Choosing powders

[krallstar]

Not sure if this goes here. Has anyone used Lil Gun (Hodgdon) or ACCURATE #9 in place of 2400. Can't find any 2400 local and was wondering if these could be used instead. Used for 303 7.62x54 most of the .30's

[454PB]

I don't use it in place of 2400, but yes, it can be done. Both AA#9 and Lil'Gun are slower burning than 2400, and both are ball powders, so use caution with reducing charges.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I suggest 4227 or Accurate 5744 to replace 2400. Many ball powders have a narrower range of pressure to work consistently. Lil Gun would probably be better than Accurate #9 in that respect. It's hard to beat Accurate 5744 for cast bullets in the cartridges you mentioned.

[quilbilly]

RE-7 seems to be readily available around here these days so that might make a suitable replacement. As much as I like 5744, it has become so expensive that I only use it in a couple calibers now so one of the better replacements for me with CB loads has been RE-7. In the Lyman CB book, RE-7 seems to be mentioned in almost all bottleneck cartridges. Among the calibers I use with RE-7 and CB are 308, 30/30, 222, and 338 WM

[Yodogsandman]

I agree that Reloader 7 is a better substitute. Just have to use a little more to equal the accuracy of 2400 loads. It meters well and is available everywhere.

[marshall623]

Add another vote for RL7 . I've had very good results in 308 and 7-08 . It really shines in my 7-08 Striker with Lyman 287462's . Really want to try it in 30 Herret and 7-30 Waters . I run a few in 7tcu and they did well also.

[Mal Paso]

Accurate 5744 is probably a better powder but it is $100 more per 8# Keg than Accurate #9. 5744 is double base extruded stick like 2400 too. I sent a bunch of money to my crazy uncle in DC so it's #9 for me. I think 2400 is made on my crazy uncle's equipment when it's not doing crazy uncle projects.

I'm filling 44 Mag cartridges and use 19g of #9 where 20g of 2400 used to go. 8 pounds isn't quite 3,000 rounds. Gos fast.

[TXGunNut]

Rx7 and 3031 are pretty versatile powders for the cartridges you mentioned. Both pretty common around here. What kind of velocities are you looking for?

[krallstar]

Right now i was using power pistol @ 13 gr And getting between 1550 and 1600 fps. I get decent enough accuracy but would like to get a little more. Maybe up to 1800

[TXGunNut]

Hmmm...powder that comes to mind is 2400....and then I re-read your OP. Seen any Unique or Universal? I scored some 2400 awhile back so I know they're producing it.