The best all around powder ?

[chris dawe]

With all the threads on various low pressure powders ,I always find myself asking the question is there one all around powder for low pressure loads that will work in all gauges ? I ask because things are just so hard to get up here....a one for all would be great !

[Double Lab]

i'm afraid that's not possible Chris. I currently reload for 4 gauges- 12,16,20 & 28 and I've got it narrowed down to 2 powders. Clays or Clay Dot for the 12, and 20/28 for the other 3.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by chris dawe

With all the threads on various low pressure powders ,I always find myself asking the question is there one all around powder for low pressure loads that will work in all gauges ? I ask because things are just so hard to get up here....a one for all would be great !

Depends on which four gauges you mean, there is a big difference between what works in a 10ga vs a 410.

[chris dawe]

Sorry should have said that ,I load for 10,12,16,20.

[Snap Cap]

Chris, it would help if you could define what you mean by low pressure loads. Are you asking about target loads or hunting and basically how much shot and what velocities do you need in each gauge?

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by chris dawe

Sorry should have said that ,I load for 10,12,16,20.

I don't think there is a perfect all around powder for those 4 gauges.

If I had to stick to one powder Green Dot would be my first choice, 700-X second choice.

GD works well with 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 10ga, 1 and 1/8 ounce 12ga. In 10 and 12ga it provides both velocity, payload and lower pressures. It does OK with 3/4 and 7/8 ounce 16ga and 3/4 ounce 20ga but pressures are high in both these gauges.

There were some older published loads for 700-X that have been taken out of print. Published loads today have pressures with 700-X in 20ga are at the max 11-12K with Federal hulls only.

[chris dawe]

Thanks for all the help ,it go's to show on this forum ...all we have to do is ask

I load the ten to 1 3/8
twelve to 1 1/8
sixteen to 1
the twenty I haven't started yet ,.but was thinking 3/4 -7/8

these would be hunting loads,I like to keep them below 9000 psi ,the ten is no tox

I fear my batch of 4756 will run out this season ,so I was proactively thinking of a replacement,

[6pt-Sika]

At the moment I use SR7625 for the Short 10 , 12 , 16 and 20 .

Now after the 10 pounds I have is used up I have no idea what I'm going to !

[Snap Cap]

Originally Posted by chris dawe

Thanks for all the help ,it go's to show on this forum ...all we have to do is ask

I load the ten to 1 3/8
twelve to 1 1/8
sixteen to 1
the twenty I haven't started yet ,.but was thinking 3/4 -7/8

these would be hunting loads,I like to keep them below 9000 psi ,the ten is no tox

I fear my batch of 4756 will run out this season ,so I was proactively thinking of a replacement,

Bill M. could you share your recipe using Unique powder for a 2 5/8' 10ga. 1 3/8oz. Bismuth load making less than 9000 psi and its velocity?


Paul could you share your recipe using Green Dot powder for a 2 5/8' 10ga. 1 3/8oz. Bismuth load making less than 9000 psi and its velocity?

I have been looking for more 10 ga. 2 5/8 non tox load data too. Thanks.

[Hammer Fan]

Originally Posted by chris dawe

is there one all around powder for low pressure loads that will work in all gauges ?

Probably not the answer you are looking for, but, I use FFFg black powder in everything from my heaviest 10 gauge loads, to my 297/230 rook rifle. You can not beat black powder for it's versatility.

As far as smokeless powder, that is going to be tough. You might be able to do it with two, or three. Picking just one will be tough.