Published: 2026 | Last updated: April 2026
Hodgdon Longshot is a medium-slow-burning, double-base spherical powder that occupies one of the more useful positions in the Hodgdon handgun and shotshell lineup. It was developed around heavy-payload waterfowl and upland hunting shotshells and arrived in the handgun loading community’s consciousness when reloaders discovered that its burn rate, energy density, and spherical metering consistency made it specifically effective for high-velocity 9mm Luger, 40 SW, 357 Magnum with heavy bullets, and 10mm Auto at original specification velocities.
The powder is honest about what it is and what it costs. Longshot produces significant muzzle flash and a sharp, loud report relative to target powders in the same cartridges. Both are expected and well-documented characteristics of a high-energy ball powder operating at the upper end of its intended pressure range. For a hunter who wants maximum velocity from a 357 Magnum carbine or a tactical shooter loading 40 SW at major power factor, those trade-offs are workable. For an indoor range shooter doing 500-round practice sessions, there are more comfortable options.
Understanding this trade-off from the start is how to use Longshot correctly.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Hodgdon Longshot in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Hodgdon Longshot is a double-base, spherical (ball) powder. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides higher energy density than single-base alternatives at the same burn rate position. In the heavy shotshell context where the powder must accelerate 1-1/4 oz or 1-1/2 oz of shot to hunting velocities, the nitroglycerin content is what allows adequate pressure to build in a shotshell hull that is already mostly full of wad and shot. In handgun applications, the same energy density produces velocity results that single-base powders at the same burn rate cannot match.
The spherical geometry is the defining practical advantage at the loading bench. Uniform, small spheres pack into a measure drum consistently regardless of how quickly the handle is cycled. They flow through drop tubes and dispensing mechanisms without bridging. Hodgdon Longshot meters through quality volumetric equipment with charge-to-charge variance under 0.1 grains – the level that progressive press production loading demands and that extruded powders at the same burn rate cannot reliably deliver.
Bulk density is 0.820-0.850 g/cc – moderate for a ball powder. In 9mm Luger and 40 SW cases at maximum charge weights, case fill is typically 90-95% – the range where consistent ignition and low standard deviations are achievable without reaching dangerously compressed territory. The density is also high enough that visual double-charge detection works: a double charge in 9mm Luger with Longshot approaches case capacity and is visible on inspection, unlike the situation with many lighter-density powders in the same cartridge.
The pressure curve is progressive – building more gradually than faster powders and sustaining pressure longer through 4-6 inch handgun barrels. This is the mechanism behind the velocity advantage. A powder that continues pushing the bullet further down the bore produces more muzzle energy than one that peaks early and decays, even if both reach the same peak pressure. For 40 SW with 180-grain bullets in a 4-5 inch barrel, this sustained push is the primary source of Longshot’s velocity edge over faster alternatives.
The muzzle flash from Longshot at high charge weights is significant and consistent with double-base chemistry at elevated pressures. There is no flash suppressor additive in the formula. For defensive and hunting applications where daylight use is standard, this is not a functional concern. For low-light training or duty applications where muzzle flash is tactically relevant, it is a consideration worth knowing in advance.
Strengths:
- Spherical geometry meters under 0.1 grain variance on quality volumetric equipment – reliable for progressive press high-volume production
- High energy density from double-base chemistry produces some of the highest documented velocities available in 9mm Luger and 40 SW at SAAMI-compliant pressure
- Progressive pressure curve sustains velocity development through 4-6 inch handgun barrels more efficiently than faster-burning alternatives at the same pressure level
- Versatile across shotshell gauges – documented data covers 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge heavy-payload applications
- Reliable cold-weather ignition – double-base chemistry maintains consistent ignition even in sub-freezing conditions relevant for waterfowl hunting
- Moderate bulk density (0.835 g/cc) allows visual double-charge inspection in handgun cases
Limitations:
- Significant muzzle flash – inherent to high-energy double-base chemistry at upper pressure levels, not addressable without changing powders
- Temperature sensitivity – as a double-base ball powder without Extreme series stabilizers, velocity variation of approximately 0.8-1.2 fps per degree Fahrenheit is measurable. For minimum power factor competition loads, account for cold-weather velocity reduction
- Not for light target loads – Longshot produces incomplete combustion, elevated standard deviations, and sooty residue when loaded below its minimum operating pressure range. It needs to be used at appropriate pressure to burn cleanly
- Case volume consistency critical at maximum charges – small differences in brass capacity produce meaningful pressure variation at the top of the charge range
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.820 – 0.850 |
| Grain Shape | Spherical |
| Coating | Graphite and Deterrents |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Slow Handgun / Heavy Shotshell |
| Primary Applications | 9mm Luger, 40 SW, 357 Magnum, 10mm Auto, 12/20/28 Gauge heavy loads |
Where Longshot Sits in the Handgun Burn Rate Chart
Hodgdon Longshot burns slower than Hodgdon HS-6 and approximately comparable to Alliant Power Pistol in practical application range. It is faster than Hodgdon H110 and Winchester 296, which occupy the slow-magnum revolver territory.
