Smokeless powder, although commonly called gun powder, is actually quite different than 'Gun Powder'. These powders are a Class 1.4 (UN0509) Explosive as defined by DOT. Gunpowder on the other hand is actually Black Powder and is a Class 4.1 (NA0027) Flamable Solid as defined by DOT.
Although the names are similar, they load, react, store and ship quite differently. Additionally, they should never be mixed nor substituted for each other. Gun powder/blackpowder, should only be used in firearms designed for them, and is considered less efficient and dirtier than Smokeless Powder.
Smokeless powder is what most reloaders look for, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of different kinds, both civilian and military. Many, many powders are made outside the United States and are imported. The biggest distributor of powder in the US is Hodgdon, and they import from all over Europe, Canada and Australia. Their distribution now includes not only their own brands, but also Accurate, IRM, Winchester, and Ramshot.
Although the chemical composition of this powder is known, each manufacturer uses a slightly different formula to reduce flash, reduce smoke, stabilize storage, change shape, burn speed (burn rate) and reduce fouling and reduce wear of the barrel.
Smokeless powder is considered Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and are among the most complicated, regulation-heavy, and expensive products to ship. FedEx and UPS are the most common carriers to ship these products and they require special training and certification before you ship them. Shipping via USPS is prohibited by law. In 2022 the new civil penalties of $89,678 per day, per violation for a typical hazmat shipping violation. $209,249 per day, per violation for a violation that results in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property damage.
Below are the powders we currently supply, with those in stock sorted to the top of the listing.