Powder Question

[bikerbeans]

If this has already been posted please just link me to the thread. 
 
If you just wanted to use only one smokeless powder for CF Rifle, handgun and scattergun which one would you choose and why?  I am thinking I would use Unique but my decision is biased because I already have a decent stockpile of this powder.
 
thanks
 
BB

[jhalcott]

 There is NO single powder for all the different callibers I have! Limiting ones choices in powder will surely cause problems IF the wrong caliber/ bullet is chosen to propell it! It would be better and SAFER to swap the unique for a more suitable powder FOR THE CALIBER in question. Plinking loads CAN be made with LOTS of powders unsuitable for serious shooting. JUST MY thoughts on this!

[cwlongshot]

Sure there are a couple powders that would work. But the trade offs FAR outweigh any possible benifit. Aside from a SHTF cenerio I can really se no reason for doing this.

The rifle is what will suffer the most as its "power" would be diminished to the point that's it's usefulness put into question.

Again, if it's all you had, yes you could do this. But here and now, I really don't see the reasoning.

CW

[Ranch13]

I can't think of a better powder than unique for the "one powder for all".
I would hope I never hit that situation, but if I did unique would be the choice.

[corbanzo]

Handgun and shotgun unique is good....  I'd have to add some 4895 for rifles though.

[stimpylu32]

If it was a case of only being able to have one Smokeless powder , Trail Boss hands down , its the closest to black powder as far as pressures go and will work on all 3 ( rifle , pistol and shotgun ) , maybe not the best = but it will work !
 
stimpy

[bikerbeans]

Thanks for replys, my thinking is along the lines of a SHTF scenario or more likely another supplier induced shortage right after this fall election.    If TB didn't stick to everything it touches it would be at or near the top of my list.
 
BB

[Larry L]

SR4759 would fill the bill on the cartridges you've got listed. But it has some drawbacks for the SHTF scenario. While you would certainly gain a lot of velocity over any max Unique loads, you're going to use a lot more of it. A 3006 case, 19.0 grs SR4759 with a 150 gr bullet gets you about 1800'ps for an example. I show Unique would only get you about 1500'ps but at 13.0 grs max. You'll get more ammo loaded with Unique but the velocity may be too low to do any good. The SR4759 can be run up to 31.0 grs with the same bullet and get you 2400'ps. But if yer in a SHTF scenario, you'll want to be packing light and the 22 mag is about as good as it gets. Hard hitting and you can carry a lot of it and not have to worry about reloading anything or carrying reloading equipment/components. Now, go git them zombies!

[lrrice]

Unique with red dot being a close second.  In a shtf situation, your not gonna be able to get jacketed bullets anyway so you'll be lobbing wheel weights and your neighbors car battery at lower velocities.  Couple of good articles on the web about both.

[RevGeo]

In a shtf situation sporting and ethical considerations go out the window. Your guns will be loaded with what ever powder you have. If killing game you'd be more concerned with getting close and probably hunting at night. Considering a rifle like the 30-06, a load of Unique pushing a 150gr bullet - either jacketed or cast - at around 1800fps will kill anything edible. You may have to be really close and shoot multiple times, but it would work.
My choice would be Unique or 2400. Both powders will do surprisingly good work in a rifle, pistol or shot gun.

[bikerbeans]

Unique with red dot being a close second.  In a shtf situation, your not gonna be able to get jacketed bullets anyway so you'll be lobbing wheel weights and your neighbors car battery at lower velocities.  Couple of good articles on the web about both.

My 45-70 BC loves Lee 405 HBs over about 12 grains of Unique.   My shoulder loves that combination as well.
 
BB

[Don Fischer]

The idea seems absurd to me. You'd have a jack of all trades and master of none. But if I had to do it, it would probably be Red Dot. First off, I have a whole lot of it, lifetime supply! I have loads for it with cast bullets in my 30-06, 308, 38 spec and 32 long. I used to have and could probably find the data again for it in 16ga and I have to think it would also work in my 28ga.
When I start thinking one powder for all, cast bullet's is the first thing that comes to mind.

[mdi]

Well, I reload my 30-30 with cast bullets with Unique. My M92 .44 Mag. shoots reloads with Unique. All my handguns have been reloaded with Unique. I haven't reloaded any shotgun ammo, but have heard of Unique working well. So, my answer for me and my guns is Unique...

[Troyboy]

I know it is not one powder but....Unique,2400 and Varget. Sorry.............................

[Richard P]

If you are preparing for ''shtf'', it probably isnt the game critters you'll have to worry about.  Here is a good place to advance the position of reverting to archery----crossbow archery, as a parallel to any firearms.  Who doesnt like silent and efficient ? 

[Ranch13]

If you are preparing for ''shtf'', it probably isnt the game critters you'll have to worry about.  Here is a good place to advance the position of reverting to archery----crossbow archery, as a parallel to any firearms.  Who doesnt like silent and efficient ?

When they come up with archery equipment capable of making oneshot stops at 600 plus yards , get back to us and give us the skinny on it.

[spooked]

Bought a mec 600jr set up for 20ga. 2 3/4" x 7/8..at a flea market..came with a half bag of shot and a bottle of Unique  50$ methinks this blindhawg got an acorn!

[twoshooter]

I think Unique is a pretty good choice, but would have to look awfully hard at 2400. I use a lot of Blue Dot also. BUT, I have loads using Unique in most of my guns. I must say that under most circumstances, there are just 3 cartridges that get 95% of all my use, a Hornet, a 357, a 500 S&W, and I guess I should add a 28 ga. I can use any of the 3 above for any of those.