Three powders for 99% of loads?

[JohndeFresno]

With the so many excellent new powders, I think it's time to see what our shootin' and loadin' experts say about this oft repeated subject - because things change!

If you could stock only three (3) powders for the following calibers, what would they be?

Handgun - .32 Auto up to .454 Casull (remember, can shoot .45 Colt strength loads)
Includes calibers like .38 Special, 9mm Luger, .380 ACP, .357 Mag, .41 Mag, .44 Mag

Rifle: .223, .243, .270 Win, 7mm Mag. through the 30's (esp. .30-30, .308, .30-06) up to .444, .45-70 1895 model strength loads

So: .32 Auto through roughly Marlin .450 strength loads

I'll stick my neck out and throw out three guesses of some powders that have a great range of usefulness:
Unique
Red Dot
IMR 4064

I realize that the higher end and lower end are not adequately represented by the above, but at least they could ignite the missiles with one of the three.

You probably have a better list, and I am not all that versed on the latest powders. So - if you had to squirrel away (or transport) only 3 powders, what are your choices, as of this date?

Three (3) powders only!

[Blaine]

Unique...Blue Dot (which could cross back to some handgun loads), and H322.....These prolly suck, but I have a lot of them

[Arminius]

Unique or VV N 330 / 340 for Handguns, one Powder for .223 Class ( I am no Expert on this ) and 4350.

Hermann

[Old Ironsights]

2400, and Black. I haven't gotten into too many cartridges that those won't work in.

[shooter]

Unique, IMR 3031 or H4895, H110. Those are the powders I use in the vast majority of my loading. Unique for just about any handgun at moderate velocity. I use 3031 for every one of my rifle loads, though H4895 is also very versatile, so I put those as interchangeable with 4895 probably taking the edge in versatility. If I need more of a "magnum" loading in my revolvers, I go with H110.

[Borregos]

Unique, 3031, 2400 and SR4759.
Oh darn, that's four

[86er]

I'm gonna go with Unique, Benchmark and 4350.

[3leggedturtle]

Red Dot, 2400 and H335

[yooper2]

Unique, Black, Reloader 7.

Those are what I shoot the most of. I could live with Green Dot or Herco in place of Unique if need be.




Eric

[Blaine]

I've been buying Dots, and 3031 lately....I can always make something go bang with all that, plus all that I currently have.....

[stew71]

I don't reload handgun ammo or shotgun at this time, but for rifle, the 3 I use the most are:

IMR4895
IMR4064
Varget

Toss in some IMR4350, when you can find it. Right now, I'm working up some loads for my 6.5 Swede using IMR 4007 SSC and H4831 if the 4350 continues to be scarce. I still have a couple of cans of Reloader 19 & 22 that I need to find a use for. A buddy of mine gave me 3 unopened cans of Winchester 760, which should be good for many of my 30cal loads.

I've been trying to consolidate my powder usage lately, but with the current shortages, I'll have to go back to experimenting.

[Chuck 100 yd]

1F , 2F ,3F ,

[Tycer]

Clays, Unique, 3031

[Tycer]

Clays, Unique, 3031

[Old Savage]

Unique, 2400, 4064 would be better. Unique and Red Dot are too close.

[Griff]

I simply can't do it, unless I can break it down to just two: FFg and FFFg. And then some of those just wouldn't get reloaded... But, if need be, they'd be great trade items...

If you could stock only three (3) powders for the following calibers, what would they be?

Handgun - .32 Auto up to .454 Casull (remember, can shoot .45 Colt strength loads)
Includes calibers like .38 Special, 9mm Luger, .380 ACP, .357 Mag, .41 Mag, .44 Mag

Rifle: .223, .243, .270 Win, 7mm Mag. through the 30's (esp. .30-30, .308, .30-06) up to .444, .45-70 1895 model strength loads

Three (3) powders only!

[FWiedner]

For what I load, I've become a fan of 296 and 748.

Sometimes I use 2400.

[ollogger]

Just 3

blue dot ---- hand guns
varget ---- 223-243-308
RL7 ---- 30-30- 32 special- 38-55- 375 Win - 45 colt rifle

[Model 52B]

Currently, I am back to using Red Dot loads that I used 25 years ago as I found 8 pounds at a killer price. At present finding much of anything at any price can be a challenge.

