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I like using longshot because of the higher velocities, low pressure, and comparatively low volume it takes up which is great for short hull applications. The downside is felt recoil, but I don't notice it in hunting loads. What are the other disadvantages of longshot?

Member Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio

I have not used Unique but have used a fair amount of Longshot. I think it works best for heavy hunting loads. In 1 oz loads the velocities are higher than I like. There is no need for >>1200 fps when shooting lead, and I find patterns are more even at lower velocities. I did load some 1 oz loads in the RGL hull just to try some WAA16 wads I was given. They kicked the crap out of me at clays, so I quit making them.
I use it for my 1 1/8oz Nice Shot loads and they are awesome. Also use it for some 12 ga hunting loads. I think it is a very good powder but for me, only in heavier hunting loads.

I think what RDJA sez is correct - we've mainly used it in 28ga and saw exactly what he was saying . It (longshot) didn't like this cold winter !

Hogwash, Longshot is fine in cold weather.

The problem is the loading data or your loading techniques, not the powder.

Member Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio

Never had a problem with any temp with the duck loads I used the past 3 years. Like Dan said do not notice the recoil when hunting. However in my 12 bore I shot a few 3.5inch shells. That will rock the boat!

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I use Longshot in 10,12,16,24 and 28ga loads.
Use it almost exclusively in the 12 and 16ga for hunting loads. I pheasant hunted this winter a couple of days in below zero temps, Longshot didn't mind it, birds did.

I've used Long Shot in 28 GA only and recently noticed, thanks to this thread, a lot of recipes for 16 GA. SR4756 has been my preferred powder in 16 GA and now that it has been discontinues, I'll work up a few Long Shot loads and see how they pattern.

So, in the main, it sounds like the only real disadvantage to longshot is recoil, which can be somewhat mitigated by lower velocity recipes if necessary. I can live with that.

Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 36 Location: Southern Michigan

I've been told longshot can go over pressure fairly easy too. Feller on another forum claimed a significant spike with a grain or two more powder.
Don't have a pressure gun myself, just repeating what some guy said on the internet ...

Jim, I probably wouldn't repeat that bit of misinformation.

Actually Longshot, is pretty nice stuff. I have developed and tested several Longshot loads including 1 1/4 oz. in the 16 Gauge and they were very predictable.

There are relatively few loads that go crazy by adding a grain or two. What usually causes the problem is using powders that are a bit quick for the payload you are trying to move. Even then.......more of an oddity than something that happens with any regularity, at least in shotshell loads.

Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 36 Location: Southern Michigan

I should add he was speaking specifically of steel loads...

Yup that is why, Longshot isn't designed to be used with steel shot. You can certainly use it with steel shot especially in wads from Gualandi and B & P, but put it with a solid based steel wad and I am sure it can get touchy in certain loads. Blue Dot, SR4756 and a few others will act the same way.

That's why Alliant makes Steel.

.....but it isn't really a fair statement to make about Longshot, because using it with steel shot, isn't what it was meant for.

You know what they say about the American consumer, we will either try to eat it, break it or have sex with it.......and reloaders are constantly using components that weren't designed to be used together and are surprised when things don't work as planned.

Go figure!!!! Cool

Joined: 25 Mar 2013 Posts: 36 Location: Southern Michigan

How do you think Longshot would work in a dry rub? Very Happy