Unleash Unstoppable Heavy-Hitting Power with Hodgdon Longshot® Smokeless Powder

When you are taking aim at fast-flying waterfowl, heavy upland game, or loading hard-hitting defense handguns, settling for subpar propellants is a recipe for failure. Low-performing powders deliver sluggish muzzle velocities, weak downrange terminal energy, wide velocity spreads, and poor patterns that leave game wounded and targets missed. When every single pellet and projectile counts, underpowered loads compromise performance and ruin your investment in high-end ammunition components.

Hodgdon Longshot® was engineered to solve these exact problems. True to its name, Longshot® is universally recognized as the ultimate high-velocity propellant for heavy field shotshell loads and high-pressure handgun cartridges. Delivering explosive energy, smooth metering, and dense shot pattern distribution, Hodgdon Longshot® provides the unbeatable, game-crushing precision demanded by serious waterfowl hunters, turkey specialists, action pistol competitors, and magnum handgun loaders across the country.

Why Hodgdon Longshot® Dominates the Heavy-Load Reloading Market

1. High-Velocity Performance for Heavy Shotshell Loads

Traditional shotshell powders often struggle when pushing heavy payloads of lead, steel, or non-toxic shot at high speeds without exceeding maximum pressure thresholds.

Hodgdon Longshot® excels in this exact domain. Formulated with a slower burn rate tailored specifically for heavy gauge loads, Longshot® generates sustained, controlled pressure that launches 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge payloads at hyper-fast velocities. Higher speed translates directly to shorter lead times on fast-moving birds and devastating downrange terminal impact, ensuring clean, ethical kills on large waterfowl and upland game.

2. Dense, Uniform Shot Patterns Downrange

Speed means nothing without pattern density. Rapid pressure spikes from inferior powders can deform soft lead pellets or disrupt wad columns, causing stray shot and wide, patchy patterns.

Longshot’s progressive burning characteristics ensure smooth acceleration down the barrel, preserving pellet integrity and delivering dense, highly lethal pattern distributions at extended ranges. Whether you are setting up for late-season mallards or long-range gobblers, Longshot® keeps your patterns tight and effective.

3. High-Pressure Powerhouse for Handgun Cartridges

Longshot® is not just a shotshell marvel—it is one of the most versatile and powerful handgun propellants ever developed for modern high-pressure pistol cartridges.

It is legendary among handgun loaders for producing outstanding muzzle velocity in 10mm Auto, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG without reaching unsafe peak pressures. By providing optimal density and uniform pressure expansion, Longshot® extracts maximum foot-pounds of energy from defensive, hunting, and target handgun projectiles.

4. Smooth Spherical Flow for Progressive Presses

Featuring a flattened spherical (ball) grain geometry, Hodgdon Longshot® meters like liquid. Whether you are running a high-volume shotshell press (like a MEC or Ponsness/Warren) or a progressive metallic press (like Dillon, Hornady, or Lee), Longshot® drops with extreme consistency kernel after kernel.

Consistent charge drops eliminate dangerous weight variances, speed up your reloading workflow, and ensure shot-to-shot uniformity across every shell and cartridge you produce.

Top Caliber & Shotshell Applications for Hodgdon Longshot®

If you handload heavy field shotshells or high-pressure handgun cartridges, Hodgdon Longshot® is an essential, high-performing staple on your bench.

Premier Applications & Caliber Matches:

• 12-Gauge Heavy Field & Waterfowl: The premiere powder for loading 1-1/4 oz, 1-3/8 oz, and heavy field lead or steel shot hunting loads with maximum velocity.

• 20-Gauge & 28-Gauge Heavy Loads: Exceptional performance in smaller gauges, unlocking true 28-gauge target and hunting potential without excessive chamber pressure.

• 10mm Auto: Widely regarded as one of the best 10mm powders available, delivering maximum velocity and terminal energy for heavy 180gr and 200gr hunting/defense loads.

• .40 S&W: Excellent choice for USPSA Major power factor competition loads and high-velocity defensive ammunition with 165gr and 180gr projectiles.

• .357 SIG: Unlocks hyper-velocity performance and flat downrange trajectories with 124gr and 147gr bullets.

• .45 ACP & 9mm Luger (Heavy Bullets): Produces impressive velocities and smooth cycling when loading heavy-for-caliber projectiles (such as 147gr 9mm or 230gr .45 ACP).

Technical Specifications & Features

Feature	Specification
Manufacturer	Hodgdon Powder Company
Powder Type	Smokeless Shotshell / Handgun Powder
Grain Type	Flattened Spherical (Ball Powder)
Burn Rate	Medium-Slow Handgun / Heavy Shotshell
Primary Uses	Waterfowl & Upland Hunting, 10mm Auto, Action Pistol, High-Pressure Handguns
Available Container Sizes	1 lb. Canister, 4 lb. Keg & 8 lb. Keg

Professional Handloading Guidelines for Longshot®

Shotshell Reloading Tips

• Match Components Exactly: Shotshell reloading requires strict adherence to published recipe components (hull, primer, wad, powder charge, and shot weight). Never substitute wads or hulls without consulting verified data, as internal volumes and crimp pressures vary significantly.

• Ideal for Non-Toxic & Steel Shot: Because Longshot® burns slow and generates high velocity at safe pressure levels, it is an ideal choice for modern steel and non-toxic bismuth/TSS waterfowl handloads.

Metallic Handgun Reloading Tips

• Smooth Progressive Drops: Thanks to its uniform spherical grain structure, Longshot® flows with exceptional accuracy through standard pistol powder measures. Set your volumetric dispenser once and enjoy effortless, repeatable charge drops.

• Primer Pairing: Standard Small Pistol or Large Pistol primers work exceptionally well with Longshot® in most conditions. For sub-zero winter hunting trips or heavy 10mm loads, test Magnum primers for crisp, complete ignition.

• Consult Official Load Data: Always refer directly to the official Hodgdon Reloading Data Center for verified charge weights and wad pairings. Start at the recommended starting load and work up incrementally while inspecting fired brass and primers for high-pressure indicators.

Supercharge Your Heavy Loads Today

Stop settling for underpowered factory loads, patchy shot patterns, and sluggish handgun velocities. Upgrade your reloading bench with Hodgdon Longshot® and experience the match-grade consistency, explosive velocity, and game-crushing energy that top hunters and shooter demand.

Select your container size above and buy Hodgdon Longshot® today to unleash true high-velocity performance!