In the specialized field of sub-gauge shotshell reloading, few propellants have made as significant an impact as Alliant 20/28. As the name suggests, this powder was specifically engineered to dominate the 20 gauge and 28 gauge target markets, providing a modern, cleaner-burning alternative to traditional “all-purpose” mid-range flakes. For decades, reloaders relied on venerable powders to fill these hulls, but as hull designs evolved and competitive shooters demanded higher levels of consistency, the need for a dedicated sub-gauge propellant became undeniable. Alliant 20/28 was the answer to that demand, offering a specialized burn rate that maximizes performance in the specific pressure windows of small-bore shotguns.
The development of Alliant 20/28 represent a shift toward high-efficiency ballistics. In 28 gauge specifically, where case volume is limited and pressures can climb quickly with the wrong propellant, Alliant 20/28 provides a smooth pressure curve that ensures consistent patterns and reliable wad column performance. Beyond the technical specs, this powder has gained a loyal following for its “reloader-friendly” characteristics, such as its ability to meter exceptionally well through standard bushings and its noticeable reduction in residue compared to older formulas. This guide provides an in-depth technical analysis of Alliant 20/28, exploring its chemical nature, its behavior across environmental extremes, and its practical application at the loading bench.
- Main Application – 20 gauge and 28 gauge target and light field loads
- Key Advantage – Superior cleanliness and specialized sub-gauge efficiency
- Burn Rate Position – Medium-Fast (Shotshell specific)
- What This Guide Covers – Technical profile, lot-to-lot density management, and equipment compatibility
Best For: Serious competitive skeet and sporting clays shooters who reload 20 gauge and 28 gauge in high volume.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Alliant 20/28 is a double-base smokeless powder that utilizes a flake geometry optimized for mid-pressure applications. By incorporating both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, Alliant engineers have created a propellant with high energy density, which is critical for the small internal volumes of 28 gauge hulls. Unlike some older double-base powders that can be “sooty” when loaded at target pressures, Alliant 20/28 features advanced deterrents and surface coatings that promote a complete, residue-free burn. This is particularly important for shooters using semi-automatic sub-gauge shotguns, where carbon buildup in the gas system can lead to cycling failures during a long match.
The physical nature of Alliant 20/28 is a uniform dark gray flake. While it shares some visual similarities with other Alliant propellants, its thickness and diameter are precision-cut to flow consistently through the narrow drop tubes of sub-gauge reloading presses. This design choice addresses a common frustration with larger-flake powders that can occasionally “bridge” or clump when dropping into the small diameter of a 28 gauge wad. By ensuring a fluid flow, Alliant 20/28 allows for the high-speed production of target ammunition that meets the strict velocity requirements of competitive shooting.
Pros
- Specifically tuned for the unique internal ballistics of 20 and 28 gauge hulls
- Extremely clean burning, keeping actions and barrels free of excessive fouling
- High energy density allows for standard velocities with lower charge weights
- Excellent metering consistency in progressive shotshell presses
- Provides a softer felt recoil impulse compared to faster-burning alternatives
Cons
- Highly specialized; not suitable for 12 gauge or heavy magnum loads
- Limited crossover application in handgun cartridges compared to more “universal” powders
- Requires specific sub-gauge wads to maintain proper stack heights
- More sensitive to lot-to-lot density variations than some spherical propellants
- Can be difficult to find in 1-pound canisters during peak hunting and competition seasons
Technical Characteristics
The technical specifications of Alliant 20/28 reflect its role as a high-performance specialist. Its density is calibrated to provide the ideal case fill for standard target payloads, preventing the “dished-in” crimps that can occur with powders that are too dense.
| Feature | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder |
| Powder Type | Double-Base |
| Grain Shape | Flake |
| Relative Burn Rate | Medium-Fast (Shotshell tier) |
| Density (VMD) | Approximately 0.1300 cc/gr |
| Primary Application | 20 and 28 Gauge Target |
| Secondary Application | Light 20 Gauge Field Loads |
In practice, the VMD (Volume Measure Density) of Alliant 20/28 is designed to occupy a significant portion of the hull’s capacity without being bulky. This balance is critical for the 28 gauge, where the powder charge must support the shot column at exactly the right height for a perfect six-point or eight-point crimp. If the powder is too dense, the shot column sits too low; if it is too light, the crimp will bulge. Alliant 20/28 strikes this balance with a level of precision that makes it the preferred choice for those using premium hulls like the Remington STS or Winchester AA.