However Unique is nearly as flexible in the pistol calibers mentioned above AND has much more utility in rifle calibers (I use it in my lighter .38-55, .375 and .45-70 loads, with excellent accuracy. It also works well in odd calibers like .30 carbine where you'd normally use H-110, 296 or 2400.

IMR-4064 works well in everything from .223 to .30-06 to .338 WIn Mag to .45-70. IMR-4895 is just as flexible, so I'd go with it as well.

Consequently, with that in mind, I could probably do most of my loading with *only* Unique and IMR-4064.

However, I'd probably add 2400 to the mix just to get better performance out of handgun calibers like the .45 Colt, .44 Mag, and the .30 carbine.

[Old Ironsights]

Currently, I am back to using Red Dot loads that I used 25 years ago as I found 8 pounds at a killer price. At present finding much of anything at any price can be a challenge.

However Unique is nearly as flexible in the pistol calibers mentioned above AND has much more utility in rifle calibers (I use it in my lighter .38-55, .375 and .45-70 loads, with excellent accuracy. It also works well in odd calibers like .30 carbine where you'd normally use H-110, 296 or 2400.

IMR-4064 works well in everything from .223 to .30-06 to .338 WIn Mag to .45-70. IMR-4895 is just as flexible, so I'd go with it as well.

Consequently, with that in mind, I could probably do most of my loading with *only* Unique and IMR-4064.

However, I'd probably add 2400 to the mix just to get better performance out of handgun calibers like the .45 Colt, .44 Mag, and the .30 carbine.

See, I have some Unique & Ligun, with a smidge of Titegroup, but I have close to 30lbs of 2400. I use 2400 in everything from .38/.357 to 9.3x72 to .410 to .45-70. I might reload some .45acp sometime and might need a proper .308 loading, but for 90%+ of what I do 2400 is more than adequate.

[stretch]

I think these three:

WW231
2400
H4895 or IMR4895 - those two old chestnuts still work fine.

-Stretch

[Birdman]

Accurate#5, 231, and 296.

[buckeyeshooter]

unique, reloader 7 and H4831

[AJMD429]

2400, 4895 and Unique would do a lot, but I do like the versatility of SR-4759...

[JohndeFresno]

Unique, 2400, 4064 would be better. Unique and Red Dot are too close.

Yes, it's a good observation. My reason for these tentative choices:
1) Unique loads well with almost every handgun caliber

2) Red Dot, while frequently a bit on the weak side, works in most rifle calibers - "The Load." But I have to admit that I haven't found too many Red Dot hunting loads. I currently stock lots of Unique and Red Dot and a 4064 type powder (see #3). This was a shot in the dark, and your choice is quite probably better. That's why I posted - to see what the more experienced hands are using!

3) I have a good supply of surplus powder that emulates 4064, a good deal from Powder Valley. I find a good deal of decent loads of 4064 across the spectrum of most rifle calibers. It seemed like a pretty decent choice, if I were forced to settle on only three powders.

[BrianSH]

I'd drop the Unique and go for the Power Pistol. It does everything Unique can, and its finer grained and meters better. Charles Petty has written about PP used for target loads in 45acp, and Alliant uses PP for its +P 45acp loads. Blue Dot covers 9mm and 38 Special rather well too on the low end, and does a good job in the light magnum cartridges too. I shot a very decent off hand group with a friends new Ruger 1911 loaded with 10.2 BD under a 200 grain jhp.
-Brian

[JohndeFresno]

I'd drop the Unique and go for the Power Pistol. It does everything Unique can, and its finer grained and meters better. Charles Petty has written about PP used for target loads in 45acp, and Alliant uses PP for its +P 45acp loads. Blue Dot covers 9mm and 38 Special rather well too on the low end, and does a good job in the light magnum cartridges too. I shot a very decent off hand group with a friends new Ruger 1911 loaded with 10.2 BD under a 200 grain jhp.
-Brian

Brian, compiling data now.
1) What is your 3rd choice - for rifles?
2) I read something about Power Pistol being more choosey about temperature or position; can't remember which... do you have any input?

[JohndeFresno]

Thank you, all.

Here are the unofficial poll results. But first, some provisos:
1) I didn't have a third choice of powder from BrianSH - I'll have to leave the keyboard shortly.
2) Where one entry was "all black powder," that meant 3 votes for black powder.
3) One entry was "the Dots" so I entered one vote each for Red Dot and Green Dot.
4) Old Ironsights chose 2400 for practically everything, so I gave it 3 votes.

