Published: 2026 | Last updated: April 2026
Alliant Reloder 22 is a slow-burning, double-base extruded powder that has been the default magnum hunting powder for North American big game hunters for decades. It occupies the burn rate position between Hodgdon H4831SC and Hodgdon H1000 – slower than the H4831 class that anchors 270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield applications, faster than the ultra-slow powders that serve the largest overbore cases. This burn rate is precisely where the classic belted magnums – 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, 270 Winchester with heavy bullets – operate most efficiently.
The powder is honest about its trade-offs. Reloder 22 is double-base and produces measurably more velocity than single-base alternatives in the same burn rate class. It is also measurably more temperature-sensitive: field-documented velocity variation of 120-140 fps across a 100°F temperature swing requires management for long-range hunting applications. It does not carry a temperature-stabilizing additive package. It burns with more carbon residue than single-base powders. All of these characteristics are known, documented, and have defined how hunters use it for fifty years.
Understanding what Reloder 22 actually is – and what it is not – is the starting context for using it 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 Alliant Reloder 22 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
Alliant Reloder 22 is a double-base, large-grain extruded stick powder. The double-base formulation – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – is the source of its primary performance advantage: higher energy per gram than single-base powders at the same burn rate. In the large-capacity magnum cases where Reloder 22 operates, this energy density advantage translates to 50-80 fps more muzzle velocity than Hodgdon H4831SC at the same pressure level. For a 7mm Remington Magnum or 300 Winchester Magnum hunter who wants every available fps from their cartridge, that advantage is the reason Reloder 22 remains on the shelf.
The large-grain extruded geometry is the most practically limiting characteristic at the loading bench. Large-grain extruded sticks bridge in measure drums, shear at the metering edge during cycling, and produce charge-to-charge variance of 0.3-0.5 grains in standard volumetric measures. The original article’s claim of “excellent metering” is overstated – Reloder 22 meters better than some older large-grain powders but not as consistently as short-cut extruded or ball powders. For precision loading, hand-weighing or a quality auto-dispenser is the appropriate approach.
Bulk density is 0.930 g/cc – higher than H4831SC’s 0.875 g/cc. This density advantage gives Reloder 22 better mass-per-volume case fill than single-base alternatives, enabling maximum charge weights to fit the large magnum cases at appropriate pressures without the compressed loads that lower-density powders require in some applications.
The pressure curve is linear and sustained – building progressively through the bore rather than spiking early. In a 24-26 inch magnum barrel, this sustained push continues accelerating the bullet through the full tube, extracting more velocity than a faster-burning powder that peaks early and decays. This is the internal ballistics basis for Reloder 22’s velocity advantage in long magnum barrels.
Strengths:
- 50-80 fps velocity advantage over single-base alternatives at the same burn rate position and pressure level – documented and consistent across primary magnum applications
- High bulk density (0.930 g/cc) fills large magnum cases efficiently, enabling maximum charge weights at appropriate pressure without excessive compression
- Linear, progressive pressure curve sustains velocity development through 24-26 inch magnum barrels
- Decades of documented load data in North American manuals across 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, and associated magnum cartridges
- Double-base cold-weather ignition reliability – consistent ignition even in sub-freezing conditions relevant for late-season and winter hunting
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of approximately 1.0-1.5 fps per degree Fahrenheit – producing 120-140 fps variation across a 100°F swing. A load validated at 70°F may show pressure signs at 100°F and produce significant velocity drop at 0°F. Load development at field temperatures is required
- Large-grain geometry meters with 0.3-0.5 grain variance in standard volumetric measures. “Excellent metering” is a relative claim – hand-weighing or auto-dispensers are necessary for precision work
- Higher carbon residue than single-base alternatives from double-base chemistry at elevated temperature – standard cleaning discipline is more important than with H4831SC
- No modern temperature-stabilizing additive – unlike Alliant Reloder 26 with EI impregnation or the Hodgdon Extreme series, Reloder 22 carries no technology to regulate seasonal velocity shifts
- Not the modern choice for the same applications where Alliant Reloder 23 (temperature-stabilized double-base at similar burn rate) or Alliant Reloder 26 (higher velocity, EI technology) now offer more appropriate trade-offs for precision and seasonal consistency
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder (Vista Outdoor) |
| Type | Double-Base Extruded (Large Stick) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.930 |
| Burn Rate Category | Slow Rifle (Standard Magnum) |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~1.0-1.5 fps / °F (120-140 fps per 100°F swing) |
The Temperature Sensitivity Reality – Hunting Distances vs. Long Range
The 120-140 fps variation across a 100°F temperature swing is the central practical limitation of Alliant Reloder 22, and it deserves honest translation into hunting and shooting terms rather than a footnote dismissal.
