Powder selection

[7000grain]

How to Select the Right Powder for Reloading
Choosing the appropriate powder is a crucial step in the reloading process. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of powder selection to achieve optimal performance and safety in your reloads.
Understanding Powder Types
Modern reloading powders are generally categorized into three main types:
1. Pistol powders: Fast-burning, double-base powders designed for short-barreled guns.
2. Shotgun powders: Fast-burning, double-base powders that burn completely under low pressures.
3. Rifle powders: Slower-burning powders that accelerate bullets down long barrels with maximum velocity and minimum pressures.
It’s important to note that there can be overlap between these categories, especially between pistol and shotgun powders.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Powder
1. Cartridge and Bullet Weight
The cartridge you’re reloading and the bullet weight significantly influence powder selection. Larger-capacity rifle cartridges with heavy bullets generally perform best with slow-burning powders. For example:
• Smaller, straight-walled rifle cartridges use fairly fast powder
• Big magnums require slow-burning powders
2. Burn Rate
As a general rule:
• Handguns and shotguns use fast-burning powders
• Rifles use slower-burning powders
3. Load Density
Aim for a powder that fills the case with little to no air space for better accuracy. Ideally, load density should be between 80% and 95%. This ensures:
• Consistent pressure and bullet velocity
• Proper primer flame propagation
• Prevention of powder shifting in the cartridge
4. Desired Performance
Consider whether you’re loading for maximum velocity or economy. For example:
• For light loads (e.g., .357 Magnum), choose a fast-burning powder like Winchester 231 or Alliant Bullseye
• For maximum loads, opt for a slower-burning powder as recommended in your reloading manual
Steps to Select the Right Powder
1. Consult reloading manuals: Start by reviewing multiple reloading guides to see what powders are recommended for your specific cartridge and bullet combination.
2. Check load data: Use resources like Hodgdon’s online Reloading Data Center to find suitable powders for your specific load.
3. Consider burn rate charts: Reference powder burn rate charts to find powders similar to known good options for your load.
4. Evaluate load density: Look for powders that provide a case fill percentage close to 100% for your chosen bullet and cartridge combination.
5. Start with a small quantity: Purchase a small amount of powder to develop and test your loads before committing to larger quantities.
6. Begin with starting loads: Always start with the lighter, recommended starting load and work up gradually, staying within the parameters specified in your reloading manual.
7. Test and analyze: Develop your loads through careful testing, analyzing factors such as accuracy, velocity, and pressure signs.
Safety Considerations
• Always use a powder that is specifically recommended for your cartridge and bullet combination.
• Never exceed the maximum recommended charge weight for any powder.
• When working with magnum loads or approaching maximum charges, weigh every powder charge individually.
• Keep only one type of powder on your reloading bench at a time to avoid potentially dangerous mix-ups.
Remember, powder selection is often a process of trial and error, guided by reloading manuals and experienced reloaders. Take your time, prioritize safety, and enjoy the process of developing the perfect load for your firearm.

[Roby.evans]

Great insight into the process, thanks