Best Gun Powders for Reloading – Rifle, Pistol & Shotgun Powders Compared

Looking for the best gun powder for your reloading needs? Whether you load 9mm, .223, or .308, choosing the right smokeless powder is critical for accuracy and safety. This expert guide covers:

 Top gun powder brands (Hodgdon, Alliant, Winchester)
Best powders for rifle vs pistol reloading
Black powder vs smokeless powder – key differences
Powder burn rate chart explained
Where to find gun powder in stock during shortages

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 Best Gun Powders of 2024

1. Best Rifle Powders

• Hodgdon Varget (consistent .223 & .308 loads)

• IMR 4064 (classic .30-06 powder)

• Alliant Reloder 16 (6.5 Creedmoor precision loads)

2. Best Pistol Powders

• Hodgdon load data (9mm, .45 ACP – clean burning)

• Winchester 231 (versatile handgun powder)

• Alliant Unique (old-school .38 Special favorite)

3. Best Shotgun Powders

• Hodgdon Clays (low-recoil target loads)

• Alliant Red Dot (12ga & 20ga field loads)

4. Best Black Powder Alternatives

• hodgon loading data (black powder substitute)

• Goex Black Powder (authentic muzzleloader powder)

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 Gun Powder Buyer’s FAQ

 “What’s the difference between spherical and extruded powder?”

• Spherical = ball powder (meters consistently)

• Extruded = stick powder (temperature stable)

 “Can I use rifle powder for pistol loads?”

• No – pistol powders burn faster (dangerous in rifles)

 “What’s the best all-around powder?”

• Hodgdon CFE 223 (works for .223 & 7.62×39)

 “Why is gun powder hard to find?”

• Supply chain issues & high demand since 2020

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 Why Your Powder Choice Matters

✔ Accuracy – consistent powders tighten groups
✔ Safety – wrong powder can cause overpressure
✔ Efficiency – some powders give more loads per pound

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🔍 Where to Buy Gun Powder Online (Hazmat Required)

✔ FIREARMSPEDDLER (best bulk pricing)
✔ MidwayUSA (fast shipping)

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🎯 Final Verdict: Best Gun Powder?

• Rifle reloading? → Varget or H4350

• Pistol reloading? → Titegroup or HP-38

• Muzzleloaders? → Pyrodex RS or Goex