Pistol powders: Fast-burning and double-based, made for short barrels. [2] X Research source Great options include Hodgdon Titewad and Alliant Bullseye. Shotgun powders: Fast-burning and double-based, made for low pressure. A popular option is Hodgdon Winchester WST. Many pistol powders are also suitable for shotguns (and vice versa). Rifle powders: Slow-burning, made for long-barrels and maximum velocity. Hodgdon H1000 is popular option. As a starting point, check your gun’s manual for a list of suggested ammunition types and compatible powders.
Hodgdon Powders Alliant Powder Winchester Powder Vihtavuori Powders
You always want to go with powder that provides the highest velocity at the lowest pressure. The ideal velocity depends on your gun and bullet type. [5] X Research source A good rule of thumb is to look for powders labelled “C” (which stands for “compressed charge”) in the load data manual (since those are likely to match your velocity needs).
Avoid buying a large amount of powder all at once, especially if you’ve never tested it before, since it can be pricey. Test first, figure out what you like, and then start developing loads in larger amounts. Avoid experimenting with powders outside of what is recommended in manuals, since this can be very dangerous. [7] X Research source
For pistols and handguns, try Winchester 231 powder. For rifles, check out Hodgdon’s Extreme line and Ramshot’s line.
Keep the powder in its original container and away from solvents. Store powder in small quantities (a few pounds)[12] X Research source Never store reloading powder near mechanical or electrical equipment. [13] X Research source Consider renting a climate-controlled storage space for large amounts of powder.