Consider a western elk hunt in a mountain environment where morning temperatures may be 20°F and afternoon temperatures 75°F – a 55°F swing within a single hunting day. With Reloder 22 at 1.2 fps per degree:
- Velocity shift: 55°F x 1.2 = 66 fps between morning and afternoon shots from the same rifle
- At 400 yards with a 300 Winchester Magnum load: approximately 1.5-2 inches of additional drop in the cold morning compared to the warm afternoon zero
- At 600 yards: approximately 3-4 inches of vertical shift from the same temperature swing
For hunting shots at 200-350 yards on elk-sized game with a 10-12 inch vital zone, this variation is manageable. A hunter who zeroes at typical hunting-day temperatures and understands the seasonal shifts can operate confidently within these parameters.
For precision long-range shots at 500+ yards, or for minimum-power-factor competition across seasonal temperature changes, the variation requires active management – chronograph verification at field temperatures, temperature-corrected drop charts, or choosing a more thermally stable powder.
| Powder | Stability | 55°F Swing | At 400 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliant Reloder 22 | ~1.2 fps/°F | ~66 fps | ~1.5-2″ |
| Alliant Reloder 23 | ~0.5-0.7 fps/°F | ~28-39 fps | <1″ |
| Hodgdon H4831SC | ~0.3 fps/°F | ~17 fps | <0.5″ |
| Alliant Reloder 26 | ~0.5 fps/°F | ~28 fps | <1″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4831SC | Single-Base Extruded | 0.875 | Slightly Faster – Extreme stability |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.935 | Faster – 270 Win standard, 30-06 |
| IMR 4831 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.870 | Similar-Faster – traditional, deep data |
| Alliant Reloder 22 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.930 | Reference |
| IMR 7828 SSC | Single-Base Extruded | 0.930 | Similar – short-cut, lower erosion |
| Alliant Reloder 23 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.890 | Similar – temperature-stabilized |
| Vihtavuori N165 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.910 | Similar-Slower – clean, stable |
| Hodgdon H1000 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Slower – Extreme series, ultra-overbore |
| Alliant Reloder 26 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.989 | Slower – EI technology, higher velocity |
| Norma MRP | Single-Base Extruded | 0.910 | Similar – European single-base |
vs. Hodgdon H4831SC: The central comparison. H4831SC is the Hodgdon Extreme series powder at this burn rate position with approximately 0.3 fps per degree Fahrenheit temperature stability – three to four times more stable than Reloder 22. It produces 50-80 fps less velocity at the same pressure from its single-base energy limitation. For a year-round hunting program across variable seasonal conditions, H4831SC is the more practical choice. For a hunter who develops loads at field temperatures and wants maximum achievable velocity, Reloder 22 provides the velocity premium.
vs. Alliant Reloder 23: Reloder 23 is a temperature-stabilized double-base powder at a comparable burn rate – specifically designed to address the temperature sensitivity that defines Reloder 22’s primary limitation. It produces comparable velocities with substantially better seasonal consistency (approximately 0.5-0.7 fps per degree). For most applications where Reloder 22 has historically been used, Reloder 23 is a more technically capable modern alternative. The cases where Reloder 22 retains an advantage are primarily historical: existing verified loads that a reloader does not want to redevelop, and applications where the specific burn rate of Reloder 22 finds a better accuracy node than Reloder 23 in a specific barrel.
vs. Alliant Reloder 26: Reloder 26 burns slightly slower and is specifically calibrated for the larger standard belted magnum cases at higher velocity – 300 Winchester Magnum with 200-220 grain heavy bullets, 7mm Rem Mag with 175-195 grain projectiles. It carries Nitrochemie’s EI impregnation technology for improved stability (~0.5 fps per degree) and an integrated decoppering additive. For the heaviest bullet weights in these cartridges, Reloder 26 is the more appropriate modern Alliant choice. For standard bullet weights where Reloder 22’s slightly faster burn is better matched, Reloder 22 remains valid.
vs. IMR 7828 SSC: IMR 7828 SSC is a single-base short-cut extruded powder at a comparable burn rate. Its single-base chemistry produces less throat erosion and lower carbon residue. Its temperature sensitivity is comparable to Reloder 22 (~1.8-2.4 fps per degree – somewhat more sensitive). The short-cut geometry meters better than Reloder 22’s large-grain sticks. Reloder 22 has higher energy density from double-base chemistry – more velocity at the same pressure. Both are traditional magnum powders; the choice between them is primarily velocity vs. barrel life priority.