That positioning matters because it determines which cartridges operate in Longshot’s efficient pressure range. Standard-pressure 9mm Luger practice loads at 1,100-1,150 fps are below Longshot’s minimum efficient operating range – the powder burns incompletely and produces elevated residue at those low pressures. Longshot belongs in 9mm Luger at the upper end of the pressure window (1,200+ fps with 124-grain bullets) and in 40 SW at full major power factor velocities.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon HS-6 | Double-Base Ball | 0.950 | Slightly Faster – 9mm standard velocity |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Double-Base Flake | 0.654 | Similar – flake geometry, less metering |
| Hodgdon Longshot | Double-Base Ball | 0.835 | Reference |
| Accurate No. 7 | Double-Base Ball | 0.960 | Similar – ball powder, broad coverage |
| Hodgdon CFE Pistol | Double-Base Ball | 0.740 | Slightly Faster – CFE additive |
| Alliant Blue Dot | Double-Base Flake | 0.550 | Slower – magnum revolver, flake geometry |
| Hodgdon H110 | Double-Base Ball | 0.940 | Slower – magnum revolver specialist |
| Winchester 296 | Double-Base Ball | 0.940 | Slower – identical to H110 |
vs. Alliant Power Pistol: The most commonly compared alternative. Alliant Power Pistol is a double-base flake powder at a comparable burn rate. Both produce top-tier velocities in 9mm Luger and 40 SW at high pressure. Longshot meters more consistently from its spherical geometry – a real production advantage on a progressive press. Power Pistol produces comparable velocities and is well-documented for 357 Sig. Both produce pronounced muzzle flash. Neither is categorically better – the choice typically comes down to which meters better in your specific equipment.
vs. Hodgdon HS-6: HS-6 burns slightly faster than Longshot and is well-documented for 9mm Luger at standard and +P velocities, 38 Super, and 45 ACP. Longshot produces higher peak velocities in 9mm Luger and 40 SW from its slightly slower burn that sustains pressure longer in a 4-5 inch barrel. For standard-pressure 9mm Luger and 38 Special, HS-6 is typically more efficient. For maximum velocity in those cartridges, Longshot has the edge.
vs. Alliant Blue Dot: Blue Dot burns slower and is specifically suited to maximum-pressure 44 Magnum and 357 Magnum hunting loads. Its flake geometry meters less consistently than Longshot’s ball geometry. Longshot covers the moderate-pressure side of those magnum cartridges more cleanly than Blue Dot at reduced-velocity loads; Blue Dot is more appropriate for maximum-pressure magnum hunting velocities. The original article’s claim that Blue Dot shows “erratic pressure spikes” in cold weather is an overstatement – Blue Dot is temperature-sensitive but not erratic when loaded within published data. Longshot’s temperature stability is somewhat better, but both are double-base flake or ball powders without dedicated temperature stabilizers.
vs. Accurate No. 7: Accurate No. 7 is a double-base ball powder at a comparable burn rate with good velocity in 9mm Luger, 40 SW, and magnum applications. Its higher density (0.960 g/cc) reduces the double-charge visual detection advantage compared to Longshot’s 0.835 g/cc. Both are legitimate high-velocity ball powders in this burn rate range; published data comparison in the specific cartridge guides the choice.
The Case Consistency Note – Critical for Maximum Charges
The Expert Pro Tip from the original article about case brand consistency is valid and worth expanding. At maximum Longshot charge weights in 40 SW, 9mm Luger, and 10mm Auto, the relationship between charge volume and case internal volume is tight enough that brass capacity differences between manufacturers produce measurable pressure variation.
Different brass manufacturers produce cases with internal volumes that can vary by 2-5% within the same nominal cartridge specification. For a powder like Longshot at 90-95% case fill near maximum charge, that 2-5% volume variation translates directly to a 2-5% pressure variation – potentially several thousand PSI difference between brands at the same listed maximum charge weight.
