All rifles are individuals, but normally bullets have a bigger impact on accuracy and performance than powders. I usually test bullets first in any new hunting rifle to find a projectile that it prefers using a powder generally recognized as suitable for that cartridge and bullet weight. Then I experiment with different powders (if necessary) to refine the load.

Here are some powders that I can recommend for some common hunting rifle cartridges that normally give good results with the bullet weights specified. Where possible I have listed powders of more than one brand, but never more than three powders to minimize confusion. Many other powders may work as well or better in your rifle, but these should be suitable to at least get started. (Caliber, bullet weight - powder.)

• .223 Remington, 50-55 grains - H335, IMR 3031, W748
• .243 Winchester, 80-90 grains - IMR 4064, RL-19
• .243 Winchester, 95-100 grains - H4350, IMR 4350, RL-19
• .240 Wby. Mag., 95-100 grains - H4831, IMR 4831, RL-22
• .257 Roberts, 115-120 grains - H4350, IMR 4350, RL-22
• .257 Wby. Mag., 115-120 grains - H4831, IMR 7828, RL-25
• 6.5x55 SE Mauser, 125-140 grains - IMR 4350, RL-22
• .270 Winchester, 130-150 grains - H4831, IMR 4831, RL-22
• 7x57 Mauser, 139-145 grains - H4350, IMR 4350, RL-19
• 7mm Rem. Mag., 140-150 grains - H4831, IMR 4831, RL-22
• .30 M1 Carbine, 100-110 grains - H110, W296
• .30-30 Winchester, 150-170 grains - IMR 3031, W748
• .308 Winchester, 150-155 grains - IMR 3031, RL-15, W748
• .308 Winchester, 165-180 grains - IMR 4064, RL-15, Varget
• .30-06 Springfield, 150-155 grains - IMR 4350, RL-19
• .30-06 Springfield, 165 grains - IMR 4350
• .30-06 Springfield, 180 grains - H4350, IMR 4350, RL-22
• .32-20 Winchester (rifle), 85-110 grains - H110, W296
• .32 Winchester Special, 170 grains - H4895, IMR 3031
• .338 Federal, 180-225 grains - IMR 3031, RL-15
• .338 Win. Mag., 200-250 grains - H4350, IMR 4350, RL-22
• .357 Magnum (rifle), 125-180 grains - H110, W296
• .350 Rem. Mag, 200-225 grains - H4895, IMR 4895, IMR 4320
• .44 Magnum (rifle), 200-300 grains - H110, W296
• .444 Marlin, 240-300 grains - H335, IMR 3031, RL-7
• .45-70 Government, 300-500 grains - IMR 3031, RL-7
• .458 Win. Mag., reduced loads 400-405 grains - SR 4759
• .458 Win. Mag. 350-500 grains - H335, IMR 3031