vs. Vihtavuori N165: Vihtavuori N165 is a single-base European powder at a slightly slower burn rate with excellent manufacturing consistency and cleaner burning than Reloder 22. It produces less velocity from single-base energy. Its temperature sensitivity is moderate but better than Reloder 22. For 338 Lapua Magnum and large overbore applications, N165 is specifically well-documented and worth evaluating. For the standard belted magnum applications where Reloder 22 is most at home, N165’s slightly slower burn rate makes it a less precise match.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Alliant Reloder 22 functions efficiently in medium-to-large capacity belted magnum cases with standard to heavy-for-caliber bullets. Its burn rate is too slow for efficient combustion in standard-capacity cartridges and too fast for the largest overbore ultra-magnum cases.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7mm Remington Magnum | 154-175 gr | Primary application – maximum velocity |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | 165-200 gr | Standard-to-heavy hunting loads |
| 270 Winchester | 140-160 gr | Heavy-bullet maximum velocity |
| 7mm Weatherby Magnum | 154-175 gr | Full-power Weatherby loads |
| 300 Weatherby Magnum | 165-200 gr | Standard-weight Weatherby loads |
| 280 Remington | 150-175 gr | Heavy-bullet mountain loads |
| 270 WSM | 140-160 gr | Short-action magnum heavy bullets |
| 7mm WSM | 150-175 gr | Short-action magnum full-power |
| 338 Winchester Magnum | 200-250 gr | Standard hunting loads |
The 7mm Remington Magnum is Reloder 22’s signature application – the cartridge where the burn rate, density, and energy content are most precisely aligned. With 160-175 grain high-BC bullets in a 24-inch barrel, Reloder 22 produces velocities of 2,950-3,050 fps at appropriate SAAMI pressures – figures that represent the practical ceiling for this cartridge with these bullet weights. The 7mm Rem Mag with Reloder 22 is a classically proven combination that predates most modern alternatives.
The 270 Winchester application is specifically for heavy 140-160 grain bullets, not standard 130-grain loads. With 130-grain 270 Winchester bullets, H4831SC or Alliant Reloder 19 are better matched. Reloder 22’s burn rate is slightly slow for standard 270 Winchester loads; the powder is appropriate only when the longer, heavier bullet reduces available powder space and shifts the optimal burn rate toward slower.
Bullets
Alliant Reloder 22 performs best paired with premium hunting bullets and high-BC match projectiles in the heavy-for-caliber weight range where the sustained progressive pressure curve provides maximum velocity and the double-base energy density is most effectively utilized.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | ELD-X | 162-195 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 300 Win Mag | Long-Range Hunting |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 162-195 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 300 Win Mag | Long-Range Match |
| Nosler | Partition | 160-200 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 300 Win Mag | Classic Big Game |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 160-200 gr | 7mm Rem Mag / 300 Win Mag | Bonded Long-Range |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 168-190 gr | 300 Win Mag / 7mm Rem Mag | Competition |
| Sierra | GameKing | 150-180 gr | 270 Win / 7mm Rem Mag | Hunting |
| Berger | VLD Hunting | 168-175 gr | 300 Win Mag | Long-Range Hunting |
| Berger | Hybrid Target | 168-195 gr | 300 Win Mag / 7mm Rem Mag | Competition |
| Barnes | LRX | 145-175 gr | 270 Win / 7mm Rem Mag | Lead-Free Long Range |
| Barnes | TTSX | 150-180 gr | 300 Win Mag / 7mm Rem Mag | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Federal | Trophy Bonded | 165-200 gr | 300 Win Mag | Premium Hunting |
| Lapua | Scenar | 170-185 gr | 300 Win Mag | ELR Competition |
Have you loaded Alliant Reloder 22? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy nodes, temperature behavior, or seasonal variation helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Alliant Reloder 22 as a large-grain double-base powder in large-capacity magnum cases benefits from magnum large rifle primers for consistent ignition, particularly at maximum charge weights and in cold conditions below 20°F. Standard large rifle primers may produce adequate ignition in moderate conditions but can show elevated extreme spreads with dense slow-burning charges in large cases.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | General magnum use – standard pairing |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | Maximum ignition for large cases |
| Winchester WLRM | Large Rifle Magnum | Consistent hunting and match loads |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Large Rifle Magnum | Standard magnum hunting choice |
| Federal GM215M | Large Rifle Magnum Match | Competition – lowest extreme spread |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition precision |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Moderate loads in mild conditions |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | Sub-maximum loads at moderate temperatures |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle Magnum | Large Rifle Magnum | Consistent European alternative |
| RWS 5337 | Large Rifle Magnum | Premium European precision option |
When switching from standard to magnum primers in developed loads, reduce the starting charge by at least 5% and work back up. Magnum primers produce more brisance and can push a load that was safe with a standard primer into elevated pressure territory.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Alliant Reloder 22 is a large-grain extruded powder. The “excellent metering” claim in its marketing is relative – it meters better than some older large-grain powders, but the 0.3-0.5 grain variance typical of large-stick extruded powders in volumetric measures is not acceptable for precision magnum loading where charge-to-charge consistency directly affects standard deviation.
