Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon Lil’Gun is a fast-burning, double-base spherical powder that was originally developed specifically for the 410-bore shotshell – a cartridge that had historically presented powder-selection difficulties due to its tiny hull volume and the metering challenges that created. The solution was a very fine, high-density ball powder with enough energy per grain to develop adequate pressure from the small hull without requiring charge weights so large that they compressed against the shot column.
That 410-bore origin story is worth understanding because it defines everything about the powder’s properties. Fine spherical grains that fill tiny volumes efficiently. High energy density that maximizes velocity from limited case space. A burn rate (#65 on the Hodgdon relative scale) that is faster than Hodgdon H110 (#66) and Winchester 296 (#67) – not slower. This places it as the fastest powder in the practical magnum handgun and short-case rifle range, which is why it crosses over effectively into 300 Blackout supersonic, 450 Bushmaster, 22 Hornet, and large-frame revolver applications.
A critical point the original article understates: because Lil’Gun burns faster than H110, it reaches peak pressure more quickly in any given cartridge. The “Pro Tip” about not substituting H110 charge weights is correct – but the direction of the danger is that Lil’Gun at H110 charge weights will likely produce significantly higher pressure than expected, not lower.
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 Hodgdon Lil’Gun 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
Hodgdon Lil’Gun is a double-base, spherical powder with a flash suppressor coating. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density per grain that generates adequate chamber pressure from very small case volumes like the 410-bore hull and the 22 Hornet case.
The very fine spherical geometry produces the metering performance that was the original engineering goal. Charge-to-charge variance of 0.04-0.07 grains on quality equipment is achievable – ball powder minimum at this grain size. In a 410-bore loading session on a shotshell press, this metering precision is what makes consistent hull filling practical. In 300 Blackout and 450 Bushmaster progressive production, the same consistency enables high-volume semi-automatic ammunition manufacture without overhead from scale verification.
Bulk density is 0.956 g/cc – high, consistent with the fine dense spherical design. In 22 Hornet at working charge weights, case fill is approximately 95-100% – near-complete fill that eliminates position sensitivity in this small case and produces the consistent ignition that 100% load density enables.
The flash suppressor coating is specifically relevant for tactical and competition applications. Lil’Gun in 450 Bushmaster and 300 Blackout AR platforms produces less visible muzzle flash than non-suppressed alternatives at equivalent pressures.
Strengths:
- Ball geometry metering (0.04-0.07 grain variance) – enables high-volume production and consistent 410-bore shotshell loading
- High energy density – class-leading velocities in small cases including 410-bore, 22 Hornet, and small-capacity rifle
- Faster than H110 – the burn rate advantage in short-barreled platforms where peak pressure must develop before the bullet exits
- Flash suppressor coating – useful for tactical and competition applications
- Clean burning at moderate-to-high pressures – less particulate back-pressure in suppressed configurations than older ball powder designs
- Broad application range – 410 bore, 22 Hornet, 300 Blackout, 450 Bushmaster, large-frame revolver
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of 1.2-1.6 fps/°F – standard double-base ball powder behavior without Extreme series additives
- Does not require near-maximum pressure for clean combustion (unlike H110) – but the faster burn rate means charge weight tolerances near maximum are tighter than with slower alternatives
- Higher flame temperature from double-base chemistry – accelerated throat erosion in sustained rapid-fire strings in some platforms; allow barrels to cool between sessions
- Not for 300 Blackout subsonic – the burn rate is too fast for consistent ignition and cycling with 200-220 grain bullets at subsonic velocities; Accurate 1680 or Hodgdon CFE BLK are the appropriate subsonic choices
- Charge weight non-interchangeability with H110 – the faster burn rate means Lil’Gun charge weights are lower than H110 charge weights for the same cartridge at equivalent pressures
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.956 |
| Grain Shape | Very Fine Spherical |
| Coating | Standard Deterrent + Flash Suppressor |
| Burn Rate Category | Fast Rifle / Magnum Handgun |
| Hodgdon Chart Position | #65 (faster than H110 at #66) |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~1.2-1.6 fps / °F |
Burn Rate Positioning – Faster Than H110, Not Slower
This is the most commonly misunderstood characteristic of Lil’Gun and requires direct treatment.
