Alliant Reloder 22 is a cornerstone in the world of heavy rifle and magnum reloading, produced by Alliant Powder and recognized globally as a top-performing propellant for big game hunters. Engineered specifically to maximize the potential of magnum cartridges, Alliant Reloder 22 provides the slow-burning characteristics necessary to push heavy-for-caliber bullets at high velocities without creating dangerous pressure spikes. Whether used in standard high-capacity cartridges like the 270 Winchester or full-magnum rounds, Alliant Reloder 22 has maintained a reputation for consistency and accuracy for decades.
- Main Application: Magnum rifle cartridges and heavy-bullet loads in standard calibers.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional velocity potential and smooth metering for high-volume reloading.
- Burn Rate: Slow-burning magnum rifle class.
- What This Guide Covers: Comprehensive technical data, a detailed 4-way comparison with competitors, and specific component compatibility for the modern reloader.
Best For: Serious big game hunters and long-range shooters using large-capacity rifle cases and heavy projectiles.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Physically, Alliant Reloder 22 is a large-grain extruded (stick) powder. It is a double-base propellant, meaning it incorporates nitroglycerin to enhance its energy density and help achieve the high velocities required by magnum shooters. The powder has a bulk density of approximately 930 grams per liter (58.1 lbs/ft³), which allows it to fill large cases efficiently, often reaching high load density without excessive compression.
The expert “feel” of Alliant Reloder 22 is characterized by its linear pressure curve. Unlike faster powders that peak early, Alliant Reloder 22 provides a sustained push throughout the length of the barrel. This internal ballistics profile is what makes it so effective for cartridges with high overbore ratios. In a 7mm Remington Magnum or a 300 Winchester Magnum, this “slow shove” translates into higher muzzle energy and reduced throat erosion compared to more aggressive, faster-burning alternatives.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Delivers some of the highest velocities available for 270 Winchester and 7mm magnum class rifles.
- Excellent metering for an extruded powder, allowing for tight charge tolerances even in automated measures.
- Consistent batch-to-batch performance from a well-established manufacturer.
- Fills the case well, which often contributes to improved ignition consistency.
- Cons:
- Noted for being more temperature sensitive than modern “extreme” style powders.
- Can produce significant carbon fouling compared to single-base alternatives.
- Availability can be intermittent due to its high demand for commercial production.
Burn Rate and Temperature Stability
In the market hierarchy, Alliant Reloder 22 sits firmly in the slow-burning magnum category. It is positioned slightly slower than Hodgdon H4831SC but faster than Hodgdon H1000. This placement makes Alliant Reloder 22 the versatile “middle ground” for almost all magnum hunting applications.
Regarding temperature sensitivity, Alliant Reloder 22 requires careful management by the reloader. Real-world testing has shown that Alliant Reloder 22 can exhibit a velocity disparity of up to 130 fps when transitioning between frozen and hot conditions. While this is manageable for hunters at ranges under 400 yards, extreme long-range shooters must account for these shifts when shooting in variable climates. For example, a load developed at 70°F may show a significant drop in velocity and point of impact at 20°F, potentially leading to misses on elk-sized game at extended distances.
Stability Table
| Powder | Type | Temperature Sensitivity | 100°F Swing FPS Variation |
| Hodgdon H1000 | Extruded (Extreme) | Very Low (Stable) | 40-50 fps |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | Extruded (Double-Base) | Moderate (Sensitive) | 120-140 fps |
| IMR 4831 | Extruded | High (Sensitive) | 130-160 fps |
Powder Comparison
To understand where Alliant Reloder 22 fits in your reloading bench, it is essential to compare it against its primary competitors. Each of these alternatives offers a slightly different profile in terms of burn rate, energy, and stability.
- Hodgdon H4831SC: This powder is slightly faster than Alliant Reloder 22. Its primary advantage is its “Extreme” coating, which makes it far more stable across temperature ranges. However, Alliant Reloder 22 often produces slightly higher velocities in cartridges like the 270 Winchester.
- IMR 7828: Sitting almost right on top of Alliant Reloder 22 in burn rate, IMR 7828 is another classic magnum choice. Reloader 22 generally meters more smoothly than the long-cut grains of standard IMR 7828, though the SSC (Super Short Cut) version of 7828 bridges this gap.
- Alliant Reloder 19: This is a slightly faster sibling to Alliant Reloder 22. While Alliant Reloder 22 is the choice for 180 grain bullets in the 300 Winchester Magnum, Reloder 19 is often better suited for lighter bullets or standard cartridges with slightly smaller cases.
- Vihtavuori N165: A high-quality single-base competitor that is slightly slower than Alliant Reloder 22. N165 is widely praised for its cleanliness and consistency, though it may not match the raw velocity peaks that the double-base Alliant Reloder 22 can achieve in high-volume magnum cases.