For precision hunting and competition loading, a digital auto-dispenser that weighs each charge rather than measuring volumetrically is the correct tool. The RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme, Hornady Auto-Charge Pro, and RCBS MatchMaster all handle large-grain extruded powders at magnum charge weights.
For hunting load production where 0.3 grain variance is acceptable, the Redding Match Grade 3BR with consistent cycling speed delivers adequate results. Use a long drop tube when charging near maximum loads to ensure the large kernels settle consistently before bullet seating.
The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler with a high-resolution scale – Lyman Gen 6 Compact or Frankford Arsenal Precision Digital Scale – provides charge-to-charge precision of ±0.02 grains for reloaders who hand-weigh every charge. At magnum charge weights of 65-75 grains, individual Reloder 22 kernels weigh approximately 0.12-0.18 grains – manageable resolution for manual trickling.
Reloading Safety Notes
Temperature-dependent pressure behavior is the primary safety concern with Alliant Reloder 22. A load developed at 55°F may produce elevated pressure at 95°F. Always develop the final validated maximum charge at the highest temperature you will encounter in field use – not in a comfortable loading room in cool conditions.
All charge weights must come from current published Alliant load data for Reloder 22 specifically. Do not substitute H4831SC, IMR 7828 SSC, or Reloder 23 charge weights without independent verification. The density and energy content differences 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. In magnum cartridges, pressure can rise steeply in the final 5% of the charge range.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification. The single-base vs. double-base powder overview provides context on why Reloder 22’s chemistry produces its velocity advantage and temperature trade-off.
FAQ
Is Alliant Reloder 22 still the best choice for 7mm Remington Magnum?
It depends on the priority. For maximum velocity with a known load in a temperature-consistent environment, Reloder 22 remains fully valid and the velocity results are competitive with anything in its burn rate class. For year-round hunting across seasonal temperature extremes where point-of-impact consistency matters, Alliant Reloder 23 or Hodgdon H4831SC are more seasonally stable. For 7mm Rem Mag with heavy 175-195 grain bullets, Alliant Reloder 26 is the more specifically optimized modern Alliant choice.
Can Reloder 22 be used in 300 Win Mag with 220-grain bullets?
Alliant Reloder 26 or Alliant Reloder 33 are typically better matched for 300 Win Mag with 200-220 grain heavy bullets where the larger bearing surface reduces effective case volume and shifts the optimal burn rate toward slower powders. Reloder 22 in 300 Win Mag at these weights can work but is on the fast side for maximum efficiency. Verify against current Alliant published data for specific bullet weights.
Does the temperature sensitivity of Reloder 22 matter at typical hunting distances?
At hunting distances up to 400 yards, the 66 fps variation from a 55°F seasonal temperature swing produces 1.5-2 inches of vertical shift at the target – manageable for shots on elk-sized game. At 600+ yards, that same variation produces 3-5 inches of vertical deviation – meaningful for precision shots. The further you shoot, the more the temperature sensitivity matters.
Conclusion
Alliant Reloder 22 has earned its decades-long place in North American magnum hunting through consistent, documented performance in the cartridges that define western big game hunting. The velocity advantage over single-base alternatives is real. The load data library is deep. The field record with 7mm Remington Magnum and 300 Winchester Magnum spans generations of hunters.
The temperature sensitivity is equally real and requires honest acknowledgment: it is not a disqualifying limitation for typical hunting applications, but it must be managed through temperature-aware load development and realistic expectations about seasonal velocity variation at long range.
For hunters who shoot at moderate ranges (under 400 yards), develop loads at field temperatures, and want maximum velocity from their magnum cartridges, Reloder 22 remains a legitimate and proven choice. For hunters who shoot to 600+ yards across wide seasonal temperature swings and need year-round consistent point-of-impact, Alliant Reloder 23 or Hodgdon H4831SC are more appropriate modern choices.
Choose Alliant Reloder 22 if you load 7mm Remington Magnum or 300 Winchester Magnum at standard-to-heavy bullet weights, develop loads at field temperatures, and prioritize maximum velocity over year-round seasonal consistency. Choose Alliant Reloder 23 if you want comparable velocity with substantially better temperature stability in the same cartridges. Choose Hodgdon H4831SC if Extreme series year-round stability is the priority and you accept the modest velocity trade-off. Choose Alliant Reloder 26 if 300 Win Mag with 200-220 grain heavy bullets or 7mm Rem Mag with 175-195 grain projectiles are the specific application.
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 Alliant Reloder 22, share your results in the comments.
