Smokeless Powder

Smokeless Gun Powder for Reloading Ammunition

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Smokeless powders, although commonly called "gun powder," is actually quite different from "gun powder." These powders are Class 1.4 (UN0509) explosives as defined by the DOT.  Gunpowder, on the other hand, is actually black powder and is a Class 4.1 (NA0027) flammable solid as defined by the DOT. 

Although the names are similar, they load, react, store, and ship quite differently. Additionally, they should never be mixed with or substituted for each other. Gun powder, or black powder, should only be used in firearms designed for it 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 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 gunpowder brands, but also Accurate, IRM, Winchester, and Ramshot. Each provide rifle powder, pistol powder, shotgun powder and black powder substitutes.

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, increase burn speed (burn rate), reduce fouling, and reduce wear on the barrel.

Smokeless powder is considered Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and is 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 increased to $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.