So the "panic" thread got me thinking... if I were going to stock up on powders, which ones would I concentrate on? I reload .38, .357, .45 Auto, .45 Colt, .30-30, and .30-06 with occasional other stuff thrown in (.225 Winchester, anyone?).

I didn't have to think too long to come up with the following list:

* Unique
* IMR 4895
* IMR 4350

If I were going Cadillac-style I'd throw in a magnum pistol powder (say, 2400), but honestly I could live without it. I think I'd rather have an extra jug of Unique, really.

What are your thoughts?

-AaronB

back when. Now that's not to say I didn't have a shelf full of half full cans of other powders that I tried. But those are the one's I used for everything from 38 special and 9mm to 300 Weatherby.

Just looking at your list of calibers I would rather have the 2400, but Unique will work fine. I would throw in a fast powder such as Bullseye or 231 (my choice) but other than that you about have every thing you need with those few powders.

Yep it's a little dirty, but I have loaded for all my pistol calibers with it.And not arguing about Unique, I have that in abundance as well. During the 2007-8 panic all I could find in Wasilla was an 8 pound keg of red dot, a handy versatile powder as well.

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

a good list. Everyone is different.

--
Sincerely,

Hobie

I like, and use, a number of different powders. And I see no reason to change. If for some bizzarre reason I was forced to use only two, I could get by quite nicely with HS-6 and 4895.

W231, W296 and H4895

For the calibers you list, you could cut it down to two.

I could load.38, .357, .45 Auto, .45 Colt, .30-30, and .30-06 with just Unique and IMR 4895. IMR 4350 only helps you max out the '06.

I have a similar list, but don't load 30-30 and do load .303 Brit and .458WM. I could probably get by with just two also.

Bob

Stumbled onto it somehow, it's sold as 'Red Dot without the dots'. Made for bulk shotgun reloaders it supposed to be the same weight for weight as red dot. I've found with chrono'ing the loads that it's about 10% higher velocity with the same charge. So, that makes it even more economical! It only comes in 8lb jugs, and is a good bit less than an 8lb jug of red dot. It's about all I use in .38, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 acp these days.

Your powder choices cover about everything. However if the chips are down an primers are no longer available, I'm pretty sure I'd have a flintlock w/round balls and cylindrical bullets (w/my own molds) and a stash of BP to last me. I might even keep enough componets to make my own BP in a pinch.

thanks!

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

Goex fff

I would add 748 to the list. Good all around powder for rifles. But must add my new favorite. Varget. It is an awesome powder for .22 center fires and have used for 250 savage.

I'd add the 2400 and an 8#er or two of Red Dot for shotgunning.

And surprisingly...that is what i HAVE with a smattering of other stuff.

--
Reheating pizza – sheesh. Totally destroys the delicate flavor.

A Smith and Wesson beats 5 aces...

Woodswalker AKA AaronE

For pistols, Unique is a "gimmee" and I try to have several pounds on hand. I know I can use it for danged near anything but prefer Bullseye, 231, 2400 or H110 for specific applications.

Rifles are more spread out. I go through a fair amount of IMR3031 and IMR4064 along with a smattering of IMR4831, IMR4198, IMR4895, Varget and a few others. Not sure which I give the nod to if it came down to one.

Interesting post!