| Position | Powder | Type | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| #60 | Accurate No. 9 | Double-Base Ball | 10mm Auto, 357 Sig |
| #65 | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Double-Base Ball | 410 bore, 300 BLK, 22 Hornet |
| #66 | Hodgdon H110 | Double-Base Ball | 44 Mag, 30 Carbine |
| #67 | Winchester 296 | Double-Base Ball | 454 Casull, 357 Mag |
Lil’Gun burns faster than both H110 and Winchester 296 – a one-position gap at #65 vs H110’s #66 and 296’s #67. The practical consequence: in any given cartridge, Lil’Gun reaches peak pressure earlier in the bullet’s travel down the bore. This makes it:
- More efficient in short barrels (6-12 inches) where slower powders haven’t completed combustion before the bullet exits
- Not a direct substitute for H110 at the same charge weight – at H110 charge weights, Lil’Gun will produce higher pressure than the published H110 data anticipated
The original article’s statement that Winchester 296 is “chemically identical to H110” and then calling it “slightly dirtier” is contradictory – chemically identical powders burn identically. Winchester 296 and H110 are produced from the same batch and are fully interchangeable. Perceived “dirtiness” differences reflect measurement conditions, not actual chemical differences.
H110 vs. Lil’Gun – The Practical Comparison
The comparison between Lil’Gun and H110 is the most practically important for magnum handgun reloaders, and it works differently than many reloaders assume:
H110 burns slightly slower, requires near-maximum pressure at all times (the 3% reduction rule), and requires magnum primers in all applications. It is the dominant choice for 44 Magnum and 357 Magnum maximum-pressure hunting loads in 6-8 inch revolvers where the slightly slower burn sustains pressure through the longer barrel.
Lil’Gun burns slightly faster, does not carry H110’s minimum-pressure requirement (it burns more cleanly across a wider pressure range than H110), and provides better velocity from shorter barrels. It has a broader working pressure range than H110 and is specifically documented for 454 Casull and 460 S&W Magnum where H110 may not be as efficiently matched.
Neither is a substitute for the other by charge weight. Develop each from its own published data.
Temperature Stability – Practical Context
1.2-1.6 fps per degree Fahrenheit is standard double-base ball powder behavior – better than the most temperature-sensitive options but substantially more sensitive than Hodgdon H4198 (Extreme series) at the same general burn rate position.
For the primary applications:
410-bore competition: Temperature variation in a single shotshell session or tournament day rarely exceeds 20-30°F – producing approximately 24-48 fps variation. At sporting clays distances (under 60 yards), this is negligible.
300 Blackout supersonic hunting: A 60°F seasonal swing (summer development to winter hunting) produces approximately 72-96 fps velocity variation. At 200-yard practical hunting distances, this produces 1-2 inches of vertical – manageable with a temperature-aware approach.
Magnum revolver hunting: At typical handgun hunting distances (under 100 yards), the seasonal variation is within the practical hunting margin.
The protocol: develop maximum-pressure loads at the highest temperature the firearm will be fired at, not at comfortable indoor loading-bench temperatures.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliant 2400 | Double-Base Disc | 0.873 | Faster – broad pressure range, no mag primer req |
| Accurate No. 9 | Double-Base Ball | 0.950 | Faster – 10mm, 357 Sig specialist |
| Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Double-Base Ball | 0.956 | Reference – 410 bore, 300 BLK, 22 Hornet |
| Hodgdon H110 | Double-Base Ball | 0.930 | Slightly Slower – 44 Mag max, 3% rule |
| Winchester 296 | Double-Base Ball | 0.930 | = H110 – identical |
| Alliant Reloder 7 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Similar-Slower – single-base, broad |
| Accurate 4100 | Double-Base Ball | ~0.940 | Similar – 410 bore competitor |
vs. Hodgdon H110: Covered in the dedicated section above. The burn rate hierarchy is key: Lil’Gun is faster (#65 vs #66). Both require their own published data; neither charge weight is safe as a starting point for the other. Lil’Gun has a broader working pressure range and does not carry H110’s mandatory minimum-pressure rule.
vs. Alliant 2400: Alliant 2400 burns faster than Lil’Gun and covers large-frame revolver applications with greater flexibility – no mandatory magnum primer, no minimum pressure requirement, better cast bullet compatibility. Lil’Gun provides more velocity in applications where its specific burn rate is better matched (410 bore, 22 Hornet, 454 Casull) and meters better from ball geometry. For cast bullet magnum revolvers across a range of pressures, Alliant 2400 is more appropriate. For maximum-velocity jacketed bullet loads in 410-bore and large-frame revolvers, Lil’Gun is the more specifically optimized choice.
vs. Accurate No. 9: Accurate No. 9 burns faster at position #60 and is specifically optimized for 10mm Auto and 357 Sig high-pressure semi-automatic loads. Lil’Gun is better matched for the slightly larger cases of 22 Hornet, 410 bore, and large-frame revolvers (454 Casull, 460 S&W) where No. 9’s faster burn is on the edge of efficiency.
vs. Accurate 4100: Accurate 4100 is a direct competitor in the 410-bore market at a comparable burn rate. Both are legitimate choices; load development in the specific application guides the final selection.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon Lil’Gun is specifically efficient in small-capacity cases and large-bore cartridges at high pressure where the fast burn rate and high energy density provide maximum performance.
