Published: 2026 | Last updated: April 2026
Alliant Reloder 19 is a slow-burning, double-base extruded powder that has occupied a specific and well-defined position in the North American hunting and precision rifle market for decades. It traces its origins to the Hercules Corporation – the predecessor to Alliant Powder – and predates the modern temperature-stabilized powder era by a generation. In the current market, where temperature-insensitive powders from the Hodgdon Extreme series, Alliant’s own TS line, and IMR’s Enduron family dominate precision rifle conversations, Reloder 19 sits apart: it is not temperature-stable, it is not coated with decoppering agents, and it does not carry any modern stability designations. What it is, consistently and reliably, is a high-energy, high-density extruded powder that fills cases efficiently and pushes heavy bullets in 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 7mm Remington Magnum to velocities that single-base alternatives at the same burn rate cannot match.
Understanding where Reloder 19 belongs in a modern reloading cabinet requires honesty about both its genuine strengths and its genuine limitations. It is not the right powder for a precision ELR competition program where seasonal consistency is paramount. It is an entirely legitimate choice for a western hunting program where maximum velocity from a 270 Winchester or 30-06 Springfield matters more than splitting hairs on seasonal velocity variation – and it has earned that role over decades of field use.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Alliant Reloder 19 is a double-base, large-kernel extruded stick powder. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose infused with nitroglycerin – is the source of its primary performance advantage: higher energy per gram than single-base powders at the same burn rate position. In 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and the standard belted magnums where Reloder 19 is most commonly used, that energy advantage typically translates to 50-80 fps more muzzle velocity compared to single-base alternatives like Hodgdon H4831 or IMR 4831 at the same pressure level.
The grain geometry is large cylindrical extruded sticks – longer and larger in diameter than the short-cut grains used in modern Enduron powders or the compact geometry of IMR 8208 XBR. These larger kernels are not a design oversight; they are what produces the slow, progressive burn rate that characterizes Reloder 19. The larger surface-to-volume ratio builds pressure progressively through the bore rather than spiking early, sustaining velocity development through the 24-26 inch barrel lengths common to hunting magnums. The practical trade-off is that large kernels meter less consistently than smaller grains through volumetric measures – a limitation that requires more careful loading technique for precision work.
Bulk density is 0.930-0.945 g/cc – high for an extruded powder in this burn rate range and meaningfully higher than H4831’s 0.860 g/cc or IMR 4831’s 0.870 g/cc. This density advantage is directly practical: in 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield cases loaded with 150-180 grain bullets, Reloder 19 reaches working pressure at charge weights that produce 92-96% case fill – a level that supports consistent ignition and low velocity spreads without requiring compressed loads to reach maximum performance.
Strengths:
- 50-80 fps velocity advantage over single-base alternatives at the same burn rate position in 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 7mm Remington Magnum – documented and consistent
- High bulk density (0.930-0.945 g/cc) fills medium-to-large capacity cases efficiently, supporting consistent ignition and low standard deviations at working charge weights
- Progressive pressure curve from large-kernel geometry sustains velocity development through 24-26 inch hunting and precision barrels
- Decades of documented performance in its primary cartridges – the load data library and field performance record are extensive
- Versatile application range from 243 Winchester with heavy bullets through 338 Winchester Magnum at standard pressure levels
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of 1.8-2.4 fps per degree Fahrenheit – the most significant limitation for year-round use. A 270 Winchester load developed at 60°F producing 2,950 fps may produce elevated pressure signs at 100°F in summer heat, and 2,730-2,810 fps on a subzero January morning. This range must be accounted for in load development
- Large kernel geometry meters less consistently through volumetric measures than smaller-grain or ball powders – hand-weighing or precision dispensers recommended for match-grade work
- Double-base chemistry produces higher flame temperature than single-base alternatives – throat erosion in 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield barrels is measurably faster than with Hodgdon H4831 or IMR 4451 Enduron
- No decoppering additive – copper fouling accumulates at the normal rate for double-base extruded powders, requiring standard bore cleaning discipline
- Not temperature-stable – loads must be developed at the maximum temperature the rifle will be used at, not in controlled cool conditions
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder (Vista Outdoor) |
| Origin | Hercules Corporation formulation |
| Type | Double-Base Extruded (Large Stick) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.930 – 0.945 |
| Grain Shape | Large Cylindrical Extruded Stick |
| Coating | Graphite (flow and static control) |
| Burn Rate Category | Slow Rifle |
The Temperature Sensitivity Reality
At 1.8-2.4 fps per degree Fahrenheit, Alliant Reloder 19 is among the more temperature-sensitive powders in common use in this burn rate range. Understanding what this means in practical terms – not just as a number on a comparison table – is the essential context for deciding whether it belongs in your loading program.
