Trail Boss is a unique smokeless powder developed by Hodgdon specifically for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS). Bulk density Unlike most smokeless powders that are fine and granular, Trail Boss is made up of tiny, donut-shaped pellets. This high bulk density fills cases well, leaving little air space, and helps prevent double charges, a major safety concern with light loads. Slow-burning rate Trail Boss burns very slowly, making it ideal for creating low-recoil, low-velocity loads in large cartridges like the .45 Colt and .38 Special.
This slow burn also contributes to softer shooting and lighter firearm wear. Versatility While primarily designed for CAS, Trail Boss can also be used for light shotgun loads, plinking ammunition, and even some subsonic rifle loads. However, it’s not suitable for high-performance applications.
What is Trail Boss Powder?
Trail Boss is a flake-style smokeless powder that has been available from Western Powders Inc. since the 1990s. It was designed to work well in large-capacity cartridges by allowing the use of heavy bullets with light powder charges. The low-density flakes of Trail Boss take up more space and let you fill large cartridge cases without compressing the powder charge.
This makes it an excellent choice for cowboy action shooting loads, black powder cartridge rifle loads, and magnum pistol loads. The light loads reduce felt recoil while still providing enough velocity for these applications. Trail Boss also works well for reduced-velocity handgun target loads. Its versatility and consistent performance have earned Trail Boss a loyal following among reloaders.
Is There A Trail Boss Powder Discontinued?
Unfortunately, yes it appears that Trail Boss powder is being discontinued. Western Powders Inc. has not made an official announcement, but rumors began circulating in early 2022 that supplies were running low and it was being phased out. This was later confirmed by major retailers who received notice that no more Trail Boss powder would be available once their existing stock was sold out.
This discontinuation applies to all of the Trail Boss load data, including the original along with Trail Boss reduced loads and the newer Trail Boss 2. So this versatile propellant will soon no longer be an option for handloaders. Needless to say, this is disappointing news to the reloading community.
Over the years, Trail Boss became one of Western Powder’s most popular products, known for its consistency and versatility. The recent introduction of Trail Boss 2 improved temperature stability in extreme conditions. Unfortunately, it appears this latest innovation was not enough to save Trail Boss from being discontinued.
Reasons for Trail Boss Discontinuation
The exact reasons behind Trail Boss being discontinued are not known publicly. However, we can speculate on some likely contributing factors:
- Declining Market Demand: As other specialty propellants have been introduced, demand for Trail Boss may have shrunk over time.
- Manufacturing Costs: Producing the flake-style powder could be more expensive compared to other types like ball powders.
- Supply Issues: Key raw materials or production equipment needed for Trail Boss may no longer be available.
- Business Factors: The powder may no longer fit into Western Powder’s strategic plans going forward.
Whatever the reasons, Trail Boss has joined a long list of niche smokeless powders that have been discontinued over the years despite having a cult following among hand loaders. Manufacturers eventually need to focus production on more mainstream products.
The Impact On Reloaders
The discontinuation of Trail Boss smokeless powder leaves a void for reloaders who have come to depend on its unique properties. The light loads it produces will be difficult to replicate with other powders. No other currently available powder allows you to use heavy bullets with such small charges in large-capacity cases.
Reloaders who load cowboy action, black powder cartridge, or magnum revolver ammunition will need to experiment with new load data using alternate propellants. This may require working up new loads from scratch to achieve the same velocities and recoil levels. Expect an impact on load availability and potentially higher ammo prices for these niche shooting sports if suitable replacements can’t be found.
While disappointing, the reloading community is accustomed to adapting to changing supplies of components. As existing supplies of Trail Boss dry up, hand loaders will find new ways to keep their favorite guns shooting. But the unique capabilities of Trail Boss will certainly be missed.
Is Trail Boss Powder Ever Coming Back?
The manufacturer, Thales, ceased production of Trail Boss in 2020, along with other pistol powders, in Australia. Despite some initial speculation of a 2023 return, there has been no official confirmation from Thales about resuming production.
Thales mentioned an “active research and development project” related to Trail Boss in 2021, but details remain unclear Some reloaders are hopeful for a comeback, particularly with the discontinuation of Vihtavuori N32C, another popular low-velocity powder. However, others remain cautious, given the lack of concrete information from Thales.
What Are the Alternatives Of Trail Boss Powder
There are several alternatives to Trail Boss powder. Hodgdon Clays This is probably the closest alternative to Trail Boss in terms of burn rate. It’s suitable for light pistol and shotgun loads, and meters well due to its flaky texture. Accurate LT-32 has Slightly faster burning than Trail Boss, but still in the same ballpark.
Works well for light to moderate pistol loads.Vihtavuori N32C If you can find it, this European powder is a near-perfect match for Trail Boss in terms of burn rate and bulky nature. However, it’s currently scarce due to production delays.
Who Produces The Most Gunpowder?
When it comes to smokeless powder production in the United States, there are two major players: Hodgdon Powder Company and Vista Outdoor. Hodgdon operates facilities in Kansas and produces popular powders including H335, Benchmark, Lil’Gun, and H4350. Vista brands include Alliant Powder, Shooters World, and Ramshot. Their powder factory is located in Iowa.
While Hodgdon and Vista dominate the US market, there are smaller domestic powder makers as well – like Western Powders, producer of Trail Boss. Overseas, Vihtavuori of Finland has gained a foothold in the US, along with ADI of Australia. But Hodgdon and Vista account for the lion’s share of powder produced and sold in the United States currently.
What Is Trail Boss Powder Good For?
Trail Boss is beloved for its ability to develop moderate velocities in large cases using heavy bullets. It’s an ideal powder for shooting large-bore revolvers or lever action rifles at mild velocities. With its high bulk density, Trail Boss allows large-volume cases to be filled while using lower-charge weights. This reduces felt recoil and increases shooting comfort. It also lowers pressures compared to other powders when using near-max loads in oversized casings.
Trail Boss meters well too, meaning it pours smoothly and evenly when reloading. It’s become a favorite for cowboy action competitors shooting heavy lead bullets in revolvers or lever guns. It also works great for magnum revolvers, allowing full power loads with manageable recoil.
Conclusion
Trail Boss smokeless powder has delivered versatile performance allowing very light loads with heavy bullets for over 20 years. Unfortunately, Western Powders has decided to discontinue this popular propellant. The exact reasons are unknown but speculation points to business factors as hand loaders have remained loyal fans.
The discontinuation leaves a void for magnum revolver shooters, cowboy action competitors, and black powder cartridge rifle enthusiasts. Recreating the light loads Trail Boss was known for will require effort and experimentation. But the reloading community will eventually adapt and find new ways to keep their cherished firearms in service. Trail Boss will hold a place in the history of smokeless propellants as a product that enables many unique loading applications.
FAQs – Trail Boss Powder Discontinued
Can I Still Find Trail Boss Powder For Sale?
As of 2023, it may become difficult to find trail boss powder for sale, especially if you are a cowboy action shooter or use it for reloading pistol caliber cartridges.
Is There A Suitable Replacement For The Trail Boss Powder?
For those seeking a replacement for trail boss powder, exploring alternatives such as tin star or other Hodgdon powders with similar burn rates might be worthwhile. However, it’s crucial to verify load data and potentially consider new load development.
What Should I Do If I’ve Gotten Used To Using Trail Boss Powder?
For those who have become accustomed to using trail boss powder, it’s recommended to explore and experiment with different powder alternatives to find the most suitable replacement.
Will There Be A New Powder Release To Substitute For Trail Boss?
While there has been no official confirmation, it’s possible that a new powder release could be in the works to serve as a substitute.