| Cartridge | Bullet / Shot Weight | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 410 Bore | 1/2 oz shot | Primary application – original design |
| 300 Blackout | 110-125 gr | Supersonic carbine – not subsonic |
| 22 Hornet | 35-52 gr | Maximum velocity varmint |
| 450 Bushmaster | 250-300 gr | Semi-auto hunting carbine |
| 454 Casull | 250-360 gr | High-pressure hunting revolver |
| 460 S&W Magnum | 250-360 gr | Large-frame hunting revolver |
| 500 S&W Magnum | 350-500 gr | Hunting revolver |
| 357 Magnum | 125-180 gr | Short-barrel maximum velocity |
| 44 Magnum | 200-300 gr | Hunting revolver – verify barrel length |
| 7.62x39mm | 123-125 gr | Bolt-action precision |
410 bore is the primary design home for Lil’Gun. For competitive skeet and sporting clays loading, the ball geometry metering and high energy density produce consistent hull fill and velocity. Use complete published recipes (hull, wad, primer, powder, shot weight as a system) – shotshell components are not interchangeable without published data for each specific combination.
300 Blackout supersonic note: Lil’Gun is documented for supersonic 300 Blackout with 110-125 grain bullets and produces competitive velocities. It is not appropriate for subsonic 300 Blackout with 200-220 grain bullets – the burn rate is too fast for consistent ignition at the small charge weights subsonic loads require. Use Accurate 1680 or Hodgdon CFE BLK for subsonic applications.
450 Bushmaster note: Lil’Gun is one of the better-documented powders for 450 Bushmaster in AR-15 platforms. The burn rate provides adequate gas port pressure for reliable bolt carrier group cycling with the large bullets in this cartridge. Use CCI No. 41 or equivalent mil-spec primer cup for AR-15 semi-automatic platforms.
Bullets
Hodgdon Lil’Gun pairs best with light-to-medium varmint bullets in small-bore cases and heavy jacketed hunting bullets in large-bore revolver applications.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | V-MAX | 35-55 gr | 22 Hornet | Varmint |
| Sierra | BlitzKing | 40-52 gr | 22 Hornet | Precision Varmint |
| Hornady | NTX | 35-50 gr | 22 Hornet | Lead-Free Varmint |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 110-125 gr | 300 Blackout | Supersonic Precision |
| Hornady | SST | 125 gr | 300 Blackout | Hunting |
| Hornady | XTP | 240-300 gr | 44 Mag / 454 Casull | Revolver Hunting |
| Nosler | Partition | 250-360 gr | 454 Casull / 460 S&W | Big Game Hunting |
| Sierra | Sports Master | 240-300 gr | 44 Mag / 454 Casull | Hunting |
| Barnes | TSX | 250-300 gr | 454 Casull | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Hornady | FTX / LeverEvolution | 250-300 gr | 450 Bushmaster | AR-platform Hunting |
Have you loaded Hodgdon Lil’Gun? Your practical data on 410-bore recipes, 300 Blackout supersonic results, 454 Casull or 460 S&W hunting loads, or temperature behavior helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon Lil’Gun as a double-base ball powder with deterrent coating requires primers appropriate to the application. For 410-bore shotshell applications, only the specific shotshell primer published in the recipe system is appropriate. For rifle applications in AR-15 semi-automatic platforms, a mil-spec hard-cup primer is required.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-15 semi-auto 300 BLK, 450 Bushmaster |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | 22 Hornet, 7.62x39mm, 300 BLK bolt |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 22 Hornet light loads |
| Federal 205 | Small Rifle Standard | 22 Hornet match loads |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle Standard | General small rifle |
| CCI 550 | Small Pistol Magnum | 357 Magnum |
| CCI 350 | Large Pistol Magnum | 44 Mag, 454 Casull, 460 S&W |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | 450 Bushmaster maximum charges |
| Winchester W209 | Shotshell Standard | 410 bore – use published recipe primer |
| Federal 209A | Shotshell Standard | 410 bore – use published recipe primer |
For 410-bore shotshell loading, use the primer specified in the published Hodgdon recipe for your specific hull and wad combination. Shotshell recipes are complete component systems; primer substitution without published data for that specific substitution produces unpredictable results.
For AR-15 semi-automatic 300 Blackout and 450 Bushmaster, CCI No. 41 or equivalent mil-spec hard-cup primer is mandatory to prevent slam-fire from the free-floating firing pin.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon Lil’Gun’s fine ball geometry is the dominant practical advantage on loading equipment. On a Dillon XL 750 or dedicated shotshell press, charge-to-charge variance under 0.05-0.07 grains is achievable at normal cycling speeds.
