Gun powder

Gun powder — smokeless powder for reloading — is the engine of every handloaded cartridge, the component that turns brass, primer, and bullet into a precise, repeatable round. Choosing the right powder and the right charge is the heart of reloading: it determines velocity, pressure, accuracy, and safety. Whether you’re loading match-grade rifle ammo, bulk pistol practice rounds, or heavy magnum hunting loads, the powder you pick has to match the cartridge, the bullet, and the published load data. This page walks through powder types, why burn rate matters, popular choices by application, and how to store and buy powder safely.

Tatted Tacticals stocks reloading powder from Hodgdon, IMR, Alliant, Winchester, Accurate, and Vihtavuori — pistol, rifle, shotshell, and magnum powders, in 1 lb and 8 lb containers. Pair it with quality reloading brass, primers, and bullets for a complete handloading bench.

Powder Types: Ball, Extruded, and Flake

Smokeless powders come in three physical forms, and each meters and burns a little differently. Ball (spherical) powders flow smoothly through powder measures and meter consistently, making them popular for high-volume loading. Extruded (stick) powders, shaped like tiny cylinders, are favored for rifle accuracy but can bridge in a measure. Flake powders, common in pistol and shotshell loads, are fast-burning and bulky. None is universally “best” — the right form depends on the cartridge and the load data you’re following.

Burn Rate Is Everything

The single most important property of a powder is its burn rate — how quickly it converts to gas. Fast-burning powders suit small-capacity, low-pressure cartridges like pistol rounds and light shotshells; slow-burning powders suit large-capacity, high-pressure cartridges like rifle magnums. Use a powder too fast for a big case and you’ll spike pressure dangerously; too slow for a small case and you’ll get poor velocity and unburned powder. This is why you never substitute one powder for another or guess at a charge — always use a published recipe from a reputable manual or the powder maker’s data for your exact cartridge, bullet, and powder.

Popular Powders by Application

Reloaders gravitate to proven powders for each job.

These match the cartridges in our catalog — for example, Varget and CFE 223 are mainstays for .223 and .308 handloads, while H110 is the go-to for full-power .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum loads. Always confirm your charge against current published data.

How Much Powder Per Pound

There are 7,000 grains in a pound of powder, so a pound’s worth of rounds depends entirely on charge weight. A 5-grain pistol charge yields roughly 1,400 rounds per pound; a typical 45-grain rifle charge yields about 155 rounds per pound; a heavy 70-grain magnum charge yields around 100. That math is why high-volume pistol shooters favor efficient fast powders and why buying powder in 8 lb jugs lowers cost for those who load a lot.

Safe Storage and Handling

Smokeless powder is a propellant, not a high explosive — it burns rapidly rather than detonating — but it must be stored responsibly. Keep powder in its original labeled container, in a cool, dry place away from heat, sparks, and open flame, and stored separately from primers. Never decant powder into unmarked containers, and never mix powders. Many jurisdictions and fire codes limit how much powder you may store at home, so check your local rules. Following safe storage protects your home and preserves the powder’s consistency.

Buying Powder Online

Smokeless powder ships as a hazardous material, which adds a hazmat fee per order — so buying multiple pounds at once spreads that cost. Some states and localities restrict shipment or quantity, and ground-only shipping applies. For load recipes, rely on published data such as SAAMI-aligned manuals and the manufacturers’ own resources like the Hodgdon reloading data center — never internet guesses. Confirm shipping eligibility to your address and review our shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

Reloading Powder — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gun powder for reloading?

There’s no single best powder — the right one depends on your cartridge, bullet, and goal. Versatile favorites include Hodgdon Varget for rifle, Alliant Unique for pistol and shotshell, and H110/W296 for magnum handguns. The best choice is whatever the published load data lists for your exact combination and gives the accuracy and velocity you want. Always match the powder to the recipe, not the other way around.

How many grains are in 1 lb of reloading powder?

There are 7,000 grains in one pound of powder. Since charge weights are measured in grains, this number lets you calculate how many rounds a pound will load: divide 7,000 by your charge weight. It’s the fundamental figure behind reloading economics and inventory planning.

How many bullets will 1 lb of powder make?

It depends on charge weight. A light 5-grain pistol charge makes roughly 1,400 rounds per pound, a typical 45-grain rifle charge about 155, and a heavy 70-grain magnum charge around 100. Pistol loading is far more economical on powder than rifle loading, which is why high-volume handgun reloaders get the most rounds per pound.

Why is reloading powder so expensive now?

Powder prices and availability have been driven by surges in demand, supply-chain constraints, and hazmat shipping costs. When demand spikes, powder is often among the first components to sell out and the slowest to return. Buying in larger 8 lb containers when available lowers the per-pound and per-shipment cost, since the hazmat fee is charged per order.

Can I substitute one powder for another in a load?

No — never. Powders differ dramatically in burn rate, and substituting one for another at the same charge weight can cause dangerous overpressure. Always use a published recipe developed for your specific powder, bullet, and cartridge, and start at the listed starting charge. When in doubt, consult a current reloading manual or the powder maker’s published data.

Can you buy reloading powder online?

Yes, in most areas, though it ships as hazardous material with a hazmat fee and ground-only delivery, and some states and localities restrict it. Buying several pounds per order spreads the hazmat cost. Confirm shipping eligibility to your address before ordering, and always store and use powder according to safe-handling guidelines.