A 270 Winchester load with 150-grain bullets that chronographs 2,950 fps at 60°F will produce approximately:
- 2,830-2,870 fps at 15°F (a typical cold mountain hunting morning)
- 3,050-3,100 fps at 100°F (a summer desert or late-season high-desert condition)
The cold-weather drop of 80-120 fps shifts the point-of-impact at 500 yards by approximately 3-5 inches depending on the trajectory. For a hunter who took their rifle to the range in October at 60°F, confirmed a 200-yard zero, and is now shooting in January at 15°F, the bullet is hitting 3-5 inches low at 500 yards compared to the confirmed zero. This is a meaningful difference for long-range hunting.
The hot-weather pressure increase is the safety concern. A load developed at 60°F that sits close to maximum may show pressure signs – stiff bolt lift, flattened primers, ejector marks – when shot at 95-100°F. This is not a theoretical concern; it is a documented pattern with Reloder 19 that Alliant’s own load data acknowledges by recommending loads be developed at the maximum temperature the rifle will encounter.
The correct protocol for Reloder 19 load development: establish your maximum charge at the highest temperature you will encounter, then confirm the cold-weather velocity shift and adjust your drop chart accordingly. A hunter in the American West who loads in October and hunts through January needs two confirmed data points – one at fall temperatures and one at winter temperatures – to know where their bullet hits in both conditions.
This protocol is more demanding than loading a temperature-stable powder and calling it done. That is the honest trade-off for the velocity advantage Reloder 19 provides.
| Powder | Sensitivity | 60°F to 100°F Shift | Stability Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4831 | 0.4-0.6 fps/°F | 16-24 fps | Extreme Series |
| Vihtavuori N160 | 0.8-1.2 fps/°F | 32-48 fps | Standard single-base |
| IMR 4451 Enduron | ~0.5 fps/°F | ~20 fps | Enduron technology |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | 1.8-2.4 fps/°F | 72-96 fps | None |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | 2.1-2.6 fps/°F | 84-104 fps | None |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
Alliant Reloder 19 sits in the slow-medium burn rate range – faster than the slow magnum powders like Alliant Reloder 22 and H4831, and slower than the medium-slow powders in the H4350 class. The practical application range is 270 Winchester with 130-150 grain bullets, 30-06 Springfield with 150-200 grain bullets, and 7mm Remington Magnum with 154-175 grain hunting and precision loads.
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4350 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.860 | Faster – 6.5 CM, 270 Win standard |
| IMR 4451 Enduron | Single-Base Extruded | 0.920 | Similar – temperature stable Enduron |
| Vihtavuori N160 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.910 | Similar-Faster – single-base stable |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.935 | Reference – maximum velocity |
| IMR 4831 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.870 | Similar – traditional, broad data |
| Hodgdon H4831 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.860 | Slightly Slower – Extreme stable |
| Hodgdon H4831SC | Single-Base Extruded | 0.875 | Slightly Slower – better metering |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.860 | Slower – standard belted magnums |
| Norma MRP | Single-Base Extruded | 0.910 | Slower – European magnum range |
vs. Hodgdon H4831 / H4831SC: The central comparison. H4831 and H4831SC belong to the Hodgdon Extreme series with documented temperature stability (0.4-0.6 fps per degree Fahrenheit) and a deep North American data library. Reloder 19 produces 50-80 fps more velocity in the same cartridges at the same pressure level. That velocity difference is real and consistent. The trade-off is seasonal stability – H4831SC holds its zero from summer to winter without recalculation; Reloder 19 requires drop-chart adjustment across temperature extremes. For hunters who shoot primarily at consistent seasons (fall-only elk hunters who develop loads in August heat), Reloder 19’s velocity advantage is the more relevant property. For hunters or shooters who span multiple seasons and temperature ranges without recalculating, H4831SC is the more practical choice.
