Alliant Reloder 19

Alliant Reloder 19 has served as a foundational propellant for the western big-game hunter and the long-range precision shooter for decades. Produced by the Hercules Corporation before transitioning to the Alliant Powder brand, Alliant Reloder 19 is a heavyweight in the slow-burning propellant category, specifically designed to bridge the gap between medium-slow powders and the ultra-slow magnum propellants. In the world of high-performance reloading, Alliant Reloder 19 is frequently cited as the primary choice for standard magnum cases and heavy-bullet configurations in standard long-action cartridges.

The reputation of Alliant Reloder 19 is built upon its ability to deliver exceptional muzzle velocities while maintaining a predictable and progressive pressure curve. Unlike many modern propellants that focus strictly on temperature stability, Alliant Reloder 19 prioritizes raw energy and high load density, ensuring that the cartridge case is sufficiently filled to promote consistent ignition and low standard deviations in velocity.

Executive Summary

• Main Application: Heavy bullet loads for standard long-action calibers and standard magnum cartridges.
• Key Advantage: High energy density providing maximum velocity in “overbore” cartridges.
• Burn Rate: Slow-burning rifle propellant, positioned between Alliant Reloder 17 and Alliant Reloder 22.
• What This Guide Covers: Physical grain analysis, chemical composition, comparative stability testing, hardware recommendations, and optimized component matching for 270 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum.

Best For: Experienced reloaders seeking to maximize the kinetic energy of heavy-for-caliber projectiles in long-barreled rifles.

Powder Description & Technical Profile

Alliant Reloder 19 is an extruded powder featuring a double-base chemical composition. The “double-base” designation indicates that the nitrocellulose base is infused with nitroglycerin, a high-energy additive that increases the specific energy content of the propellant. This infusion allows Alliant Reloder 19 to produce significantly higher velocities than equivalent single-base powders at similar chamber pressures.

The physical geometry of Alliant Reloder 19 consists of relatively large, cylindrical kernels. These kernels are designed to be “slow-burning” by limiting the initial surface area available for ignition, which allows the energy to be released steadily as the bullet travels down the bore. This is particularly advantageous for long precision barrels (24-28 inches), where a sustained push is required to accelerate heavy projectiles to their full ballistic potential.

In terms of the expert “feel,” shooters often describe the recoil impulse of Alliant Reloder 19 as a firm, progressive shove rather than a sharp, violent snap. This characteristic is a byproduct of the progressive burn rate, which helps mitigate the perceived recoil in lighter-weight mountain rifles chambered in calibers like 30-06 Springfield or 25-06 Remington. However, because it is an extruded powder with larger kernels, it requires a certain level of mechanical care during the charging process to ensure kernel uniformity and case fill consistency.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Delivers industry-leading velocities for heavy-bullet loads in standard calibers.
• Pro: High energy density allows for excellent case fill, promoting ignition consistency.
• Pro: Versatile enough to cover a wide range of calibers from 243 Winchester to 338 Winchester Magnum.
• Pro: Consistent lot-to-lot performance across decades of manufacturing.
• Con: As a larger extruded powder, it can be difficult to meter through some volumetric measures.
• Con: Shows moderate sensitivity to extreme temperature shifts compared to newer “TS” (Temperature Stable) series powders.
• Con: High nitroglycerin content can lead to slightly higher flame temperatures and faster throat erosion in “overbore” rifles.

Technical Characteristics

The engineering specifications of Alliant Reloder 19 highlight its role as a high-volume, high-energy propellant. It is one of the densest powders in the Reloder family, allowing reloaders to pack significant energy into a standard case.

Property	Specification
Density (g/cc)	0.930-0.945
Burn Rate Category	Slow-Burning Rifle
Shape	Large Extruded Stick (Kernel)
Base	Double-Base (Nitroglycerin Infused)
Coating	Graphite for Enhanced Flow and Static Reduction

Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis

A critical aspect of Alliant Reloder 19 is its thermal performance. While Alliant Reloder 19 is not part of the specialized “Extreme” or “Temperature Stable” lines, it remains reasonably consistent in moderate climates. However, in extreme environments – such as a desert hunt in 100-degree heat or a late-season mountain hunt in sub-zero temperatures – Alliant Reloder 19 can experience velocity shifts.

Data suggests that Alliant Reloder 19 exhibits a velocity variance of approximately 1.8-2.4 FPS per degree Fahrenheit. For the precision shooter, this means that a load developed in a 60-degree spring environment may show signs of overpressure when the mercury climbs toward the triple digits. Conversely, in extreme cold, a drop in muzzle velocity and a shift in vertical point-of-impact are possible.

Stability Table

Powder	Stability Rating	Sensitivity (FPS Variation)
Hodgdon H4831	Ultra-Stable	0.4-0.6 FPS per Degree
Vihtavuori N160	Stable	0.8-1.2 FPS per Degree
Alliant Reloder 19	Moderate-Sensitive	1.8-2.4 FPS per Degree
Alliant Reloder 22	Sensitive	2.1-2.6 FPS per Degree

Powder Comparison

To understand where Alliant Reloder 19 sits in the current market, it must be compared against its most direct rivals in the slow-burn category. These propellants are the primary choices for calibers like 270 Winchester and 300 Winchester Magnum.

