

Some manuals which provide load data can be bought as well, though I have never felt the need to purchase them. With the assistance of the internet, load data has never been more available than it is now. I have always used the freely provided load data from the gunpowder distributors.

Most modern load data will also list the specific bullet and primer being used. They will be specific to at least the cartridge, bullet weight, and the weight of the powder charge. Load Data: Load data are the recipes published by manufacturers of gunpowder and bullet makers in the firearms industry. The goal is to explain how I integrate these ideas into powder selection. None of the below information is meant to replace the safety warnings contained in a reloading manual. Before I list my five favorite powders below let me explain some basic concepts which help guide my choices. Choosing a smokeless powder for pistol reloading is no exception. Some of the least helpful advice given by seasoned reloaders goes along the lines of, “I use ‘product X’ and like it.”įor me, understanding why I do something is just as important as knowing how to do it. I’ll answer that along with why they are, and why not all powders are created equal.įor those who are very new to reloading, or haven’t started yet, I highly encourage you to read this entire article, not just the selections. Keep reading to find out what my 5 favorite pistol reloading powders are. My specialty is reloading bulk pistol ammunition for competitive shooting. I started reloading just over 20 years ago before I was old enough to go to the store and buy ammunition. And sometimes, with so many options available, it can be a confusing first step for a new reloader. Since no one powder is suitable for every application, knowing what powder to use is important for both function and safety.

The three consumable components that every reloader needs to purchase are bullets, primers, and smokeless gunpowder.Ĭhoosing a smokeless powder for reloading pistol ammunition is a critical step. These can include cost savings, commercial availability, and tailoring a load for specific needs. Members of the shooting community reload pistol ammunition for a variety of reasons.