The practical protocol: choose one brass brand, sort by headstamp, and develop loads within that brand only. Never mix brass headstamps in a single load development session near maximum charge weights. If you change brass brands for the same load, treat it as starting from scratch – reduce to 10% below maximum and work up again.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon Longshot operates efficiently at the higher end of handgun chamber pressures and in heavy-payload shotshell applications. Light practice loads at low pressure are outside its operating range.
| Cartridge | Bullet/Payload Weight | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm Luger | 115-147 gr | High-velocity +P and defensive |
| 40 SW | 165-180 gr | Major power factor competition, full-power |
| 357 Magnum | 125-180 gr | Target and hunting loads |
| 10mm Auto | 155-200 gr | Original-specification full-power loads |
| 45 ACP | 185-230 gr | +P high-velocity applications |
| 12-Gauge | 1-1/4 oz to 1-1/2 oz | Heavy hunting and waterfowl loads |
| 20-Gauge | 1 oz | High-velocity field loads |
| 28-Gauge | 3/4 oz | Maximum-velocity field loads |
The 10mm Auto at original-specification velocities is one of Longshot’s most compelling applications. The “original spec” 10mm – 200-grain at 1,200 fps – exceeds what most handgun powders can achieve cleanly in the 10mm case. Longshot’s sustained pressure curve is one of the few that extracts that velocity reliably at standard-primer charge weights, without requiring the absolute maximum charge weights that can cause case preparation problems.
The heavy shotshell applications are where Longshot was designed and where its data coverage is deepest. For waterfowl hunters loading 1-1/4 oz and 1-1/2 oz bismuth or steel loads at 1,300-1,450 fps, Longshot is specifically the correct powder – fast target powders produce dangerous pressure with these heavy payloads, while slower magnum powders may not fully burn in standard-length hulls. Longshot is calibrated for this specific application.
Have you loaded Hodgdon Longshot? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy nodes, muzzle flash behavior, or case consistency issues helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Bullets
Hodgdon Longshot produces best results with jacketed bullets at the heavier end of the weight range for each caliber. Light bullets generate inadequate start pressure for the powder’s operating range, producing elevated standard deviations and sooty residue from incomplete combustion.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | Sports Master | 124-147 gr | 9mm Luger | High-Velocity Defense |
| Hornady | XTP | 147 gr | 9mm Luger | Precision Defense |
| Sierra | Sports Master | 165-200 gr | 40 SW / 10mm | Full-Power Competition |
| Hornady | XTP | 158-180 gr | 357 Magnum | Target and Hunting |
| Hornady | InterLock | 158-180 gr | 357 Magnum | Traditional Hunting |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 185-200 gr | 10mm / 45 ACP | Hunting |
| Barnes | TTSX | 125-140 gr | 9mm / 357 Magnum | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Federal | Trophy Bonded | 165-180 gr | 40 SW / 10mm | Premium Defense/Hunting |
| Lehigh Defense | Xtreme Penetrator | 115-140 gr | 9mm / 357 Mag | Hard-Cast Defense |
For 9mm Luger at maximum velocity, the 124-grain bullet weight is the most common and most documented pairing with Longshot. Published data from Hodgdon lists velocities in the 1,200-1,250 fps range from a 4-inch barrel at appropriate charge weights – significantly faster than standard-pressure 124-grain loads and at the upper end of what 9mm Luger SAAMI +P allows. Verify against current Hodgdon published data and work up carefully from 10% below listed maximum.
Primers
Hodgdon Longshot as a dense double-base ball powder at medium-slow burn rates benefits from adequate primer brisance for consistent ignition. Magnum primers are recommended at maximum charge weights and in cold conditions below 20°F. Standard primers work at moderate charge weights under normal conditions, but the original article’s recommendation to default to magnum primers for maximum 40 SW and 9mm Luger loads is sound practice.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI 550 | Small Pistol Magnum | 9mm Luger and 40 SW maximum loads |
| Winchester WSPM | Small Pistol Magnum | 9mm Luger – high brisance |
| Federal GM200 | Small Pistol Magnum | Consistent ignition for competition |
| CCI 500 | Small Pistol Standard | 9mm Luger standard-pressure loads only |
| Federal 100 | Small Pistol Standard | Moderate 38 Special and 9mm |
| CCI 350 | Large Pistol Magnum | 45 ACP +P, 44 Magnum, 10mm |
| Winchester WLP | Large Pistol Standard | 45 ACP, 10mm at moderate charges |
| Federal 150 | Large Pistol Standard | Standard large pistol applications |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Pistol Standard | General large pistol use |
| Fiocchi Small Pistol Magnum | Small Pistol Magnum | Consistent alternative |
| Ginex Large Pistol | Large Pistol Standard | Cost-effective general use |
The standard-to-magnum primer choice has a measurable effect on standard deviation with Longshot at high charge weights. In 40 SW near maximum, the CCI 550 small pistol magnum produces noticeably tighter SD than the CCI 500 standard in most reloaders’ experience with this powder. For the moderate-charge 357 Magnum target application, standard primers typically suffice unless temperatures are extreme.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon Longshot’s spherical geometry is its primary practical advantage over comparable-burn-rate flake powders. On progressive press equipment – Dillon XL 750, Dillon RL 1100, Hornady Lock-N-Load AP – Longshot meters with the liquid-like consistency that ball powders provide. Charge-to-charge variance under 0.1 grains is routine on well-adjusted equipment.
