powders every couple of years. Reloder 19 is another good burning rate but can be a bit iffy to get at times so I stick with the Aussie made stuff. I'd like to try the new IMR Enduron powders but will probably never see them out here in Australia.
If only one, than RL15 it would be. Has all the versatility of H4895 with top notch accuracy.
I am working my way to being a RL15 and 4350 only kinda guy.
I really like RL-17, H4350, H4831, H1000. I have quite a few other powders I use in a load or two, but those 4 just seem to always produce really good accuracy. Since I love the medium size cases the most, RL-17 is my most used powder, and it sure seems to have a bit of zing. Can't imagine not having a bunch of it stashed.
H-4350 and 4831SC, they can about get it all done in a pinch here.
H-4350 and 4831SC, they can about get it all done in a pinch here.
Two great powders for large capacity cartridges like 7mm Mag and the .30 Mags
I load H4831 in my .450 #2 NE 110grians. Boom!
I really like RL-17, H4350, H4831, H1000. I have quite a few other powders I use in a load or two, but those 4 just seem to always produce really good accuracy. Since I love the medium size cases the most, RL-17 is my most used powder, and it sure seems to have a bit of zing. Can't imagine not having a bunch of it stashed.
I'm just getting acquainted with R17. Big fan of R19 and R15.
Hatari
Just to complement your post...
the 4350s (IMR & H ) also work well in 'smaller' cartridges, e.g. - 243 Win, 6.5X55 et.al.
Jerry
By weight, I burn a lot of TAC and X-Terminator for plinking, I also burn a lot of Benchmark, Reloder 15 and now Reloder 26. I'm really liking Reloder 26 and it will likely replace H4831, Reloder 22, Reloder 25 and perhaps H1000.
Likely RL-15. For the handguns likely Titegroup.
Hatari
Just to complement your post...
the 4350s (IMR & H ) also work well in 'smaller' cartridges, e.g. - 243 Win, 6.5X55 et.al.
Jerry
Very good in 6.5 Swede for sure!
Yep, Hatari
It's the TOP powder for my Swede w/120 NBTs--right now.
It MAY BE my only powder, depending on "ON GAME performance. It's ready to go, but I'm distracted this year. I've killed several deer w/the Swede and I've got my 284 Win nearly ready to go, so time will tell.
Jerry
Way more Varget than anything else in my rifles--great accuracy, consistency and usually close to top velocity. I tried to simplify the powder deal, especially during the shortage era. The 757 does love H414 with the heavies but I can get by with Varget (or it's near twin R15) in all my stuff.
Pretty much use Titegroup exclusively for the 9 and 45 in the Dillon.
If forced to pick "1" powder for my uses it would be IMR-4064.
Works well in 22-250, 243, 6mm, 257 Roberts, 270 with 110 grain bullets and 30-06 with 150s. Wasn't bad the one time I tried it in 223 with 55 grain bullets either.
Maybe not top velocity in those cartridges or top accuracy for a certain load but good enough most times.
My 22-250 loves RL-15 so burning a good amount of that right now.
IMR-4166 and IMR-4451 both have temperature stabilizing and Copper fouling preventing coatings.
If you shoot deer at 100 yards with a 30-30, you don't care.
But if you shoot deer at 500 yards with a 7mmRemMag, this is breakthrough progress.
In the early 70's I drove to Mexico, MO to Graf's as they sold bulk 4064 for $ 4 per lb. but you had to bring your own containers. It is still my go to choice. CM
3031 doesn't get a lot of play for some reason or another, but it has been very good to me in loads from the 22-250 up to the 45-70
As I am now loading primarily .405 Winchester and .45-90, I use only VV N133.
I do have some VVN530 to experiment with heavy-for-caliber bullets in both rifles.
Slight change in subject - Your fav Black gun powder
Me? BL-C2
IMR-4350. It works great in everything I load for.
Slight change in subject - Your fav Black gun powder
Me? BL-C2
Huh ? 2 F of course !
Oh !! Not Black Powder
Sorry, first thing that came to mind.
Jerry
Slight change in subject - Your fav Black gun powder
Me? BL-C2
TAC
Interesting thread..