I was surprised with the number of votes for Black Powder. Maybe that's because this is the Leverguns forum.

I am not surprised that good ol' Unique - as much as it is denigrated as "old," "dirty," and so on - still wins hands down as the best overall powder for handguns and many rifle loads.

For me, the hydroscopic qualities of true black powder and one or more of its substitutes, its explosiveness, and certainly the mess it makes - it would not be my choice for a "go to" powder in emergencies. But I understand the nostalgia, romance, fun, and so on of using this remnant from the past.

Thank you for participating! Here is the count - more or less - of the powders you included among the three powders you would want to stock up on if there were limited choices.

There might be limits to what is available in the near future. Another election is looming, ya know; and I think the handwriting is on the wall as to who will be elected and what their stance on firearms is). Let's just leave that statement alone so that this doesn't have to be moved over to the "Politics" side.


I, for one, will be pondering this to see if I should change my shelving of certain items.

(Final Edit - Responses so far up to my answer to "COSteve," Pg. 3)

[Malamute]

I think I could get by with Unique, IMR 3031 or 4895, and IMR 4350. I'd like to add 2400 or H-110 to that, but it isnt critical, and the loads I'd use them in arent ones I shoot much of. Still would be useful to have.

I was in decent shape for powders when things went weird this year, though one thing to consider, (and stocking up is good) when I couoldnd find some things I used for most stuff, I now and then saw powders I could still use in more limited applications, so I was glad for that. If one is flexible minded, you can figure out how to utilise a variety of powders fairly well. As an example, Clays Universal about duplicates Unique in most loads. I wouldnt be heartbroken if I came into some and didnt have any Unique on hand.

I for one haven't had that much problem cleaning up after shooting black powder, though I'd rather shoot smokeless in most applications. I could get by hunting and whatever shooting black, but just like smokeless in most cases. Far more loads per pound in most cases, more power in most cases, less smoke, etc.

[JohndeFresno]

Malamute, I have been considering 3031, too. It's know to be great for the .30's and there are some decent loads (I believe) for the .45-70 as well.

[Malamute]

I think its the only powder I use in 45-70, for standard vel and higher vel loads. You do about everything 3031 can do with 4895, but I'm dialed in for loads with 3031. It does fine in medium level loads in the higher power rifle loads, and is good in 35 Whelen also.

[Old Savage]

Little surprised that H380 wasn't in there somewhere - knew one guy who loaded all his rifle stuff with that.

[oldguy]

late to the party again.
imr- 4227, 4064, 4350

oldguy.

[El Chivo]

IMR 4227 and H4895.

4227 has been my most accurate for all pistol and reduced rifle loads, and H4895 for hotter rifle loads.

I was also using SR4759, but 4227 beats it for accuracy. If you consider it works for all pistol and rifle shooting out to 200 yards, it could be the only powder I'd ever need.

Holy Cow I'm almost out.

[Old Savage]

If I was going to consolidate powders I would go with a fast pistol and slow pistol and fast rifle and slow rifle for four powders not three.

[COSteve]

Done

[Malamute]

I agree with much of what you said Steve, and I'm not afraid to keep powders on hand that are more limited in use rather than more general. I think the general idea was along the lines of "If things continued to be or once again became harder to get, what would you focus on to have the most utility".

Some also just like the idea of simplifying. And to many, reloading is in fact just making loads that go bang, especially when factory loads were difficult to get. I'm not a huge fan of black for general use (its great fun at times), but if it's what I had, I'd be shooting it.

[L_Kilkenny]

1) RedDot for powderpuff to medium handgun loads. Figure it's a good compromise between the TiteGroup and Unique I currently use. Odd thing is that since I DO HAVE the other two powders I've never even tried RedDot.

2) BlueDot. My go to powder for hunting handgun loads and toying around with rifle loads.

3) While I don't load any big boomers I figure I could get by with H4895, IMR4064, H380 or Varget for any of my rifle needs. Call it a 4 way tie, pick one.

I reload for cost first, availability second, accuracy third. Not saying accuracy isn't important, while I may rank em in that order in reality it's dang close to a 3 way tie. But if forced into a corner the most accurate load comes up last. Why? Cause I can just about bet that I can come up with a decently accurate load (better than 90% of factory stuff) for just about any cartridge I'm wanting to shoot with the powders listed.

