Is e3 good for 12 Gauge?

e3 is commonly listed for 12 Gauge (burn-rate rank #7). Other powders reloaders use for 12 Gauge include No. 1, CSB1, BA10. Verify charges against a published load manual.

Is e3 good for .38 Special?

e3 is commonly listed for .38 Special (burn-rate rank #7). Other powders reloaders use for .38 Special include No. 1, CSB1, BA10. Verify charges against a published load manual.

Is e3 good for .45 ACP?

e3 is commonly listed for .45 ACP (burn-rate rank #7). Other powders reloaders use for .45 ACP include No. 1, N310, S065. Verify charges against a published load manual.

Lindcott Armory

Vista Outdoor · Ball

e3

Modern ball powder positioned in the fast pistol/shotgun range.

Manufacturer: Alliant
Grain shape: Ball
Burn rank: #7
Category: Fast
Temp sensitivity: Low
Application: Pistol
Origin: USA
Status: Active

Burn-rate position

FastestSlowest

Rank #7 on the burn-rate scale · Fast

Typical cartridges

12 Gauge, .38 Special, .45 ACP, 9mm Luger

By cartridge

12 Gauge also used: No. 1, CSB1, BA10

.38 Special also used: No. 1, CSB1, BA10

.45 ACP also used: No. 1, N310, S065

9mm Luger also used: No. 2, N310, Bull's-Eye

Similar burn rate

#7ClaysHodgdon #7BA9Vectan #7Winchester 452AAWinchester #7CSB2Maxam #6IMR Hi-Skor 700XIMR

Supply & handling

Availability (US): Common
Shortage-prone: No
Suppressor-friendly: Yes
Flash-suppressed: No

About this powder

Alliant e3 is a fast-burning, clean ball powder positioned as a modern alternative to older fast pistol powders. Named for its efficient (e3) energy release, it excels in light .38 Spl, .45 ACP, and light 12-gauge target loads. Very low charge weights require careful measurement and a powder check die.

ChartSee it on the burn-rate spectrum BrowseEvery powder, ranked by burn rate

Sources & provenance

Manufacturer Alliant — Alliant — published load/burn-rate data archived