Comparison Table
| Powder Name | Burn Rate | Density (g/L) | Primary Cartridges |
| Hodgdon H4831SC | Medium-Slow | 895 | 270 Winchester, 25-06 Remington |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | Slow | 930 | 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Win Mag |
| IMR 7828 | Slow | 915 | 300 Weatherby Magnum, 7mm STW |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | Medium-Slow | 920 | 280 Remington, 30-06 Springfield |
| Vihtavuori N165 | Slow | 910 | 338 Lapua Magnum, 6.5×55 Swedish |
Applications and Performance
The “sweet spot” for Alliant Reloder 22 is clearly defined: large-capacity cases using heavy-for-caliber projectiles. In the 270 Winchester, Alliant Reloder 22 is often considered the gold standard for 140 and 150 grain bullets, providing velocities that other powders struggle to reach. In magnum calibers, it performs best when driving 160-175 grain bullets in the 7mm Remington Magnum or 180-210 grain bullets in the 300 Winchester Magnum.
When it comes to metering and consistency, Alliant Reloder 22 shines for an extruded propellant. Its grain size is large enough to prevent leakage in most volumetric measures but shaped well enough to flow without significant bridging. This makes it a favorite for reloaders who prefer to “throw” charges for hunting ammunition rather than hand-weighing every single grain on a digital scale. In terms of cleanliness, Alliant Reloder 22 is a traditional double-base powder. While it isn’t “dirty” in the sense of causing immediate malfunctions, it does leave more carbon residue than some of the newer, cleaner-burning propellants like Alliant Reloder 23 or 26.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Alliant Reloder 22 is exceptionally versatile across a wide range of calibers. The following table identifies the best matches and their primary professional uses.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 270 Winchester | High-velocity western mule deer hunting with 140-150 grain bullets. |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | The absolute “sweet spot” for this powder; ideal for mountain hunting. |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | Heavy-hitting elk hunting with 180-200 grain projectiles. |
| 25-06 Remington | Long-range varmint and pronghorn hunting with 100-117 grain bullets. |
| 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser | Traditional European hunting and modern precision target shooting. |
| 243 Winchester | Maximizing velocity with heavy 100 grain bullets for deer. |
| 257 Weatherby Magnum | Ultra-flat shooting for open-country hunting at extended distances. |
| 338 Winchester Magnum | Dangerous game and heavy timber moose hunting with 225-250 grain bullets. |
| 300 Weatherby Magnum | Maximum energy transfer for the largest North American big game. |
| 6.5 PRC | Precision long-range competition and modern hybrid hunting setups. |
Bullets
Choosing the right projectile is critical when using Alliant Reloder 22. Because it is a slower propellant, it requires the resistance provided by heavier bullets to burn efficiently and reach optimal pressure levels.
| Bullet Model | Recommended Weight Range | Best Application |
| Nosler AccuBond | 140-200 grains | Long-range hunting with deep penetration. |
| Hornady ELD-X | 143-212 grains | Extended distance hunting with high ballistic coefficients. |
| Sierra GameKing | 100-180 grains | Classic hunting performance and proven accuracy. |
| Berger VLD Hunting | 140-190 grains | Extreme precision for long-range terminal performance. |
| Barnes TTSX | 120-180 grains | Lead-free big game hunting requiring reliable expansion. |
| Hornady Interlock | 100-154 grains | Cost-effective and reliable standard hunting loads. |
| Nosler Partition | 140-200 grains | Maximum structural integrity for heavy-boned game. |
Primers
Lighting a heavy charge of Alliant Reloder 22 requires a consistent and hot flame, especially when using large magnum cases or shooting in cold conditions. While standard primers can work in some applications, magnum primers are generally recommended for charges exceeding 60-65 grains.
| Primer Model | Brand | Type | Best Application |
| CCI #250 | CCI (U.S.) | Magnum Rifle | Large magnum cases and extreme cold. |
| Federal #215 | Federal (U.S.) | Magnum Rifle | The classic choice for large magnum charges. |
| Winchester WLRM | Winchester (U.S.) | Magnum Rifle | High-intensity ignition for consistent burn. |
| Remington #9 1/2M | Remington (U.S.) | Magnum Rifle | Reliable ignition for standard and magnum loads. |
| RWS 5333 | RWS (International) | Magnum Rifle | Exceptional European precision for magnum rounds. |
| Murom KVB-7M | Murom (International) | Magnum Rifle | Hard cup, high-consistency primer for magnums. |
| Fiocchi 616 | Fiocchi (International) | Magnum Rifle | Reliable ignition for high-volume hunting loads. |
| CCI #200 | CCI (U.S.) | Standard Rifle | Best for standard cases like 270 Winchester. |
Expert Verdict
Alliant Reloder 22 remains one of the most significant powders in the history of modern handloading. While newer propellants have claimed higher levels of temperature stability, few can match the raw, dependable velocity and accuracy that Alliant Reloder 22 delivers across such a wide spectrum of cartridges. For the hunter who develops a load in the spring and uses it in the fall, Alliant Reloder 22 provides a level of terminal performance that has put meat on the table for generations. It is a versatile, high-energy powder that turns standard rifles into long-range performers.
Expert Pro Tip: When using Alliant Reloder 22 in high-capacity cases like the 7mm Remington Magnum, pay close attention to case fill. This powder often performs best at 90-95% case capacity. If you find your accuracy is lacking, try a slightly longer seating depth (within safe limits) to increase the effective case volume and optimize the pressure curve. This often settles the standard deviation and improves long-range vertical stringing.
