powder recommendations

[tonysa13]

New to reloading. I've got all my equipment figured out and I have a good idea of the projectiles that I want to try out, but, haven't figured out what types powders I should start with. I will probably try a few combinations, but can you make any recommendations for me to get started with?

I will be reloading:
- 9mm for target shooting
- .223 for target shooting
- .223 for hunting
- 30-06 for hunting

Would I need different types of powder for each? Any recommendations or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

 

[LUTNIT]

There are some powders that work great for both 223 and 30-06 but it depends on bullet weight. If you're using heavier bullets in the 30-06 (180gr+) you are usually better served by a slower powder that may not work well for 223.

Off the top of my head, powders that will work for both:
H/IMR 4895
IMR 4064
Varget
Benchmark
H335
H414
WW760
WW748
BL-C(2)
IMR3031
CFE 223

I'm sure I missed some. Check some reloading books or the Hodgdon load data website and cross-compare the powder lists.

For heavier bullets in 30-06 the favourite is usually H/IMR 4350 which is too slow to work well in a 223; I don't know if anyone publishes data for it.
Varget is the most popular 223 powder from my observations and will work for 30-06. It's very popular so is very often sold out in the current reloading supply climate.
Some rifles like or dislike certain powders as well; it's a trial and error process as even two rifles of the same model could be different.

Personally I use H4895, IMR4895, Benchmark, WW748, WW760, H414, CFE223, and Varget in 223. I mostly plink with my 223 so am not too picky. My most accurate loads use CFE223 and H4895 if memory serves.
I don't have a 30-06 currently but have loaded for them in the past; I used H4895 as it is supposed to be equivalent to the powder the cartridge was originally developed with (and I don't use either 4350 so don't have any in my stash).

I don't reload 9mm but some of the more popular powders based on my reading are Titegroup, Power Pistol, Universal, and Unique. Pistol (and shotgun) powders are still somewhat difficult to find as they sell out very quickly when an order arrives anywhere. It's not impossible but don't expect every store to have a good selection. Call ahead to check.

 

[Melnibonean]

New to reloading. I've got all my equipment figured out and I have a good idea of the projectiles that I want to try out, but, haven't figured out what types powders I should start with. I will probably try a few combinations, but can you make any recommendations for me to get started with?

I will be reloading:
- 9mm for target shooting
- .223 for target shooting
- .223 for hunting
- 30-06 for hunting

Would I need different types of powder for each? Any recommendations or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

Yes, you need a pistol powder for pistols and rifle powder for rifles. To mix them up is to have a very large, very painful KA-BOOM in your hands and inches from your face.

Buy the "ABCs of Reloading" and read it.
Buy a few reloading manuals and read them.
Bookmark the Hodgdon web site's Reloading Center for online loads.
Ask a ton of questions here. There are some VERY smart people on this forum who have forgotten more things than you will ever remember.

As for types of powder, the question really is "What's available?". That will dictate what you use more often than not.

For 9mm, I've found Titegroup to be very good. It's one of the most versatile powders. Best accuracy with it is usually found in the mid to mid-high load levels. Infact, I also use TG in .38, .45ACP and .45LC. I also compete with TG in IPSC and IDPA.

I have 6 other pistol powder brands in my cabinet, but owing to its availability, I've been using TG more than anything else

For .223 competition (3 Gun) and hunting, I use W748 for both 55gr FMJ an 62gr JSP. I see no reason to experiment with other brands, as it's plenty accurate in my rifles and my ARs for the realistic ranges I use it at, but again, consult a manual and local availability and begin experimenting with what YOUR individual rifle will like.

I have no experience with 30-06, other than to tell you that if it's in a semi auto, you will need to use medium burning powders IIRC in order to cycle the piston properly.

For example, in .308, my M1A likes H4895 (semi auto) best and hates Varget, but my Savage bolt gun likes Varget and IMR 4064 and is so-so with H4895

 

[LouF]

See what's available and start there.I've been using W231 for years on .45 acp,.44 mag loaded as 44 special,.357 mag loaded as mild .38's and now starting .9mm.I just got an 8 pounder of W231 by luck (right place,right time)so here I go again.Rifle powder is a little easier to get so read up and pick one.