In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
powder inventory
nemesisenforcer
Member Posts: 10,513 ✭✭✭
trying to pare down my powder inventory. Here's what I'm thinking of as a short list for a "do it all" line of powders:
Varget
IMR 4007 SSC
Reloader 15
Reloader 19 or 22
Hybrid 100V
4831
4350
Haven't made up my mind on IMR or Hodgdon on the last 2.
EDIT: I might fore-go 4831 and/or 4350 since 100V fits right in between them on burn rate and seems to give similar (if not better) velocities. I also think I've settled on R19 rather than 22.
For pistols, I use Unique or Green Dot and have no plans to diversify unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Input?
Varget
IMR 4007 SSC
Reloader 15
Reloader 19 or 22
Hybrid 100V
4831
4350
Haven't made up my mind on IMR or Hodgdon on the last 2.
EDIT: I might fore-go 4831 and/or 4350 since 100V fits right in between them on burn rate and seems to give similar (if not better) velocities. I also think I've settled on R19 rather than 22.
For pistols, I use Unique or Green Dot and have no plans to diversify unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Input?
Comments
I've never tried Hybred 100V although I've thought about it. What do you use it for? Obviously you get good results if you're considering it for your "short list".
I've never used it myself either, but reviews I've seen give it high marks. It would seem to be good for some of the magnum type cases and some overbore non-mags.
Unique
IMR 4198
Varget
IMR 4895
IMR 4350
IMR 4831
RE-19
Bullseye
Red Dot
4759
4198
4895
4350
FFG
FFFG
FFFFG
That covers pretty much any application.
I have a lot on the shelf but could make do with 2 if I had to- Red Dot and 4895. As is, my short list, if I were to cull everything I don't really use much, would include:
Bullseye
Red Dot
4759
4198
4895
4350
FFG
FFFG
FFFFG
That covers pretty much any application.
Hodgdon or IMR and what is FFG, etc.?
quote:Originally posted by jonk
I have a lot on the shelf but could make do with 2 if I had to- Red Dot and 4895. As is, my short list, if I were to cull everything I don't really use much, would include:
Bullseye
Red Dot
4759
4198
4895
4350
FFG
FFFG
FFFFG
That covers pretty much any application.
Hodgdon or IMR and what is FFG, etc.?
Ahm, I could go with either Hodgdon or IMR especially that one company now owns both. Slight preference for IMR as that's the one I have more experience with.
What's FFG, FFFG, etc????????????????? Really??? It's the granulation of black powder! I'm sorry, I took it for granted that anyone in the reloading game would know that or I would have explained further. FFFFG is for flintlock priming pans, FFFG is for guns under .50 cal, FFG is for .50 and up, and FG is for cannon and such. There's also 1 1/2G that's good for cartridge reloading, though I've never found the need for it.
One fast handgun/shotgun
One medium handgun/shotgun
One slow handgun/fast rifle
One medium rifle
One slow rifle
Note that some cartridges might not be optimal - we aren't talking the single best powder for every cartridge we load, just something usable.
My list would be something like Clays, Universal Clays, 4227, RL-15 and 4831. But you could substitute a dozen or more powders for each of those choices and still fit the pattern.
And you really only need one in that bracket of "fast pistol/shotgun."
You need some IMR 4064 in there.
tried it, not overly impressed with it.
For a fast powder, I think I'll add 4895 and drop 4831 and/or 4350 since 100V is right in between them on the spectrum, assuming it turns out to be as good as it other people say it is.
Input?
I would tell you that you need WW 231 for target work with handguns, but since you don't like IMR 4064, I won't waste my breath. BTW, I have seen and shot smaller groups using IMR 4064 than any other powder. Beating out Varget and RL 15, of which I am a big fan. But then again, maybe you are narrowing your powders down based on universal appeal and not strictly target use.
For pistols, I use Unique or Green Dot and have no plans to diversify unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Input?
I would tell you that you need WW 231 for target work with handguns, but since you don't like IMR 4064, I won't waste my breath. BTW, I have seen and shot smaller groups using IMR 4064 than any other powder. Beating out Varget and RL 15, of which I am a big fan. But then again, maybe you are narrowing your powders down based on universal appeal and not strictly target use.
Pretty much. I can't shoot well enough to notice a huge difference in my group sizes no matter what powder I use, though bullet selection does make a difference FWIW. I'm also looking for those powders that give top velocity in their class for what I shoot, since all else being equal, I want the most bang for my buck and those powders seem to fit the bill.