Powder	Burn Rate	Density	Primary Cartridges
IMR 4831	Faster	0.885	270 Winchester, 25-06 Remington
Vihtavuori N160	Slightly Faster	0.910	6.5 Creedmoor, 243 Winchester
Alliant Reloder 19	Subject	0.935	7mm Remington Magnum, 30-06 Springfield
Hodgdon H4831	Slightly Slower	0.890	270 Winchester, 280 Remington
Alliant Reloder 22	Slower	0.940	300 Win Mag, 7mm Remington Magnum

Performance, Metering & Equipment

The physical nature of Alliant Reloder 19 requires specific mechanical considerations on the reloading bench. Because the kernels are large extruded sticks, they do not flow with the “liquid” consistency of spherical powders. In a traditional volumetric powder measure, you may encounter “bridging,” where the sticks catch on one another and cause an inconsistent drop weight.

For hunting ammunition where a variance of +/- 0.2 grains is acceptable, a high-quality measure like the Redding Match Grade 3BR Powder Measure is sufficient. However, for precision long-range work, an electronic dispenser is highly recommended. The RCBS Chargemaster Lite is a fantastic choice for managing Alliant Reloder 19, as it eliminates the mechanical inconsistencies of manual throws.

To achieve the absolute lowest standard deviations, many experts utilize a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler to hand-finish each charge. The high load density of Alliant Reloder 19 often means that the case is nearly full; using a long drop tube helps settle the kernels, ensuring that the bullet can be seated to the correct depth without excessive compression.

Fouling with Alliant Reloder 19 is moderate. The high energy of the double-base composition ensures a relatively clean burn at higher pressures (55,000-60,000 PSI). If used in a light-load application, you may notice increased carbon residue in the bore. The use of a quality copper solvent during cleaning is advised, as the high velocities generated by Alliant Reloder 19 can increase copper wash in some barrels.

Recommended Cartridges and Applications

Alliant Reloder 19 is an incredibly versatile propellant that thrives in cartridges with high expansion ratios or those using heavy bullets that stay in the bore for a longer duration.

Cartridge	Primary Application
270 Winchester	Western Big Game Hunting (130-150 Grains)
7mm Remington Magnum	Long Range Precision (160-175 Grains)
30-06 Springfield	Heavy Bullet Elk Hunting (180-220 Grains)
243 Winchester	High-Velocity Varmint (90-105 Grains)
25-06 Remington	Antelope & Open-Country Deer Hunting
338 Winchester Magnum	Dangerous Game & Large Mammal Hunting
280 Remington	Versatile Mountain Hunting

Bullets

The slow burn rate of Alliant Reloder 19 is perfectly matched to heavy projectiles with high Ballistic Coefficients (BC). These bullets require a sustained pressure curve to overcome inertia and maintain velocity over long distances.

Bullet Manufacturer	Model	Recommended Weight
Sierra Bullets	MatchKing	142-200 Grains
Hornady	ELD Match	140-208 Grains
Nosler	Partition	150-200 Grains
Berger Bullets	VLD Target	140-210 Grains
Lapua	Scenar	139-185 Grains

Primers

Choosing the correct primer for Alliant Reloder 19 is essential to harness the energy of the large extruded kernels. In most applications, a high-quality standard primer will work, but for large cases or cold weather, a magnum primer is often preferred.

1. CCI No. 200 Large Rifle – Standard choice for 270 Winchester loads.
2. CCI No. 250 Large Rifle Magnum – Recommended for 7mm Remington Magnum in cold environments.
3. Federal Gold Medal GM210M Large Rifle Match – The gold standard for precision 30-06 Springfield loads.
4. Federal No. 215 Large Rifle Magnum – Essential for large charges of Alliant Reloder 19 in magnum cases.
5. CCI BR-2 Large Rifle Bench Rest – For the absolute lowest velocity spreads in target shooting.
6. Remington No. 9-1/2 Large Rifle – A reliable and consistent standard choice.
7. Winchester Large Rifle – Known for slightly hotter ignition that helps ignite slow-burning sticks.
8. Murom Large Rifle – High-quality international option for competitive high-volume shooters.
9. RWS 5341 Large Rifle – Premium European primer with a reputation for extreme uniformity.

Expert Verdict

Alliant Reloder 19 remains a top-tier choice for reloaders who prioritize maximum velocity and high-energy performance. While it lacks the ultra-high temperature stability of newer propellants, its ability to fill a case and push heavy bullets to competitive speeds makes it an indispensable tool for the western hunter. Its versatility across the 243 to 338 caliber spectrum ensures it will continue to be a staple on reloading benches for years to come.

For the hunter who wants their 30-06 Springfield to punch like a magnum, or the precision shooter looking to maximize the BC of their 6.5 Creedmoor bullets, Alliant Reloder 19 provides the necessary horsepower. It is a propellant that respects the fundamentals of reloading: density, energy, and consistency.

Expert Pro Tip: When loading Alliant Reloder 19 in high-capacity cases, use a long drop tube and slow the charging process. Allowing the large kernels to settle naturally in the case prevents air gaps and creates a more uniform powder column. This simple mechanical step can often cut your Extreme Spread (ES) in half, leading to significantly tighter vertical groups at distances beyond 600 yards. Always monitor for early signs of overpressure like slight primer flattening or stiff bolt lift when pushing for maximum charge weights in the summer heat.