For 410-bore production on MEC or similar dedicated shotshell equipment, the fine spheres flow through powder bars and charge bushings with near-liquid consistency – the specific metering performance that motivated the powder’s original development.
For 300 Blackout and 450 Bushmaster rifle production on progressive press equipment, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles the fine spheres consistently.
Static electricity management: very fine spherical grains accumulate static charge in plastic hoppers under dry conditions. Ground the drop tube or treat the hopper with an anti-static dryer sheet for dry winter loading sessions.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for Lil’Gun specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon H110 or Winchester 296 charge weights. Lil’Gun burns faster than H110 – applying H110 charge weights to Lil’Gun will produce higher pressure than the published H110 data indicated.
Temperature protocol: develop maximum-pressure loads at the highest temperature the firearm will be fired at. At 1.2-1.6 fps/°F, a load at maximum pressure in summer heat conditions is required for year-round safe use.
Subsonic 300 Blackout prohibition: Do not use Lil’Gun for 300 Blackout subsonic loads with 200-220 grain bullets. The burn rate is too fast; the very small charge weights required produce inadequate pressure for consistent ignition – squib risk. Use Accurate 1680 or Hodgdon CFE BLK for subsonic applications.
410-bore shotshell loading: Use only complete published Hodgdon recipes as a system – hull, wad, primer, powder, and shot weight are matched. Never substitute individual components without published data.
Start 10% below the listed maximum for handgun and rifle applications, and work up in 0.2-0.3 grain increments. Pressure signs: stiff bolt lift, flattened primers, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is Lil’Gun faster or slower than H110?
Faster – position #65 versus H110’s #66 on the Hodgdon relative burn rate chart. This is counterintuitive to many reloaders who assume “Lil’Gun” means slower or lighter. The name refers to the 410-bore origin (the “little gun” that needed a specifically efficient powder), not to a slower burn rate. The practical consequence: Lil’Gun charge weights for any cartridge are lower than H110 charge weights at equivalent pressures.
Can Lil’Gun be used for 300 Blackout subsonic?
No. The burn rate is too fast for 300 Blackout subsonic applications with 200-220 grain bullets. The very small charge weights required for subsonic velocities from a fast powder produce inadequate pressure for consistent ignition – squib risk is real. Use Accurate 1680 or Hodgdon CFE BLK for subsonic 300 Blackout.
Does Lil’Gun have the same minimum-pressure requirement as H110?
No – this is one of Lil’Gun’s practical advantages over H110. H110 must be loaded at or near maximum pressure at all times (Hodgdon’s 3% reduction rule) because of its heavy deterrent coating. Lil’Gun burns more cleanly across a broader pressure range and does not carry the same minimum-pressure restriction. You can load 454 Casull practice loads at moderate velocities with Lil’Gun and still get clean combustion – with H110, you cannot.
Conclusion
Hodgdon Lil’Gun fills its specific role effectively: a fast, high-energy-density ball powder optimized for the 410-bore hull and small-capacity rifle cases, with documented versatility in large-frame revolver cartridges. The ball geometry metering is the defining practical advantage for high-volume production. The faster burn rate than H110 is the defining performance characteristic that separates its applications from the classic magnum powders.
The temperature sensitivity (1.2-1.6 fps/°F) and the prohibition on subsonic 300 Blackout use are the honest limitations.
Choose Hodgdon Lil’Gun if you load 410-bore shotshells at volume, 300 Blackout supersonic carbine ammunition, 450 Bushmaster semi-auto hunting loads, 22 Hornet maximum velocity varmint, or 454 Casull and 460 S&W large-frame revolver hunting loads and want ball geometry metering with the fastest burn rate in the practical magnum powder class. Choose Hodgdon H110 if maximum-velocity 44 Magnum and 357 Magnum with jacketed bullets at all-maximum loading is the exclusive application and you prefer H110’s longer barrels pressure advantage. Choose Alliant 2400 if cast bullet magnum revolver loads across a range of pressures and no mandatory magnum primer are priorities. Choose Accurate 1680 for 300 Blackout subsonic and 7.62x39mm carbine production.
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 Hodgdon Lil’Gun, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision corrected the original article’s burn rate confusion – Lil’Gun is faster than H110 (#65 vs #66), not slower as implied. Added the burn rate positioning table. Corrected the Winchester 296 / H110 description – they are identical powders and cannot burn “slightly dirtier” than each other. Removed “Shooters World SOCOM” from the cartridge table as it is a powder brand, not a cartridge. Added the subsonic 300 Blackout prohibition. Added the “no minimum-pressure requirement” advantage vs H110. Extended the competitor comparisons with specific Alliant 2400 and Accurate No. 9 guidance. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