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
A primary concern for any competitive shooter is how their ammunition will perform in varying weather conditions. Alliant 20/28 was engineered with a robust chemical stabilizer package to ensure that its burn rate remains consistent from the freezing temperatures of a winter sporting clays course to the blistering heat of a mid-summer skeet championship. While no powder is completely immune to temperature effects, Alliant 20/28 exhibits a very linear pressure-to-velocity relationship. This means that even if a small velocity shift occurs, it is predictable and does not result in dangerous pressure spikes in the thin-walled barrels of sub-gauge shotguns.
In the relative burn rate hierarchy, Alliant 20/28 sits in the mid-range neighborhood, slightly slower than Alliant Unique but faster than Alliant Herco. This positioning is the secret to its success in sub-gauge platforms. While Alliant Unique was the traditional “go-to” for these gauges, Alliant 20/28 provides a more efficient burn specifically tailored to the pressures generated by 7/8 oz (20 gauge) and 3/4 oz (28 gauge) payloads. When compared to a highly stable benchmark like Hodgdon Universal, Alliant 20/28 often delivers slightly more bulk, which many reloaders find easier to manage for consistent crimping.
The burn rate also influences the perceived recoil. Because Alliant 20/28 has a slightly more sustained pressure peak than ultra-fast target powders, the “push” felt by the shooter is often described as a soft shove rather than a sharp snap. For the 28 gauge shooter using a lightweight over-under, this reduction in fatigue can be the difference between a winning score and a disappointing finish.
Powder Comparison
To properly evaluate Alliant 20/28, it must be compared against the other mid-range propellants that reloaders might consider for sub-gauge use. Each of these powders has a distinct personality and performance profile.
| Powder | Relative Burn Rate | Density | Primary Cartridges |
| Alliant 20/28 | Medium-Fast | Medium | 20 Ga, 28 Ga |
| Alliant Unique | Medium | Medium | 20 Ga, 45 ACP |
| Hodgdon Universal | Medium | High | 20 Ga, 28 Ga, 9mm Luger |
| Alliant Pro Reach | Medium-Slow | Medium | High-Velocity 20 Ga |
| Alliant Herco | Medium | Low | Heavy 20 Ga Field |
While Alliant Unique is the “Old Reliable” of the group, Alliant 20/28 is the modern specialist. It is cleaner and meters with greater precision. Hodgdon Universal is its closest modern competitor, but many users find that the flake size of Alliant 20/28 is better suited for the specific hulls and wads used in 28 gauge. Alliant Pro Reach is a slower alternative designed specifically for those wanting to push 20 gauge payloads to higher velocities than standard target loads.
Performance, Metering & Equipment
The metering behavior of Alliant 20/28 is one of its strongest selling points. In high-volume progressive presses like the Dillon XL 750 review or a specialized MEC 9000, the powder flows with a fluid-like consistency that is rare for a flake propellant. The flakes are large enough to prevent leaking through the gaps in a powder bar but small enough to settle uniformly in the bushing. This results in extremely low standard deviations in velocity, which is a prerequisite for long-range target consistency.
