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mike721068
What is the difference between rifle and shotgun powder? Will either work for shotshells?
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9 comments

Date Votes
  • 1KYDSTR
    There are many different burn rates for rifle powders, and a smaller range of speeds for shotgun powders. It is easier to use pistol powders and shotgun powders interchangeably as they are closer to the same fast burning end of the spectrum. Rifle powders, especially those used in the big magnums, are much slower and tend to deflagrate at a slower rate.

    One exception would be something like Hodgdon Lil Gun. It was designed for 410 shotshell, but I have found it to be THE go to powder for 22 Hornet. There is some interchangeability, but normally it is in the fast end of the burn rate spectrum and smaller cases like the aforementioned 22 Hornet; slow burners like Retumbo and IMR 4831 would never be a good applicaiton in any shotshell of any gauge. Hope that was coherent and understandable!
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  • mike721068
    would hogdon varget be ok to use in shotshells???
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  • Hawk Carse
    No.
    You BADLY need a handloading manual to give you the methods.
    Actual load data is FREE in print or on the www.
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  • mike721068
    ok well thank you for your help
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  • 11b6r
    Mike- this is not a slam- Go find a copy of the ABCs of Reloading- you may get a used copy, or check on Amazon. Read that first. Then get a good load data book. I like Lyman, but there are several. Follow the instructions and the recipe EXACTLY. While some powders, like Blue Dot or Unique are equally at home with shotgun and pistol, others are NOT changeable, and can result in rapid disassembly of your firearm, self, and innocent bystanders.
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  • EhlerDave
    Not to be rude but it you dont know what powders to use how will you know how much?

    It not really something to guess at, get a book and have a good safe time.
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  • tsr1965
    mike721068,

    Here is a website of Hodgdon's where you can look up data.

    http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

    I think you will fiond that the different characteristics and burn rates of different powders are not like a plug and play device.

    Best
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  • jonk
    While there is some interchangeability across the board, it is for very specific loads and applications. Not something for the novice to consider. Look at the Hodgdon site. If you want alliant powder they have a data site too.
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  • Oakie
    MIKE GET YOURSELF A GOOD RELOADING MANUAL LIKE HORNADY VOL 7 AND READ. IT WILL HELP YOU TREMENDOUSLY.THAT IS HOW WE ALL GOT STARTED. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY RELOADING.ITS ADDICTIVE[;)]
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