Powder(s)

Dalebert · Apr 21, 2020

I'm a relatively new reloader...familiar enough with the process to not blow myself up, but I still don't have all my routines figured out. So I have MANY questions still. Here is the latest that has been a thorn in my side...

Is there a tool that I can use to figure out what powder would be good for more than one cartridge? The idea is that I'd like to have the fewest number of powders taking up space/budget and still reload everything I want. I know how to look up one cartridge at a time and compare the lists, but then I need to do the same thing across several MFGs and I was thinking that it would be nice to have a chart of some kind (or better yet a website) with a cartridge list down the left side and a list of powders across the top, then a mark in the intersecting boxes where load data can be had. As an added complication maybe a green mark if it is a good volume and yellow if the load data and maybe a link to the powder MFG load data.

Am I asking to be spoon-fed? Maybe a little, but not completely, I feel that we should use tech for what it is good at...my brain is better at thinking than record keeping.

Or, alternatively, what powder would you use for 25acp, 9mm, 38spc, 357 & 45acp? Is there a single powder or a pair of powders that covers all of those?

I just joined so I haven't posted alot, but I've read quite a bit on the site, so thank you everyone for everything you've already shared.

Dalebert

kalister1 · Apr 21, 2020

Bullseye can be used in MOST pistol caliber loads. It is not a Magnum/Max Velocity powder, more towards light target loads.
I have never loaded 25 ACP nor looked at load data for it.

Melnic · Apr 21, 2020

I don't know of one place to find out other than to ask the MDS braintrust.
The alliant website will list the calibers it has formulas on each powder
https://www.alliantpowder.com/products/handgun.aspx

I also like Bullseye but also Unique cause there are low velocity rifle cast loads that Unique can work with.
I have also started working with Power Pistol

Pistols are easier (I think) than rifles but IMR4895 is my go to rifle powder for the milsurps

outrider58 · Apr 21, 2020

Here are a couple thst I use...

https://www.hornady.com/reloading/handbook

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/node

https://www.sierrabullets.com/products/other-products/manual/

Pinecone · Apr 21, 2020

Rilfe? Pistol?

What calibers?

There are several pistol powders that can be used in a lot of cartridges. As mentioned, Bullseye is one. But in some calibers, you will not get maximum performance.

There are some rifles powders that are pretty usable across a range of calibers. But not the big magnums. But things like .223, .308, 30-06, etc can use one powder.

John from MD · Apr 21, 2020

Dalebert said:
I'm a relatively new reloader...familiar enough with the process to not blow myself up, but I still don't have all my routines figured out. So I have MANY questions still. Here is the latest that has been a thorn in my side...

Is there a tool that I can use to figure out what powder would be good for more than one cartridge? The idea is that I'd like to have the fewest number of powders taking up space/budget and still reload everything I want. I know how to look up one cartridge at a time and compare the lists, but then I need to do the same thing across several MFGs and I was thinking that it would be nice to have a chart of some kind (or better yet a website) with a cartridge list down the left side and a list of powders across the top, then a mark in the intersecting boxes where load data can be had. As an added complication maybe a green mark if it is a good volume and yellow if the load data and maybe a link to the powder MFG load data.

Am I asking to be spoon-fed? Maybe a little, but not completely, I feel that we should use tech for what it is good at...my brain is better at thinking than record keeping.

Or, alternatively, what powder would you use for 25acp, 9mm, 38spc, 357 & 45acp? Is there a single powder or a pair of powders that covers all of those?

I just joined so I haven't posted alot, but I've read quite a bit on the site, so thank you everyone for everything you've already shared.

Dalebert

I started with Unique back in the 1960's. It is still one of the most versatile powders on the market. You can load all the calibers you mention with it.

LGood48 · Apr 21, 2020

If you're already reloading you "should" have one document already that provides the basic info you're seeking. That would be your reloading manual (Lee, Hornady, etc.)
All you need to do is compare the load table for each caliber you listed and create your own chart with the provided data. As Outrider said the links provide good comparative data also. (Yes, I know you stated you know how to do this already, but don't want to do so!)
Not an attack, merely a criticism, do your own research. You will most likely end up with several powders that cross your cartridge spectrum until you find what works best from each caliber in each firearm.
Good luck and enjoy!

Shamr0ck · Apr 21, 2020

There are ‘one book/one caliber’ books available which collect and possibly condense load data from several bullet manufacturers.

I added these for 9,45,223 back when I started loading back in 2012-2013. Components were very hard to find back then and these 1B1C are very portable (8.5”x 5.5”) and spiral bound. Kept them in my glovebox/briefcase so I could review them as I shopped - sure beat carrying the hot day, Sierra and Lyman books with me and covered me in the situation where the retailer had no 230gr Sierra bullets but did have Hornadys

I’d upload a pic of one of the tables as an example but have a Tapatalk issue ATM

ETA - Sierra has an eManual available and while it ‘works’ I much prefer the way information is presented in the print version.

