Starting powder selection for load development

[C-130 Dude]

Curious what you guys use as your "go-to" powder when you START a load development process. Of course it depends on the caliber.

For me, I shoot lots of .308. When starting out, I use IMR 4064.

What's your choice of powder for a new load? And what caliber do you use it for?

 

[bomberodevil]

I look on line both here and the Rokslide, searching for the bullet I want to use to maximize terminal performance at the distances I'll likely be hunting. Once I selected the bullet, I'll research commonly used powders for that bullet weight and cartridge. I'll check on Nosler, Hodgdon and Hornady manuals for recommended powders and the max charges and velocities. I'll then check back with LRH, Rokslide, and Campfire contributors to see if there's one or two powders that are more common than others.

I used to try to squeeze a round peg into a square hole, using powers that few others were using. I found I was just beating my head against the wall. If there's 50 posters loading let's say 143 ELDX in 6.5 CM, and 45 are using H4350 happily, I should probably start there.

 

[Doom2]

It's been somewhat of an evolution but originally I would look at the internet and reloading manuals for the "popular" powder. Now I use Gordan's Reloading Tool to narrow down the choices. It allows you to determine fill ratios and powder burnout, two factors that are important but are difficult to determine from just reloading data.

 

[C-130 Dude]

It's been somewhat of an evolution but originally I would look at the internet and reloading manuals for the "popular" powder. Now I use Gordan's Reloading Tool to narrow down the choices. It allows you to determine fill ratios and powder burnout, two factors that are important but are difficult to determine from just reloading data.

Good. But what's your go-to starting powder for the caliber your loading for?

 

[bomberodevil]

Good. But what's your go-to starting powder for the caliber your loading for?

I've also tried to simplify my life. I have likely 15-20 different rifle powders, but I'm really only using H4350, H4831, IMR7828.

 

[Hydra6]

I shoot a lot of PRS calibers. The load data, powder, brass, projectile, primer tribal knowledge is there - easy. Of course, there are always rebels that want to be different but I just use the "known" solutions. I started with 65 Creedmoor = 140s, H4350. Then 6XC = 115 DTACs with H4350. Now, 6 Dasher = 105 Hybrids with Varget. 223 bolt gun = 75 ELDM loaded AICS mag length with TAC. I normally just use factory ammo for hunting - normally Hornady Precision Hunter in 280AI.

 

[C-130 Dude]

I've also tried to simplify my life. I have likely 15-20 different rifle powders, but I'm really only using H4350, H4831, IMR7828.

And what calibers are you using for each? Are these powders starting powders? Or are your loads dialed to the point that your done with load development?

 

[K.E.C. Darkside]

Typically what I do after I decided what caliber and bullet weight. I will look through various manuals and write the powders min and max charges for each one on a legal size tablet. This is the powder that I have and want to use.
Then I go through all the data I wrote down and usually my discernment ( gut) tells me which one. Works for me.
If a powder dosen't work out, I look for another.

 

[bomberodevil]

And what calibers are you using for each? Are these powders starting powders? Or are your loads dialed to the point that your done with load development?

6.5 CM, bullet weights 140-147, H4350.
270 Win, bullet weights 130-145, H4350 for 130, H4831 for 145
30.06, bullet weights 165-180, H4831
280 AI, bullet weights 160-162, H4831

I've tried IMR 4350, IMR 4831, IMR 4064, W 760, StaBall 6.5, R22, SuperPerformance, and others. I'm staying with the Hodgdon for temperature stability and accuracy.

 

[C-130 Dude]

Typically what I do after I decided what caliber and bullet weight. I will look through various manuals and write the powders min and max charges for each one on a legal size tablet. This is the powder that I have and want to use.
Then I go through all the data I wrote down and usually my discernment ( gut) tells me which one. Works for me.
If a powder dosen't work out, I look for another.

But what's your go to powder when you start out?

 

[Hydra6]

It gets more complicated during times of shortage. Varget and H4350 were unicorns for a while. Staball 65 became my H4350 alternative. AA2520 and N140 became Varget alternatives.

 

[C-130 Dude]

6.5 CM, bullet weights 140-147, H4350.
270 Win, bullet weights 130-145, H4350 for 130, H4831 for 145
30.06, bullet weights 165-180, H4831
280 AI, bullet weights 160-162, H4831

I've tried IMR 4350, IMR 4831, IMR 4064, W 760, StaBall 6.5, R22, SuperPerformance, and others. I'm staying with the Hodgdon for temperature stability and accuracy.

Thanks

 

[C-130 Dude]

It gets more complicated during times of shortage. Varget and H4350 were unicorns for a while. Staball 65 became my H4350 alternative. AA2520 and N140 became Varget alternatives.

For what calibers? What's your powder when you first start load development for each caliber?

 

[just_jon]

I generate a propellant table in QL to identify powders capable of reaching max pressure with a fill rate of 100% or less. Nothing worse that picking a powder and finding you cannot get it all in the case. That said, I do have several go to powders:

17 Rem: IMR 8208 XBR or Hodgdon BL-C (2)
204 Ruger: IMR 8208 XBR or Hodgdon BL-C (2)
22-250: IMR 4064
22-250AI: IMR 8208 XBR or VVN140
243: IMR 3031
6mm Rem: IMR 3031
25-06: Varget
250AI: IMR 4350
257AI: IMR 4350
260 Rem: IMR 4064
6.5CM: Reloder 16
270 Win: H4831
280AI: H100V
7 STW: Reloder 26
30-06: IMR 4064
300WM: Reloder 26
35 Whelen and Whelen AI: IMR 4064