When using equipment like the MEC 1090 powder drop, reloaders should maintain a consistent rhythm. Alliant 20/28 is sensitive to the “settling” effect that occurs when a press sits idle. For the best results, the first two or three charges after a pause should be cycled back into the hopper. Additionally, because sub-gauge hulls are small, static electricity can be a factor in dry environments. Using a grounded press or anti-static wipes on the powder reservoir can ensure that every flake of Alliant 20/28 makes it into the hull rather than clinging to the drop tube.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The mission of Alliant 20/28 is clear: target mastery in 20 and 28 gauge. While it can be used for some light field applications, its heart is on the skeet field.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 20 Gauge | 7/8 oz Skeet and Sporting Clays loads |
| 28 Gauge | 3/4 oz Premium Skeet and Target loads |
| 20 Gauge (Light) | 3/4 oz “Low Recoil” training loads |
| 28 Gauge (Field) | 3/4 oz Upland loads for Quail and Dove |
In the 20 gauge, Alliant 20/28 produces 1,200 FPS target loads with roughly 15.5 to 16.5 grains of powder, depending on the hull and primer. This efficiency is excellent for those loading by the case. In the 28 gauge, it is arguably the best powder ever made for the 3/4 oz payload, providing the perfect internal volume to support the wad and shot without the need for filler cards or excessive wad pressure. While not listed as a primary handgun powder, some reloaders have successfully used it in 45 ACP target loads, though this is a secondary use that requires careful adherence to specific data.
Bullets (Lead Shot)
In the sub-gauge world, the “bullet” is the lead shot column. Alliant 20/28 is designed to work with high-quality hard lead shot, typically sizes 8, 8-1/2, and 9 for target use. Because the 28 gauge is so sensitive to pellet deformation, the smooth ignition of Alliant 20/28 is a major benefit, as it helps preserve the spherical shape of the pellets for tighter, more uniform patterns.
| Shot Size | Application |
| #9 Lead | Skeet |
| #8 or #8-1/2 Lead | Sporting Clays |
| #7-1/2 Lead | Dove and light Upland |
Pairing Alliant 20/28 with the correct wad is essential. For 28 gauge, wads like the Claybuster CB5034-28HS (a clone of the Winchester AA-HS wad) are the industry standard. These wads are designed to compress slightly under the crimp, and the bulk density of Alliant 20/28 is a perfect match for this mechanical requirement.
Primers
Because Alliant 20/28 is a mid-range flake powder, it is relatively easy to ignite. However, in the small-bore world, the primer contributes a larger percentage to the total pressure than it does in a 12 gauge. Therefore, primer selection must be exact. The following options are frequently used in published data for Alliant 20/28.
- Winchester W209 – The primary choice for most 20 and 28 gauge recipes.
- CCI 209 – A reliable standard primer for target loads.
- Remington 209 Premier STS – The gold standard for Remington hulls.
- Federal 209A – A high-output primer used in specific cold-weather data.
- Cheddite CX2000 209 – A popular economical choice for modern hulls.
- Nobel Sport 209 688 – Often found in European hull data.
- CCI 209M – Used only in specific high-velocity field load data.
- Fiocchi 616 – A consistent European primer often substituted in Cheddite data.
The Winchester W209 is particularly well-suited for Alliant 20/28, as it provides a consistent flame front that ensures the mid-range flakes ignite uniformly, even when the powder is used in the narrow confines of a 28 gauge hull.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Alliant 20/28 is a testament to the benefits of specialization. While “universal” powders attempt to do everything, they often fall short in the nuances of sub-gauge performance. By focusing exclusively on the 20 and 28 gauge platforms, Alliant has produced a propellant that is cleaner, more consistent, and more efficient than anything that came before it. It has effectively retired older propellants in the competitive skeet community, where the search for the perfect pattern is a never-ending quest.
For the reloader, the verdict is simple: if you are serious about sub-gauge shooting, Alliant 20/28 is the requirement. Its combination of easy metering, ultra-clean combustion, and specialized ballistic efficiency makes it the benchmark against which all other 20 and 28 gauge powders are measured. Whether you are loading for a weekend sporting clays match or a championship skeet event, this powder provides the peace of mind that your ammunition will perform at the highest level, round after round.
Expert Pro Tip: When loading for the 28 gauge, pay close attention to the “crimp depth” rather than just the visual look of the crimp. Because Alliant 20/28 is very consistent in volume, a shallow crimp is often a sign of a wad-pressure issue rather than a powder issue. Ensure your wad is seated firmly against the powder – but not crushed – to allow Alliant 20/28 to reach its intended operating pressure for the cleanest possible burn.