Uncle Duke · Apr 21, 2020

Regardless of where and how you source your data? If you do the data and the range research, you're going to find an inescapable conclusion. That is, there is going to be a difference between what will work, and what will work best, as your optimal choice in powder for each cartridge.

onedash · Apr 21, 2020

Uncle Duke said:
Regardless of where and how you source your data? If you do the data and the range research, you're going to find an inescapable conclusion. That is, there is going to be a difference between what will work, and what will work best, as your optimal choice in powder for each cartridge.

This.
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/ and others will say what can be used, and if all you want to do is go bang and hit with little concern for accuracy then you're all set.
If you're trying to shoot all your bullets through the same hole you might have to try a lot of different powders, primers, and many other factors. Or you might get lucky. My remington 700 5R 308 likes almost anything I feed it. Well, i started with 4064 and could have stopped there. I tried maybe 4 or 5 others and varget was as good but was hard to find at the time so i have a lot loaded in 4064. All my other rifles are more picky it seems.

SKIP · Apr 21, 2020

Since you are new to reloading why don't you use the Lee Powder Measure Kit.
Also purchase their Lee Reloading Manual.
The manual displays all powders/bullet weight and the correct powder measure for all calibers. Downside is not all powders can be used with the measure dipper.
For that you need a measure scale.

Like you I keep only a few powders.
For 30-06, 308, 7.62X54R, 8MM and 303 Enfield I use IMR 4064 or 4895.
For 5,56 and 223 Rem I use Accur 2015 and 2230.

PowPow · Apr 21, 2020

I use Lee dippers when I load away from my bench.

BigRick · Apr 21, 2020

There is no 1 answer for your questions. Also no 1 powder does it all. I reload 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 Sig. and 45 ACP. I use power pistol for all of them. Not perfect for all but works. Now that powder is in High demand and power pistol is hard to find I use HS-6 for 9mm and the others. Rifle Powder I use many different powders depends on the round. Varget is great for 308win. I love Reloader 26 for 300win mag. N570 or Retumbo is my go to for 338 Lapua. Like I said there are many great powders out there just get a few reloading books an find what your looking for and test, test and test.

Magnumite · Apr 21, 2020

Of the handgun cartridges listed, Bullseye could efficiently fill the need of all those cartridges. It would severely limit the performance of the 357 Magnum, preventing it from achieving the magnum level loads. It would also limit the 9mm. Both of those cartridges work in higher pressure ranges so different powders are requred for optimal performance. Everyone has their favorites...for that quartet, 38, 45, 9mm and 357 Magnum I would have Bullseye, Unique and H110 on hand. The 25...BE works...so does a box or two of CCI Blazer every year.

Dalebert · Apr 21, 2020

Thanks everyone for all of your input, especially Uncle Duke, Shamr0ck & LGoodwin, who provided what are actually going to be the most correct answers (even if I don't like to admit it)

ras_oscar · Apr 21, 2020

As a new reloader remember you still have to work up a load that works with YOUR firearms. Not all powders listed will work.

When I started reloading there were shortages going on. I selected a powder that was on the shelf and that was listed to work for my first target caliber. 800X in 9mm luger. Bought 3 pounds, Set up my test loads and went all the way from start charge to never exceed without ANY of the charges functioning reliably in my Beretta 92 FS. Figured out the powder was too slow. Unburnt powder was flying all over the table It's in the book, but is doesn't work. Buy a small amount to start, the lay in a supply once you have verified the results are to your standards ( functions reliably, accurate, ETC) Also, remember pistol cartridges take FAR less powder per cartridge than rifle. 9mm luger takes about 5.5 grains. 308 takes about 50. there's 7,000 grains in a pound.

Doco Overboard · Apr 21, 2020

That book right there in post 11 will pretty much satisfactorily answer all your questions especially the third edition which has some updated information. It will give some insight into the "why".
chapter 9 and 13 are particularly useful.

PowPow · Apr 21, 2020

My top 5 current reloading manuals in no particular order: Lee 3rd, Lyman 50th, Speer 14th, Hornady 10th, Western Powders 1st. I also reference Nosler 8th and Pet Loads. I've never bothered to get the Sierra manual.

Each manual has its strengths.

Dalebert · Apr 21, 2020

John from MD, I couldn't find anything on Unique in 25ACP. Can you point me in the right direction for that?

LGood48 · Apr 21, 2020

Dalebert said:
Thanks everyone for all of your input, especially Uncle Duke, Shamr0ck & LGoodwin, who provided what are actually going to be the most correct answers (even if I don't like to admit it)

Glad I was able to help, if only a little. Many times our responses aren't exactly what you were looking for but are well meant anyway.

Lots of great replies here. Take them to heed or ignore as you see fit.

I do recommend that you stock up on reloading manuals. I personally keep the latest edition of Lyman, Lee and Hornady at all times and periodically get the annual Hodgdon guide (magazine format). With that in your reloading arsenal you'll have the latest up to date info and the newer powders.

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