[41 Redhawk]

Universal
2400
Varget

[BigSky56]

AA 5744 for cast pistol & rifle
RL-15 rifle
2400 pistol
If I could only have one powder 5744 would work. danny

[Jayhawker]

2400 for pistols and 3031`and Varget for rifles would cover just about everything I reload for. If I could have more, they would be H4198 and Unique. I'd be all set then.

[a__l__a__n]

Bullseye
Accurate #9
Win 748

[RIHMFIRE]

Unique .....3031.......and black powder.:...universal clays for shotgun games .....

[loader]

Unique , 748 do all mine except shotgun. Red dot for 12 and 296 for 410

[JohndeFresno]

IMR 4227 and H4895.

4227 has been my most accurate for all pistol and reduced rifle loads, and H4895 for hotter rifle loads.

I was also using SR4759, but 4227 beats it for accuracy. If you consider it works for all pistol and rifle shooting out to 200 yards, it could be the only powder I'd ever need.

Holy Cow I'm almost out.

Hmmm... gotta look into this 4227!!

[JohndeFresno]

If I was going to consolidate powders I would go with a fast pistol and slow pistol and fast rifle and slow rifle for four powders not three.

As usual, your logic is sound. I considered that, but I suspected that if I asked for four, I would get 2, 3, 4,or 5 choices (!) and never be able to make a meaningful chart. And I don't do the heavy elephant killer calibers, nor would they be as likely to be used in a home survival scenario for most places in the States.

My stuff ranges from small autos up to the .30-06, 8mm Mauser, .270 Winchester and .45-70 1895 Marlin (not counting shotguns), as I suspect many here are concerned with. I personally load few hot rounds because I want the equipment to last and to be reasonably accurate. If I were to add to my list I'd probably add 2400:
Unique
Red Dot
2400
4064
...but largely because that is what I already decided I like and have stocked up on.

[JohndeFresno]

Don't see the point of the question.

Steve,

You won't see me advertising a lot of what I do. But it should suffice to say that I sincerely suspect that in my lifetime I will see a government so intrusive and controlling that I might have to make arrangements to pack up and go - somewhere - with my family. Or guard the home front with what I have, when the local store and Internet sales of components are choked out by draconian regulations. There are already several new bills pending.

I started reloading during the years of one particular Administration that was decidedly anti-gun, a while ago, for that reason. That is, I learned to reload from a survival point of view, just as I have studied other things - to be a bit more self sufficient. I have not yet really had the time to spend the hours at the range to make a perfect load for every caliber I shoot; but I enjoy my time there when I can. And the bullets do tend to travel down the barrel correctly.

And my vision was 20-20. Not too long after after I started reloading, there were those ridiculous "gun-drop" tests, requiring a separate test with paperwork and expense for each and every barrel length or even finish of the same exact handgun, before it was deemed legal in my state. It worked, and many handguns are not sold here, now, due to the trouble and expense that the factories did not want to deal with. More cleverly worded laws are coming. 'Nuff said.

I started gathering components before this latest 2 or 3 year (?) crunch - I saw it coming, too. But I don't think it wise to say, "See, I have such-and-such quantities of so-and-so stored up for a rainy day." I just like to plan and see what others think, then act. I use a pretty wide variety of powders, for the same reasons you stipulated. But I'm working on a list for a few essential ones.

[BrianSH]

Brian, compiling data now.
1) What is your 3rd choice - for rifles?
2) I read something about Power Pistol being more choosey about temperature or position; can't remember which... do you have any input?[/quote]
I don't do much with rifles, and what I shoot is divergent. 223 on the light rifle side, and 7RM on the medium side. I have not finalized on any power for these two calibres.
Power Pistol has been around since the 80's and was known as Bullseye 84 at Hercules. Now Alliant is pushing Bulleye 86 on their web site, but have no data for it.
In an older issue of Handloader, one of their writers was turing CCI, and was told thatCCI loaded more PP than all other powders combined.
-Brian

[Old Savage]

With what you list you could likely go with 4064 and Bullseye.

[JohndeFresno]

Final results, as near as I could tabulate them accurately, are on the edited message on Page 2 of this thread. Thanks, all!