Universal clays

[gman]

Here is a recent communication I had with hodgden FYI:
Dear sirs,
I understand that Universal Clays is discontinued and will be replaced with a new and different powder. I shoot viintage side by side shot guns (mostly 16
gauge) and relied on universal to provide low pressure loads that were easy on our antique guns. To date I have found no available alternatives. Can you give me any information on whether you will have recipes for low pressure shotshell loads available to us using the new available powders or any other powders you manufacture?
Regards,

REPLY:
Universal is by no means discontinued. It was out of production for over a year following a fire in the building which was involved in the processing of Universal. It has been back in procuction for several months now and it is being distributed through our normal distribution system. We are planning a change in the location of manufacture of Universal. There are massive transportation issues with getting powders from Australia to the US. We will begin making Universal in the plant that produces the IMR line of powders. The Universal made in this plant will be exactly the same in performance and density as Universal from Australia. This change should help ease the high demand for Universal by producing much higher amounts of powder and getting it to market faster.

Mike Daly
Hodgdon Family of Fine Propellants
Hodgdon Smokeless Powder
IMR Powder Company
Winchester Smokeless Propellants
GOEX Blackpowder