vs. IMR 4451 Enduron: IMR 4451 brings temperature-stable Enduron chemistry to the H4831-range burn rate with single-base chemistry and good metering from its short-cut grain geometry. It produces less velocity than Reloder 19 at comparable pressures (single-base energy deficit), but delivers consistent year-round performance and lower throat erosion. For a 270 Winchester that sees hunting use from early August through late January, IMR 4451 Enduron is the more disciplined choice. For a hunter who specifically needs that extra 60 fps and manages the temperature protocol, Reloder 19 is defensible.
vs. IMR 4831: IMR 4831 is one of the oldest and most data-supported powders in North American reloading. It is single-base, slightly faster than Reloder 19 in some burn rate charts, and has the deepest published data library of any powder at this burn rate position. Reloder 19 produces higher velocities. IMR 4831 offers maximum data coverage. Neither is categorically better; they serve different priorities.
vs. Vihtavuori N160: N160 is a single-base powder from Vihtavuori with excellent temperature stability and a strong reputation in European hunting cartridges. It burns slightly faster than Reloder 19 in some applications and is specifically well-documented for 270 Winchester and 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser with heavy bullets. Its single-base chemistry means better stability and lower erosion; Reloder 19’s double-base chemistry means more velocity. North American availability of N160 is adequate through specialty retailers but less consistent than domestic alternatives.
vs. Alliant Reloder 22: Reloder 22 burns slightly slower than Reloder 19 and is better matched to the larger belted magnum cases like 300 Winchester Magnum and full-charge 7mm Rem Mag loads with 175-grain bullets. In 270 Winchester and standard 30-06 Springfield loads, Reloder 22 burns too slowly for efficient combustion. Reloder 19 is the appropriate Alliant double-base choice for those cartridges.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Alliant Reloder 19 performs best in medium-to-large capacity cartridges with standard to heavy-for-caliber bullets – the territory that defines western North American big-game hunting.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 270 Winchester | 130-160 gr | Primary hunting application |
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-220 gr | Full range from standard to heavy |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | 154-175 gr | Long-range hunting and precision |
| 280 Remington | 140-175 gr | Versatile mountain hunting loads |
| 25-06 Remington | 100-120 gr | Long-range deer and antelope |
| 338 Winchester Magnum | 200-250 gr | Standard hunting loads |
| 243 Winchester | 90-105 gr | Heavy 6mm bullet applications |
| 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser | 120-140 gr | Hunting loads specifically |
| 270 WSM | 130-150 gr | Short-action magnum |
The 270 Winchester is the cartridge most associated with Reloder 19 in North American hunting literature. Jack O’Connor, who spent decades writing about the 270 Winchester as his preferred hunting cartridge, would have loaded the 4831 burn rate range. Reloder 19 in the current market fills that same burn rate niche with higher energy density. With 130-150 grain Sierra GameKing or Nosler Partition bullets, Reloder 19 produces velocities of 3,000-3,100 fps from a 24-inch barrel at SAAMI-appropriate pressure – performance that the cartridge is known for and that single-base powders at this burn rate struggle to match consistently.
For 30-06 Springfield with 180-200 grain heavy hunting bullets – the classic elk and moose load – Reloder 19 is a natural match. The case capacity and bore diameter align well with the burn rate, case fill at working charges is excellent (typically 94-98%), and the double-base velocity advantage over H4831 is meaningful when the goal is pushing a 180-grain bonded bullet to 2,900+ fps for long-range elk hunting.
The 243 Winchester application is specifically for 90-105 grain heavy 6mm bullets. With standard 55-70 grain varmint bullets, the 243 Winchester needs faster powders in the H4350 range. Reloder 19 only becomes appropriate in the 243 Winchester with the heaviest bullet weights that reduce effective powder space in the case.
The Long Drop Tube Technique
The large-kernel extruded geometry of Alliant Reloder 19 creates a specific practical problem with case fill: the kernels do not settle into the case as uniformly as smaller grains, leaving air pockets that can cause inconsistent ignition and elevated standard deviations when the powder column compresses during bullet seating.
The long drop tube technique directly addresses this. A drop tube – a 6-10 inch tube placed in the case mouth that guides powder down into the case before it contacts the walls – allows the kernels to orient and pack more naturally through gravity rather than falling in random orientations from a short distance. Many reloaders report 15-30% reduction in extreme spread when using a long drop tube with Reloder 19 compared to a standard powder funnel and die setup.
For near-maximum charges in 30-06 Springfield and 7mm Remington Magnum where case fill is 95%+, this technique becomes important for seating bullets to correct COL without forcing the kernels to compress unevenly. An uneven compressed powder column introduces variable start pressure and variable bullet release, both of which show up as vertical dispersion at range.
