Powder Burn-Rate Reference

What burn rate means

Burn rate describes how quickly a propellant burns once it is ignited. Faster powders reach their peak pressure sooner and suit small cases, light bullets and short barrels, such as handgun and small rifle cartridges. Slower powders burn longer, which suits large cases, heavy bullets and long barrels. Powder makers publish relative burn-rate charts that list their powders from fastest to slowest, and those charts are the reference most reloaders use to understand where a powder sits in the range.

Why a chart is not load data

A burn-rate chart ranks powders against one another and says nothing about how much of a powder is safe in your cartridge. Two powders that sit next to each other on a chart can behave very differently with the same bullet and case, and the ranking itself changes from one manufacturer's chart to another because each uses its own test method. Never replace one powder with another because the two look close on a chart. Use only published load data for the exact powder, bullet, case and primer you are loading.

Where to find the official charts

This page links to the official burn-rate charts and data centers that the powder manufacturers keep up to date. Using the maker's own pages means you see the current version, and it avoids repeating a ranking that may have changed. Always check the date and the components listed in any data you use.

Reloading safely

Reloading involves explosive materials, and a mistake can damage a firearm and cause serious injury. Start at the published starting load, work up in small steps and watch for signs of excess pressure, such as flattened or cratered primers, difficult extraction or sticky bolt lift. Never exceed the published maximum. Keep records of every load, store powder and primers as the maker directs, and follow the instructions in a current reloading manual. These pages do not replace a manual, and nothing here is load data. Read our disclaimer and safety notes.