Unveiling the Core: What Makes Alliant 20/28 Tick?
From the crisp mornings of dove season to the challenging clays course, the pursuit of shotgun perfection is a journey of precision and practice. But it’s also a journey of components, a meticulous dance between primer, hull, wad, shot, and, perhaps most crucial, the propellant – the powder. Finding the right powder can transform your shooting experience, and when it comes to reloading for the popular 20-gauge and 28-gauge, Alliant 20/28 powder stands out as a top contender. This article dives deep into the world of Alliant 20/28, exploring its characteristics, its ideal applications, and the knowledge you need to achieve superior performance in your reloaded shotshells.
At its heart, Alliant 20/28 is a double-based smokeless powder. This means its composition involves both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, offering a balance of energy and performance suitable for a wide range of shotshell loads. Understanding this fundamental aspect is key to appreciating the powder’s capabilities.
Physically, 20/28 exhibits a unique shape. It’s a flattened flake powder. This form factor is crucial for its performance characteristics, affecting how it burns and the consistency it delivers. Flake powders often provide good metering through reloading equipment, ensuring consistent powder charges, a critical factor for accuracy and reliable performance. The burn rate places it in a sweet spot on the burn rate chart, providing efficient combustion in the specific gauges it’s designed for. It’s neither too fast nor too slow, allowing for optimal pressure curves and velocity.
One of the major draws of Alliant 20/28 is its impressive versatility. Designed with both 20-gauge and 28-gauge in mind, it simplifies your reloading bench. You don’t need to stock a cabinet full of different powders for each gauge; one powder can do the job effectively. This not only saves space but also helps streamline the reloading process.
Another compelling quality is its reputation for relatively clean burning. While all reloading processes create some residue, 20/28 is known for minimizing the fouling in your barrel. This is not just about aesthetics; less residue translates to less cleaning required, and this contributes to the longevity of your shotgun.
Beyond cleanliness, consistency is key. Alliant 20/28 is known for providing reliable performance from shot to shot. This consistency is vital for both competition and hunting scenarios, minimizing unexpected variations in your shot patterns and resulting in more predictable results on the range or in the field. When coupled with consistent reloading practices, the powder provides a level of predictability shooters rely upon.
Finally, the effect of temperature sensitivity is something any reloader must be mindful of. Like many powders, the performance of Alliant 20/28 can be influenced by changes in temperature. While it performs well across a range of typical conditions, reloaders should be aware of how environmental conditions can impact their chosen loads, and adjust accordingly.
Exploring Applications and Targeted Loads
Alliant 20/28 truly shines in the 20-gauge and 28-gauge. These gauges are popular for their ease of handling, reduced recoil, and the satisfying patterns they produce.
For the 20-gauge enthusiast, 20/28 offers a perfect pairing with the lighter recoil and manageable size that makes it so easy to enjoy. It’s excellent for target loads, including trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Many reloaders favor it for hunting, where the balance of power and control is ideal. The powder effectively handles shot weights, typically from ¾ ounce up to 1 ounce. This wide range offers flexibility for various shooting disciplines. Velocity goals often fall into a competitive range: 1150 feet per second to 1300 feet per second.
In the realm of the 28-gauge, 20/28 truly finds its stride. The 28-gauge is revered for its elegance and ability to break targets without excessive recoil. This powder helps achieve optimal performance in this gauge. The 28-gauge is commonly loaded with ¾ ounce to a full ounce of shot, and 20/28 helps ensure a consistent, and effective shot. Velocity goals often mirror those of its larger cousin, ranging from the mid-1100s to around 1300 feet per second, making the powder highly effective for sporting clays, skeet, and field use.
The benefits of using Alliant 20/28 are multifaceted. Recoil reduction is a welcome feature for both gauges. This allows for more comfortable practice sessions and increased accuracy during competition. Superior shot patterns, resulting from proper loading techniques, are another key advantage. More even patterns create more “hits”, which translates to more consistent scoring. Cost-effectiveness, a hallmark of the reloading experience, is especially valuable with 20/28, given its wide availability.