The Area 419 Aluminum Powder Funnel Master Kit and Frankford Arsenal Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit both provide options for extended drop tube use with extruded powders.
Bullets
Alliant Reloder 19 is suited to premium hunting bullets and high-BC match projectiles in the caliber ranges where its burn rate is appropriate. The progressive pressure curve benefits bullets with substantial bearing surface that need sustained acceleration rather than an early pressure spike.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | ELD-X | 143-162 gr | 270 Win / 7mm Rem Mag | Long-Range Hunting |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 162-178 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 30-06 | Match Precision |
| Hornady | InterBond | 130-180 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 / 7mm | Bonded Hunting |
| Nosler | Partition | 130-200 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 / 7mm | Classic Big Game |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 130-200 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 / 7mm | Bonded Long-Range |
| Sierra | GameKing | 130-180 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 | Traditional Hunting |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 142-200 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 30-06 | Competition |
| Berger | VLD Hunting | 140-180 gr | 270 Win / 7mm Rem Mag | High-BC Hunting |
| Berger | Elite Hunter | 140-180 gr | 270 Win / 7mm Rem Mag | Precision Hunting |
| Lapua | Scenar | 139-185 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 30-06 | Competition Match |
| Barnes | LRX | 130-175 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 | Lead-Free Long Range |
| Barnes | TTSX | 130-168 gr | 270 Win / 30-06 | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Federal | Trophy Bonded | 150-200 gr | 30-06 / 338 Win Mag | Premium Hunting |
One caution worth stating explicitly: Reloder 19’s velocity advantage is most useful when paired with high-BC bullets that retain that velocity at long range. A high-energy powder pushing a low-BC cup-and-core bullet faster than H4831 produces an advantage that disappears relatively quickly downrange as both bullets bleed velocity at similar rates. The velocity premium earns its keep when the bullet has sufficient BC to retain it – Nosler AccuBond, Berger VLD, Hornady ELD-X, and similar high-BC projectiles make the most of what Reloder 19 provides.
Primers
Standard large rifle primers handle Alliant Reloder 19 reliably in most applications under normal temperature conditions. In large-capacity magnum cases like 7mm Remington Magnum and 338 Winchester Magnum – especially at maximum charges or in cold conditions below 20°F – a magnum large rifle primer ensures complete ignition of the dense slow powder column.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | Precision 30-06 and 270 Win loads |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition – lowest SD target |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | General 270 Win and 30-06 development |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Reliable hunting loads |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Standard precision development |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | General-purpose option |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | 7mm Rem Mag, cold weather |
| Winchester WLRM | Large Rifle Magnum | Dense magnum charges |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | 338 Win Mag, maximum ignition |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Large Rifle Magnum | Magnum hunting loads |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent European alternative |
| RWS 5341 | Large Rifle | Premium European uniformity |
For 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield precision work, the Federal GM210M and CCI BR-2 produce the most consistent ignition with large-kernel extruded powders. Both primers’ tight brisance tolerances complement the powder’s own lot-to-lot consistency.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Alliant Reloder 19’s large-kernel extruded geometry is the practical limitation most reloaders encounter first. Standard volumetric powder measures produce charge-to-charge variance of 0.3-0.5 grains with large stick powders – acceptable for hunting ammunition, less so for precision work at extended range.
The standard precision approach: throw slightly under target weight with a quality volumetric measure, then trickle to exact weight. The Redding Match Grade 3BR and Forster Bench Rest Powder Measure handle large extruded powders better than smaller measure designs, providing more consistent gross throws that minimize trickle time.
Auto-dispensers are the most practical solution for precision Reloder 19 loading. The RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme, Hornady Auto-Charge Pro, and RCBS MatchMaster all dispense by weight rather than volume, bypassing the bridging and shearing issues that affect volumetric metering of large sticks. At charge weights of 55-70 grains typical of 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield Reloder 19 loads, these dispensers operate efficiently.
For the final trickle step, a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler with a high-resolution scale like the Lyman Gen 6 Compact or Frankford Arsenal Precision Digital Scale gives 0.02-grain charge resolution – appropriate for precision hunting loads where the powder’s inherent lot consistency can be fully exploited.
