Hodgdon Longshot Smokeless Gun Powder
Clear Product Overview
Hodgdon Longshot Smokeless Gun Powder is a versatile, high-velocity double-base spherical propellant engineered for heavy field shotshells and high-density handgun loadings. Manufactured for Hodgdon Powder Company, Longshot is renowned for generating high velocities at safe working pressures across 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge shotshells as well as powerful semi-automatic handgun calibers.
First, Longshot features a dense spherical grain construction that flows smoothly and accurately through volumetric charge bars and progressive press powder measures. Consequently, handloaders achieve exceptional charge weight consistency and extremely tight velocity standard deviations. In addition, its burn rate is optimized for heavy payload shotshells and high-energy handgun rounds where max-spectrum velocity is desired. As a result, it is a premier choice for waterfowl and turkey hunters reloading 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge heavy field loads, as well as marksmen loading 10mm Auto, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and 9mm Major competition loads. Furthermore, its clean-burning chemical composition leaves minimal bore residue. Therefore, it delivers maximum downrange kinetic energy, tight pattern density, and outstanding semi-automatic slide cycling.
Relevant Specifications
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Brand: Hodgdon Powder Company
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Product Line: Spherical Field & Handgun Propellants
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Powder Name: Longshot
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Powder Type: Double-Base Spherical / Ball Grain
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Burn Rate: Medium-Slow Handgun / Heavy Shotshell (Similar class to Alliant Herco, Alliant Power Pistol, Winchester AutoComp, and Accurate No. 7)
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Primary Applications: Heavy Field Shotshells (12-Gauge, 20-Gauge, 28-Gauge hunting loads) and High-Velocity Handgun Cartridges (10mm Auto, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, 9mm Major, .45 ACP +P)
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Available Sizes: 1 lb Canister, 4 lb Container & 8 lb Container
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Country of Origin: USA
Real-World Use Information
Handloaders select Hodgdon Longshot because it is widely considered one of the ultimate propellants for pushing heavy lead or non-toxic shot payloads in 28-gauge and 20-gauge hunting shells. Consequently, upland bird and waterfowl hunters achieve true heavy-gauge terminal performance out of smaller, lighter field shotguns.
Additionally, in the handgun world, Longshot is celebrated for unleashing the full velocity potential of 10mm Auto and .357 SIG without exceeding standard pressure limits. Therefore, defense shooters and woodsmen carrying 10mm sidearms in bear country rely on Longshot for flat trajectories and maximum bullet expansion. Furthermore, its spherical grain density drops with sub-grain precision on progressive presses.
Compatibility & Requirements
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Application Use: Optimized for heavy shotshell field loads (12, 20, and 28 gauge) and high-velocity handgun calibers; not intended for ultra-light target clay loads or low-pressure vintage arms.
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Load Data: Always consult current official Hodgdon reloading data tables prior to charging cases or hulls.
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Storage: Store powder in its original sealed container in a cool, dry area away from direct heat sources and open flames.
Pros & Limitations
Pros:
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Unrivaled Velocity: Delivers maximum velocity thresholds in 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and heavy field shotshells.
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King of 28-Gauge: Exceptional performance in 28-gauge field loadings with heavy shot payloads.
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Flawless Volumetric Flow: Spherical grain structure meters with extreme consistency through charge bars and powder drops.
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Clean Combustion: Minimizes carbon deposits in semi-auto pistol slides and shotgun barrels.
Limitations:
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Slightly Higher Noise/Blasts: High velocity and gas volume in handgun barrels can generate increased muzzle blast compared to target powders.
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Not for Light Target Clays: Burn rate is tailored for heavy payloads rather than light 12-gauge 7/8 oz target loads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What calibers and gauges work best with Hodgdon Longshot?
A: Hodgdon Longshot excels in 10mm Auto, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, 9mm Luger (+P/Major), and heavy field shotshell loads in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge.
Q: Is Hodgdon Longshot good for 10mm Auto?
A: Yes! Hodgdon Longshot is widely regarded as one of the best propellants available for achieving top-tier velocities in 10mm Auto while maintaining safe pressures.
Q: Is Hodgdon Longshot a ball powder or a stick powder?
A: Hodgdon Longshot is a double-base spherical (ball) powder engineered for exceptionally smooth metering.
Shipping & Delivery Information
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HazMat Fee: Requires a Federal HazMat shipping fee per order.
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Shipping Method: Ground shipping only across the USA.
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Restrictions: No air shipping, P.O. Boxes, or international orders.
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Return Policy: All powder sales are final due to safety guidelines.




Skeet Shooter From Houston –
Longshot is a dense powder, which is helpful in achieving a good “fit” in the 28 ga AAHS hull with a Claybuster wad. This is also true for the 20 ga AAHS hull, where full 7/8 oz of #9 shot can be loaded with the Claybuster CB 1078 wad. With other popular 20 ga powders it will be difficult to fit in a full 7/8 oz of shot in the Win hull without resorting to an RXP wad – which is basically unavailable today. Additionally, Longshot produces relatively low pressure, helpful to skeet shooters who watch the pressure for tubed guns.
cbrown1050 From clermont, fl –
I use this powder to load 357sig with 125gr bullets. Velocities are great but it does come with quite a large muzzle flash.