Navigating the Reloading Path: Data and Considerations
*A critical note before we proceed:* Reloading is a potentially dangerous activity. *Always* follow published reloading data *precisely*. Never exceed recommended powder charges. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for guidance in an official reloading manual.
Safety in the reloading room is paramount. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and have the correct equipment. Use proper safety glasses and gloves.
Always start with the minimum recommended powder charge and gradually increase, observing pressure signs and performance. Never attempt to exceed published loads.
Reliable reloading data is found in reputable sources. Alliant’s website, of course, is a good starting point, but it is important to consult several sources, including reloading manuals from companies such as Lyman, or Hodgdon. Reloading forums and experienced shooters can also provide guidance, but always cross-reference information with trusted manuals.
For the 20-gauge, the shot weights are usually the same as listed above, with primers that are frequently chosen being the Federal 209A or Winchester W209, and a wad designed for your specific shot weight, and hull type. Powder charge ranges will vary significantly depending on the specific load and components. For example, a popular load may involve using a 3/4 ounce charge of shot, matched with the proper wad, and the powder. Always cross reference your load data to ensure safe use. Be prepared to start with the minimum powder charge recommended and work your way up.
The 28-gauge follows similar principles. Selecting the right primer, a wad designed for ¾ or one-ounce shots, and powder charges that will achieve the velocities sought are crucial. Always consult the source material to ensure component compatibility.
The crimping process is essential for achieving reliable performance. A good crimp seals the load securely and plays a role in the pressure development when the shell is fired. Ensure your crimper is set correctly, and the crimp is even and consistent.
Thoroughly inspect the hulls. Discard any hulls that show signs of damage or wear. Consistency in the dimensions and condition of your hulls is important for predictable performance.
Precise weighing of powder charges is an absolute necessity. Use a reliable powder scale. Overcharging a shell is a very dangerous situation.
Examining the Advantages and Disadvantages
Alliant 20/28 is a strong contender, but it’s essential to be aware of its strong points and limitations.
The advantages are clear: Versatility makes it a valuable powder. Its ability to work well in both the 20-gauge and 28-gauge offers a cost-effective approach. Many reloaders appreciate its relatively clean burning characteristics, contributing to cleaner barrels and reduced maintenance.
Good performance is a hallmark of the powder. When loaded within appropriate guidelines, the shotshell loads typically produce reliable patterns and velocities. Its availability, while always dependent on market conditions, is generally good. Cost-effectiveness is another advantage, especially when compared to the cost of buying factory ammunition.
Potential limitations exist, of course. It may not be the absolute best choice for every single load, but this depends on individual preferences and the specific loading goals. As previously mentioned, temperature changes can affect the powder’s performance. Therefore, reloaders should be aware of their environment. Some shooters may desire a powder with characteristics different from Alliant 20/28.
Comparing and Contrasting: Alternative Options
The world of shotshell reloading is vast and varied, and different powders offer different results. Understanding the alternatives allows you to choose what suits your style of shooting and reloading.
Unique, manufactured by Alliant, is another well-regarded powder. While it works in many gauges, it tends to be slightly slower than 20/28 in some applications. Universal Clays offers a good balance of performance and cleanliness, making it a strong choice for a wide variety of shotshell loads. Hodgdon Longshot is another option, popular for higher velocity applications, and might be useful, but will require different loading techniques.
Each powder has its burn rate and intended use case. Carefully comparing and contrasting these powders with the 20/28, and understanding the needs of the shooter are paramount. This allows a reloader to maximize their results and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Concluding Thoughts
Alliant 20/28 offers an excellent option for the reloader seeking a versatile, consistent, and clean-burning powder for both 20-gauge and 28-gauge shotshells. From its favorable burn rate characteristics to its proven performance on the range and in the field, it’s easy to see why this powder has earned its place in the reloading arsenals of many shooters. However, it is important to remember that no single powder is perfect for every need. Careful consideration of the specific goals of the reloader and the careful adherence to reloading procedures are essential in achieving optimal results. If you value a powder that streamlines your reloading bench, provides reliable performance, and consistently delivers excellent results, Alliant 20/28 is worth considering.
What are your experiences? Share your preferred loads and insights in the comments below.
