Rifle powder for shotgun loads

sadams · October 1, 2014, 10:45 AM

I know, as fast burning powders, that some pistol and shotgun powders can be used interchangeably, and that rifle powder burns much slower. I know that it would be a terribly bad idea to load rifle cartridges with fast powders, but could you get away with loading shotgun shells with rifle powder? Obviously not optimum, but for short range, home defense type use where accuracy, trajectory, etc are not a concern, would it be safe? I have alot more IMR 4895 and 4064 than I will ever use for rifle loading. Just wondered. Thanks

griz · October 1, 2014, 11:01 AM

No. Rifle powders in that range burn at too high a pressure to be usable in a shotgun. My guess would be that you couldn't even make a load that would reliably get the shot out of the barrel without exceeding safe pressures.

Jimro · October 1, 2014, 12:58 PM

IMR 4895 and 4064 are not suitable for any shot shell loads.

I'm sure you can find someone willing to trade pound for pound with a suitable pistol/shotgun powder in your local area.

Jimro

October 1, 2014, 10:45 AM	#1
sadams Junior Member Join Date: October 1, 2014 Posts: 4	Rifle powder for shotgun loads I know, as fast burning powders, that some pistol and shotgun powders can be used interchangeably, and that rifle powder burns much slower. I know that it would be a terribly bad idea to load rifle cartridges with fast powders, but could you get away with loading shotgun shells with rifle powder? Obviously not optimum, but for short range, home defense type use where accuracy, trajectory, etc are not a concern, would it be safe? I have alot more IMR 4895 and 4064 than I will ever use for rifle loading. Just wondered. Thanks

October 1, 2014, 12:58 PM	#3
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	IMR 4895 and 4064 are not suitable for any shot shell loads. I'm sure you can find someone willing to trade pound for pound with a suitable pistol/shotgun powder in your local area. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

October 1, 2014, 11:01 AM	#2
griz Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2000 Location: Middle Peninsula, VA Posts: 1,588	No. Rifle powders in that range burn at too high a pressure to be usable in a shotgun. My guess would be that you couldn't even make a load that would reliably get the shot out of the barrel without exceeding safe pressures.