Page "Handloading" Paragraph 87

Powder is another significant cost of reloading, and one over which the handloader has significant control.

In addition to the obvious step of using a minimum charge, rather than a full power one, significant cost savings may be obtained through careful powder choice.

Given the same bullet and cartridge, a faster burning powder will generally use a smaller charge of powder than required with a slower powder.

For example, a 44 Magnum firing a 240-grain lead semi-wadcutter could be loaded with either Accurate Arms # 2, a very fast pistol powder, or # 9, a very slow pistol powder.

When using the minimum loads, 9. 0 grains ( 0. 58 g ) of AA # 2 yield a velocity of 1126 ft / s ( 343 m / s ), and 19. 5 grains ( 1. 26 g ) of # 9 yield 1364 ft / s ( 416 m / s ).

For the same amount of powder, AA # 2 can produce approximately twice as many rounds, yet both powders cost the same per weight.