Three years ago I bought jugs of Herco, 2400, and WST because it was what was available and on sale. With these powders I can load some type of cast load for every gun that I own.
I’ve also picked up pound cans of various different pistol and shotgun powders and found a use for all of them. I can load 45 ACP, 40 S&W, 357 Mag, 38 Special, or 32 ACP all day long with any of these other powders like Ramshot Zip, W231, Unique, AA no. 2, or Bullseye. Most of these can also be used in low node cast rifle loads.
I more recently picked up a jug of AA4350 because it was available, not cheap but available. This powder can cover most of my jacketed hunting bullet needs.
But, I also have a hodpodge of random partial and full 1 pound cans of other rifle powders, SW Precision, W748, W760, H4895, H-414, Reloder 7, Norma MPR, IMR 4350, and IMR 4831. These I have also figured out a use for, but can’t replace or am unwilling to pay the high prices that some of these are fetching right now.
I understand the frustration with not being able to find what you want, when you want it. Being relatively new to reloading I have bought what was available, when I came across a good deal.
I’m still developing loads for different guns, trying new things. In the future I will run out of these powders. I expect that I will move on to the next available option that is cost effective. I don’t mind doing the research and finding out what works.
I like many of the Alliant powders, 2400 especially. But if they folded up tomorrow, I could figure out how to keep loading for all my guns.