Hodgdon Lil’ Gun Smokeless Gun Powder

Hodgdon Lil’ Gun Smokeless Gun Powder is a specialized, high-energy powder designed for magnum handgun cartridges and small-caliber rifle loads. Known for delivering maximum velocities and reduced barrel wear, Lil’ Gun is particularly popular among varmint hunters and handgun enthusiasts seeking top performance with reduced pressures.

Hodgdon Lil’ Gun has a slower burn rate than typical handgun powders, making it ideal for high-velocity loads in magnum handgun cartridges and compact rifle calibers. It’s widely favored for revolvers like the .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .410 bore shotshells, where it delivers consistent accuracy and smooth cycling. Additionally, it is popular in small rifle cartridges, such as the .22 Hornet and .218 Bee, where high velocities are essential for varmint hunting.

Features and Characteristics

High Energy and Slower Burn Rate:
Hodgdon Lil’ Gun’s slower burn rate and high-energy output make it optimal for large magnum loads, offering maximum velocity without the excessive pressures typical of faster-burning handgun powders. This balance is especially beneficial for heavy bullets in magnum revolvers and high-speed rifle rounds.

Versatile Applications:
Hodgdon Lil’ Gun can be effectively used in both handgun and small rifle cartridges, including:

• .22 Hornet: Ideal for varmint hunting, providing high velocities and excellent accuracy in small-caliber rifles.
• .218 Bee: Delivers reliable performance, essential for small game and varmint applications.
• .357 Magnum: Offers high velocity and stable pressures, with low barrel fouling, making it suitable for heavy handgun loads.
• .44 Magnum: Provides consistent performance in magnum revolvers, especially with heavy bullet loads.
• .410 Bore Shotshells: Popular for .410 bore shotshell reloading, making it an essential powder for shotgun shooters looking to handload effective small-bore rounds.

Consistent Performance:
Lil’ Gun Smokeless Gun Powder is prized for its lot-to-lot consistency, providing uniform pressures and reliable performance shot after shot. This characteristic is essential for both target and hunting applications, where accuracy is key.

Reduced Barrel Heat:
Lil’ Gun’s formulation reduces barrel heating and minimizes erosion, a critical factor for shooters using high-pressure magnum loads. This unique feature helps extend barrel life, particularly in magnum revolvers and small rifle applications, where continuous high velocities can lead to accelerated wear.

Clean Burning:
Hodgdon Lil’ Gun Smokeless Gun Powder is designed to burn cleanly, resulting in less residue and fouling in barrels and actions. The clean burn is especially helpful for high-volume shooters who want to reduce maintenance between sessions.

Applications

• Varmint Hunting:
  Lil’ Gun is an excellent choice for varmint loads in small rifle calibers like the .22 Hornet and .218 Bee, where high velocity and accuracy are essential for effective long-range shots.
• Magnum Handgun Loads:
  In cartridges like the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, Lil’ Gun provides powerful energy with less barrel wear, making it perfect for heavy hunting loads.
• 410 Bore Shotshells:
  Many .410 bore shotshell reloaders favor Lil’ Gun for its ability to produce effective loads for small game and clay shooting applications.

Safety and Usage Guidelines

When using Hodgdon Lil’ Gun Smokeless Gun Powder, consider these safety practices:

• Consult Load Data: Always refer to current load data from Hodgdon or trusted reloading manuals to ensure safe and effective loads.
• Avoid Over-Compression: Ensure that powder is not over-compressed to avoid inconsistent performance.
• Proper Storage: Store Lil’ Gun in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain its stability and effectiveness.