Hodgdon Trail Boss is known for its popularity throughout the Single Action Shooting Society. It reigns supreme in classic, low-velocity cartridges, such as the .45 Colt and the .45-70 Gov’t., largely because of its ability to fill the space inside these large cases without creating dangerous pressure levels.

Trail Boss accomplishes this through its unique “donut” shaped kernels, maximizing its volume. This design feature is so effective that Hodgdon can only cram about nine ounces into the same bottle that would normally hold a pound of the company’s other powders.

This ability to completely fill cases is extremely desirable because it helps control ignition by ensuring the same amount of powder is down by the primer each and every time. Most cowboy-action cartridges originate from the black powder days when gunpowder was far less potent than today’s smokeless variety.

This required the use of much more of the old material. Fast-forward 100 years and those same cartridges are in existence, except now to be loaded (and reloaded) with modern smokeless powder. This leaves a tremendous gap between the base of the bullet and the powder column, making each ignition very different from round to round and also allowing for the dangerous possibility of a double charge.

Trail Boss, intended specifically for reloading cowboy action loads. It is primarily a pistol powder, but can also be used for pistol cartridges chambered in rifles.

According to IMR, Trail Boss is a new technology smokeless powder developed exclusively for use with lead bullets at low velocity. This new powder allows very high loading density, flows well through powder measures, and is stable across a wide range of temperatures. In most calibers Trail Boss will nearly fill the case, making double charges unlikely or impossible, an important safety feature.

Trail Boss powder is a smokeless powder used primarily for low velocity and light-recoil loads in cowboy action shooting. This type of powder is ideal for use in firearms chambered for pistol and rifle cartridges, and it has gained popularity among those who shoot single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and other cowboy-style firearms. Trail Boss powder is known for its clean-burning properties, which make it a popular choice among people who shoot frequently, as it minimizes the amount of fouling left behind in the firearm.

Trail Boss Powder for sale is different from other powders due to its amazing, low bulk density.  Few powders come anywhere near the 325 g/L bulk density of Trail Boss.  By giving the powder such a “fluffy” measure, it utilizes most of the capacity of almost any case chosen. In normal cartridge loading,  full cases generally provide the most uniformity and accuracy.  It holds true here.  When one loads a full case with this powder, he needs to refrain from any compression.  Compression affects the ignition of this powder, causing less uniform velocities and lesser accuracy.  We maintain excellent results from 100% loading density, down to 70 % loading density.  One can find his load somewhere in that range.  In all small arms cartridges, from the Hornet up to the 460 Weatherby magnum, you cannot exceed maximum pressures with 100% load density loadings.  No other powder can claim that distinction.

Because of its bulk density and porosity, it lights easily, contributing to uniform velocities and pressures, and of course, excellent accuracy.  With Trail Boss, big cartridges become fun to shoot for practice!”

Reduced loads could be beneficial because they allow for:

• Less recoil for young shooters.  You can download a rifle for a young shooter to kick less with less muzzle blast.  Get a lightweight 308 Winchester hunting rifle, download it, and as your kid grows, change over to full power loads.  Maybe it is a better option than the horrific blast associated with muzzle brakes?
• Less mirage than full power loads.  For shorter range shooting, you can fire more rounds before you pick up mirage from the barrel.  I fired the 50 rounds shot in this post in about 20 minutes with no noticeable barrel mirage- impressive!
• Short range plinking.  The reduced loads run cooler.  If you are shooting varmints or plinking at closer ranges, the reduced loads will be easier on your gear. trail boss powder for sale
• Practice from alternate positions, especially with lightweight hunting rifles.  If you shoot heavy guns and pick up a hunting rifle, you know how much more they beat you up.  With reduced recoil loads, a hunter could work on offhand, positional, and field expedient shooting positions at short to moderate ranges with his actual hunting rifle without worrying about developing a flinch.

is trail boss powder still made

Yes, Trail Boss powder is still being produced and sold by Hodgdon Powder Company, one of the leading manufacturers of gunpowder and reloading supplies. Trail Boss powder is a popular choice among cowboy action shooters, as well as those looking for a light load with reduced recoil and noise. It is also popular for use in firearms with short barrels or low-pressure cartridges.

how is trail boss powder produced

6Trail Boss powder is produced using a process called extrusion. In this process, the powder ingredients are mixed together and then forced through a small opening or die under high pressure. This creates small cylinders or granules of the powder that are uniform in shape and size. The powder is then coated with a special compound to ensure that it burns cleanly and evenly. Trail Boss powder is formulated specifically for low-velocity and light-recoil loads, and it is designed to be extremely consistent and reliable. It is widely considered one of the best powders for cowboy action shooting.

who invented trail boss powder

Trail Boss powder was invented by a company called IMR Legendary Powders. It is a type of smokeless powder that was specifically designed for low-velocity lead bullets, making it ideal for use in cowboy action shooting and other similar applications. IMR Legendary Powders was founded in 2014 and has since become a popular brand among gun enthusiasts.