Emergency Powder 4 Years

[PigBoy Crabshaw]

I do not reload yet, but may need to in the near future.
I"m betting that the price on loaded ammo and reloading componets will go through the roof in the near future with B.O. taking office.
So my real question (and i'm sorry if this has been asked) is there all around powder that will works well for rifles loads in 357mag in Handi/Lever and 30-30, 35Rem, 308)?
I'm not looking for the best I can get for each caliber, just good all around results in using one powder in a hunting application. In the event that ammo and componets are taxxed up the wazzo, I want to be able to reach into my bag of tricks and be able to continue at least hunting.
I'm thinking 100 new brass for each rifle choice, 2x 1lb powder, and 1,000 primers.
Thanks -g

[Mule]

I think some Goex FFg could handle that. 

I would be suprised if you find a smokeless powder that will perform reliably over that range.
I suggest you visit the powder manufacturers sites and start building yourself a spreadsheet.
When you find the magic powder, let us know.

I also suggest you begin reloading now.  Learn the craft before components beome non-existant and you have to swag.

[LaOtto222]

You are asking to cover a large difference in powder capacities. The 357 is going to take a much faster burning powder than the others. For the 30-30 , 35 Rem and 308 you MIGHT get by with IMR 4064 or a similar burning powder. These are popular cartridges, but even they vary quit a bit in pressure levels and powder capacities so the same powder will give you varying results. The 357 is much smaller in volume. I can not see a powder that will cover it and the others. By the time you buy reloading equipment, brass, powder, primers (small pistol for the 357 and large rifle for the others), bullets, etc you might be better off just buying loaded ammo and lay it back. If you think 1000 primers will last you, that is 250/round. But if you only use it for hunting and checking your scope for each season - a 100 rounds will last a lot of seasons. There are several people that have had 20 rounds last them for 5 years or more. One shot before the season to check zero and one or two shots during season. I work with a guy that has a 22-250. He does not reload, nor does he need to. He shoots ground hogs (woodchucks) and you just do not get that many opportunities around here. He may shoot 40 rounds a year - tops. If you plink with the 357 lay in some extra for that one. 357 will be your cheapest ammo to buy. Reloading really saves money, but only if you are going to be doing a lot of shooting. It can be a fun hobby, but if you are doing it to save money - you will only do it if you are going to be shooting a high volume. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[v-man]

If it's just for your "rainy day" supply I'll add that you can load ALMOST anything with 2 powders. A handgun powder like Unique or Blue Dot does well in a broad range of calibers from .380 to .45's and very effective upper mid-range loads in the magnums. As already stated the 4064, 3031 or maybe a 4895 seems to work in almost every rifle offering.

[Swampman]

Trail Boss, Blackhorn 209, perhaps IMR4227. 

[bilmac]

Blue Dot

[shootercochran]

Buy some Tripple 7.  It will load most any cartridge with minimal pressure.  You might buy FFFg 777.

Pyrodex and Goex black powder would work as well.

[Val]

I use bluedot in my 44 mag and 9MM handguns because I keep a stock of bluedot for my shotgun shell game loads. You'll need a different powder for the long guns. IMR 4064 is indeed a good all around versatile powder.

[Graybeard]

You really should plan on two not one. And if you have only two pounds of powder you sure don't need 1000 primers. There are 7000 grains per pound. Divide your charge into that to see how many loads you'll get per pound. If you are serious about staying in ammo plan on 8 pounds for the centerfire and at least four for the .357.

[PigBoy Crabshaw]

Thanks for the input. I'll need to do my homework and get to collecting my supplies. Gonna delve into the FAQ's. -g