Reloading Safety Notes
Temperature-dependent pressure behavior is the primary safety consideration for Alliant Reloder 19. Loads developed in cool conditions (40-65°F) may produce elevated pressure in summer heat (85-100°F). This is not a theoretical concern – it is documented behavior with a measurable rate of 1.8-2.4 fps per degree Fahrenheit pressure increase.
The correct protocol: develop your maximum charge at the highest temperature you will shoot the rifle at, not at a comfortable bench temperature. If you load 270 Winchester for September elk hunting in conditions that may reach 85°F during afternoon shoots, validate your maximum charge at 85°F.
All charge weights must come from current published Alliant load data. Do not substitute H4831, H4831SC, or IMR 4831 charge weights for Reloder 19 without verification. The density and energy differences between these powders are large enough that charge weights are not interchangeable.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments. Watch for pressure signs: flattened or cratered primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks on case heads. With large-kernel extruded powders near maximum charge, use a long drop tube to ensure consistent case fill and prevent inconsistent compressed loads.
See the guide to overpressure in reloading for systematic pressure sign identification.
For context on single-base versus double-base chemistry trade-offs, see the single-base vs. double-base powder overview.
FAQ
Is Reloder 19 suitable for year-round use in a western hunting rifle?
Yes, with the correct load development protocol. Develop your maximum charge at the highest temperature you expect to hunt in. Build a cold-weather drop chart by confirming velocity at winter temperatures. A load validated at 90°F summer conditions will be safe year-round; one validated at 45°F may show pressure signs in summer heat. The temperature protocol requires discipline but is entirely manageable.
How does Reloder 19 compare to H4831SC for 270 Winchester?
H4831SC is temperature-stable (Extreme series) with better metering from its short-cut geometry, and produces 50-70 fps less velocity at the same pressure level. For hunters who span a broad temperature range across a hunting season without recalculating drop charts, H4831SC is the more practical choice. For hunters who develop loads at field temperatures and want every achievable fps from their 270 Winchester, Reloder 19 earns its velocity premium.
Can Reloder 19 be used in 300 Winchester Magnum?
Alliant Reloder 22 is the more appropriate Alliant double-base choice for 300 Winchester Magnum with standard 180-200 grain bullets – the larger case and typical bullet weights call for a slower burn rate. Reloder 19 can appear in some 300 Win Mag data with lighter 150-165 grain bullets, but verify against current Alliant published data for the specific bullet weight before loading.
Does the long drop tube technique make a meaningful difference?
Yes, specifically with Reloder 19 and similar large-kernel extruded powders at near-maximum charge weights. Many reloaders report 15-30% reduction in extreme spread when using a 6-10 inch drop tube compared to a standard powder funnel. At 600+ yards, that reduction in extreme spread translates to meaningfully tighter vertical groups. The technique requires slowing down the loading process, but for precision hunting ammunition the improvement is worth the time investment.
Conclusion
Alliant Reloder 19 is a veteran powder that earns its place through consistent, documented performance in the cartridges and bullet weights that define North American big-game hunting. The velocity advantage over single-base alternatives in 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 7mm Remington Magnum is real and well-documented. The temperature sensitivity is equally real and must be managed through a more demanding load development protocol than modern stable powders require.
For a hunter who develops loads at field temperatures, builds accurate drop charts across the temperature range they hunt in, and values maximum velocity from their hunting cartridge, Reloder 19 remains a legitimate and proven choice. For a hunter who wants to set a zero once and have it hold from July to January without recalculation, the temperature-stable alternatives are the more practical tools.
Choose Alliant Reloder 19 if you load 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, or 7mm Remington Magnum and prioritize maximum velocity, develop loads at field temperatures, and understand the seasonal variation protocol. Choose Hodgdon H4831SC if temperature stability across all seasons is the priority and you prefer Extreme series reliability. Choose IMR 4451 Enduron if you want single-base cleanliness and Enduron temperature stability in the same burn rate range. Choose Alliant Reloder 22 if 300 Winchester Magnum with standard 180-200 grain bullets is your primary application.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised April 2026. The revision expanded the temperature sensitivity section with specific velocity numbers across the 15°F-100°F range and the correct development protocol, added a dedicated long drop tube technique section with the specific ES improvement data, corrected the 243 Winchester and 300 Winchester Magnum application guidance, rewrote the comparisons with specific guidance for each competitor, extended the bullet table with high-BC pairing rationale, added the full primers table with internal links, added a reloading safety section emphasizing the temperature development protocol, and updated all internal links throughout.
