Which "UNIVERSAL" Powders to stock for .223/.308/.45ACP/.30 Carbine reloading?

[Col. Colt]

Myself and some buddies are talking about getting into (or back into, in some cases!) reloading. Is there a powder, or powders that is most useful in loading more than one of the above cartridges, particularly safely or well for the gas operated AR, M1, M14?

Any crossovers with shotgun/rifle/pistol powders?

We were discussing stocking up with the most versitile components possible, for practice and hunting in lean times - like now. CC

[joem]

You might be too late to stock up on just about anything for reloading. All components are in short supply (brass, primers, powder and bullets). If you can find some 4895 or 2230 for the AR15. Pistol powders that I use mostly are AA # 2 and bullseye. AA # 9 for some magnum pistols are good for me. Good Luck on finding supplies.

[KeithNyst]

I've also seen load data for the .308 Win with H4895 and I4895

[Tuna]

If you are going to load normal rifle loads then the answer is no there is not one powder to load all of the cartridges you listed. Rifle powders for rifles and handgun powders for handguns along with shotgun powders that can be used in handguns. For the carbine H-110 or 2400 would be a good one as it can be used in some revolver loads. Powers like Bullseye or Unique can be used in both pistols and revolvers. Rifle powders for semi autos are best in the mid range burning rate like 4895 to 4060. Just stay away from the slower burning powders like 4350 up for semi autos in general. Bolt actions can use just about any good rifle powder. The first thing you should do is get a new reloading manual and read it from cover to cover. While the basics of reloading are the same, the powders have changed a lot over the years.

[Hefights]

Myself and some buddies are talking about getting into (or back into, in some cases!) reloading. Is there a powder, or powders that is most useful in loading more than one of the above cartridges, particularly safely or well for the gas operated AR, M1, M14?

Any crossovers with shotgun/rifle/pistol powders?

We were discussing stocking up with the most versitile components possible, for practice and hunting in lean times - like now. CC

Well for those calibers, IMR 4895, Varget and Reloader 15 will work well for .308 as well as .223. Many powders work well in .223, AA 2520 is a good one, and H335, BLC-2, AA 2230, W748.

.45 ACP is good with many, Bullseye, Unique, W231, Titegroup, IMR 700X, Red Dot, and a host of others too.

.30 Carbine goes toward magnum powders, H110, 2400, W296, Blue Dot and others in a similar vein.

[MJ1]

Colt, Glock and Remington factory trained LE Armorer
LE Trained Firearms Instructor

If these are your creds and your just asking the question now it asks who are you collecting this information for????

Simple 4895, 4064 and Bullseye

[Matt Anthony]

I don't like this post, he should know these things if he is a factory trained armorer!

[duke133]

When I went through the Beretta LEO armorer school, they never covered anything about reloading. I think the schools believed you're going to use factory ammo for duty purposes and not reloads. At least when I did it back in the early '80's. If he's just getting into reloading like I am, he's probably asking the questions because he doesn't know and was never told in the schools. I'm reading all the responses and posts so I can figure out what components I should use for my reloads once I finish the Lyman book and find everything I need. Please keep posting on what you use. There are some who need the instructions and advice. JMHO.

[Hefights]

I don't like this post, he should know these things if he is a factory trained armorer!

Well you may not like the post, but there is nothing wrong with answering it, we're not giving him any loads, and he still has the need to acquire a manual, and this IS a reloading forum. I've seen the Col. Colt handle around the forum, I think he may be a good member in long standing, not sure. Meanwhile, I know several avid shooters, at least up until recent months, never reloaded or considered reloading, and only purchased ammo in bulk to support their habit. So while it may seem unikely, perhaps not unheard of. It certainly is logical that now there are bunches of people wanting to get into reloading.

Two of the avid shooters I know, one is now going into reloading, the other is trying to cut a deal to have me reload some stuff for him. I may consider doing that, but if so I may consider video taping the reloading session to ensure "transparency". I could just be "the most transparent reloader in history" (now where did I hear that phrase?).

[lyman]

4064 or 4895 for rifles,
2400 for carbine,

which ever powder listed above works best for your 45 (I have had good luck with 231)