Mine are - For smokeless handgun and rifle loads- Unique, LilGun, Varget and H4831SC
in my BPRC loads- Swiss 3F
I try to by 8lb jugs of the smokeless and the Swiss BP by the 25 lb case.
No pet powders here.
I use what gives me good results for a particular round and bullet in a given rifle. I have had good success with IMR & H 4350, IMR & H 4831, IMR & H 4895, IMR 4064, IMR 3031, and R15. They're not the new and improved powders, but they do just fine.
It seems that R15 and IMR 4064 were made for my European rounds...6.5X57R, 7X57, 7X65R, 8X57 (J and S bore), 9,3X62, and 9.3X74R.
The powder I use most overall is IMR 4350. I guess it's close to being a "pet-powder".
VV N135 for the 222,22-250, 6BR,
RL 19 for the 6mm, 7-08 280, 280AI
H4831 for the 25-06, 270,6.5-284
Doing some load development recently and have found IMR 4064 to be very versatile producing very accurate loads for my .257 Roberts, .30-06 & .35 Whelen. It produced superb accuracy in a .35 Whelen reduced load with 180gr. Speer FP.
Slight change in subject - Your fav Black gun powder
Me? BL-C2
TAC
CFE-223
We ALL should be glad that everyone does NOT prefer the same powder.
Jerry
We ALL should be glad that everyone does NOT prefer the same powder.
Jerry
If shelves are any indication, it would seem that we all do and that it is H4350.
I only have 1 reloading outlet close to me and they keep H 4350 stocked.
OTOH they didn't KNOW about IMR 4451.
Jerry
IMR 4350 has become hard to find, went to the gun show a couple of weeks ago and bought the last pound of IMR 4350 in the place.
IMR 4895..... And Goex ffg....
IMR 4350 has become hard to find, went to the gun show a couple of weeks ago and bought the last pound of IMR 4350 in the place.
Is there any need for it now that 4451 has come into existence?
Yes, we need 4350 because 4451 is scarce at least here.
I only have 1 reloading outlet close to me and they keep H 4350 stocked.
OTOH they didn't KNOW about IMR 4451.
Jerry
I have a few favorite powders, for fairly large cases - H1000 & H4831sc, medium-large IMR4350, for medimum cases H4895, for revolvers -- Unique, 2400, and H110.
I'm getting new favorites though: H4350, TAC...
Am working on the Reloder powders, 26 looks promising. Am trying the Endurance powders.
But I have at least a dozen other powders on the shelf, including FF, FFF.
It's a ways to a dealer who stocks powder, so I generally have a fair selection on hand. It was irritating the other day when I reached forIMR4064 and found I'm down to < 1/4 lb. Either drive 100+ miles one way or order on-line. 😡
H-4350 and 4831SC, they can about get it all done in a pinch here.
Two great powders for large capacity cartridges like 7mm Mag and the .30 Mags
I load H4831 in my .450 #2 NE 110grians. Boom!
I really like RL-17, H4350, H4831, H1000. I have quite a few other powders I use in a load or two, but those 4 just seem to always produce really good accuracy. Since I love the medium size cases the most, RL-17 is my most used powder, and it sure seems to have a bit of zing. Can't imagine not having a bunch of it stashed.
I'm just getting acquainted with R17. Big fan of R19 and R15.
You bet Hatari, I load the H-4831 SC in my 500 and 577 Nitros and 505 Gibbs, really a great powder that fills the big cases nicely, I've never been a proponent of light charges of faster burning powders and cornmeal, plastic pellet, backer rod fillers.
If someone can't handle the recoil from their chosen big bore without filling the cases half full of malto meal/cream of wheat breakfast cereals they need to drop down to a smaller bore.
Varget for just about everything.
TAC in .223, black rifles and bolts.
IMR-4064 in .243, 6.5x55, .308 Win can be used in .270 Win.
Haven't settled on slow burner yet, considering Reloder 17, 22, 25 or 26, IMR-4350, or maybe Accurate MagPro.
Have had surprisingly good results with Alliant Power Pro 4000-MR in .270 Win. Might try it in 270 WSM and .300 Win Mag