For high-volume 9mm Luger and 40 SW production, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles small spherical grains effectively. The Mark 7 Apex 10 auto-progressive press is specifically well-suited to ball powders at volume.
One practical note from the original article: fine spherical grains can migrate through gaps in powder slides and measure assemblies if not properly adjusted. Ensure the powder slide fits snugly and the measure’s adjustment screws are properly secured. A fine-grain spherical powder that migrates can bind the measure mechanism or produce inconsistent drops between charges.
For precision single-stage loading, auto-dispensers including the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme and Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 handle Longshot efficiently. The uniform spherical grains trickle quickly through dispenser mechanisms without bridging.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for Longshot specifically. Hodgdon publishes free load data online. Do not substitute HS-6, Alliant Power Pistol, or Accurate No. 7 charge weights without independent verification.
Case brand consistency is not optional at maximum charges. At 90-95% case fill near maximum, different brass manufacturers’ internal volume variations produce pressure differences of several thousand PSI. Use a single brass brand for maximum-velocity loads and treat any brand change as a new load development requiring work-up from 10% below maximum.
Do not use Longshot for light target loads. Below minimum working pressure, the powder burns incompletely. Clean burning requires operating within the published pressure range.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.2-0.3 grain increments. Watch for pressure signs: flattened or cratered primers, stiff slide cycling or extraction difficulty, ejector marks on case heads.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is Longshot appropriate for standard-pressure 9mm Luger practice loads?
No – Longshot is too slow for efficient combustion at standard-pressure 9mm Luger velocities (1,100-1,150 fps). Below its minimum working pressure, it produces incomplete combustion, sooty residue, and elevated standard deviations. For standard-pressure practice loads, faster powders like Winchester 231, Hodgdon HP-38, or Hodgdon Titegroup are correct. Longshot belongs at the upper end of the 9mm Luger pressure window.
Does the muzzle flash present a safety issue?
The muzzle flash from Longshot at high pressure is a visibility and tactical consideration, not a safety issue in the loading or firing sense. It does not indicate a problem with the load. It is inherent to double-base chemistry at elevated pressures without a flash suppressant additive. Shooters who train in low-light conditions where muzzle flash is tactically relevant should factor this in when selecting Longshot for defensive training loads.
Can Longshot be used in 28-gauge for sporting clays?
Yes – Hodgdon publishes 28-gauge data for Longshot with 3/4 oz shot loads. The 28-gauge is a small hull and many shotshell powders are either too fast (dangerous pressure) or too slow (incomplete combustion) for 28-gauge applications. Longshot is one of the powders specifically documented for 28-gauge heavy loads. Use the complete published recipe as a system.
Conclusion
Hodgdon Longshot earns its specific reputation through a specific combination of properties: spherical metering consistency that makes progressive press production practical, double-base energy density that produces top-tier velocities in 9mm Luger and 40 SW at high pressure, a cross-application design that covers both heavy shotshell and high-performance handgun from a single powder supply, and reliable cold-weather ignition for the waterfowl hunters who represent its original application.
It is a specialist tool within that envelope. Light target loads, indoor range training where flash is an issue, and minimum-pressure applications are where other powders are more appropriate. Heavy hunting shotshells, major power factor 40 SW, maximum-velocity 9mm Luger, and original-spec 10mm are where Longshot delivers on its design brief.
Choose Hodgdon Longshot if you load heavy 12-gauge or 20-gauge hunting shells and/or 40 SW and 9mm Luger at maximum velocity from a single powder supply, and muzzle flash is not a primary concern. Choose Alliant Power Pistol if comparable velocity in 9mm Luger and 357 Sig is the goal and flake powder is workable in your equipment. Choose Hodgdon HS-6 if standard-pressure 9mm Luger and 38 Super at moderate velocities are the primary application and the reduced flash of a faster burn is preferred. Choose Alliant Blue Dot if maximum-pressure 44 Magnum and 357 Magnum hunting loads are the priority.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Hodgdon Longshot, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised April 2026. The revision added the case consistency section with specific pressure variance mechanism and protocol, corrected the Blue Dot temperature sensitivity claim, corrected the burn rate description (the article described Longshot as ‘double-base hybrid’ which is inaccurate – it is a standard double-base powder), added the minimum pressure warning for light target loads, corrected the 9mm standard-pressure application guidance, extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links, and added three community data disclaimer blocks.
