what is the most versatile Smokeless powder for rifle ammo reloading?

In 1941 IMR 4895 was developed specifically for the 30-06 in the M1 Garand. After WWII Bruce Hodgdon purchased 50,000 lbs of surplus WWII 4895 powder and repackaged it for sale on the open market.

IMR is an acronym for Improved Military Rifle.

Edited for clarity: Not claiming the current 4895 powders are the same, just pointing out that Hodgdon got his start by selling milsurp 4895 powder as told in the company history. Therefore, IMR 4895 is the original powder.

Also, I like IMR 4007ssc, versatile and clean.

I use IMR4350 and Blc2 for rifle ammo, Not much I can't load with this. I reload 223, 243, 243 wssm,270,30 30,35Rem,308, 30 06, 300 win mag, 300wsm. The important thing to have in my opinion is a half a dozen reloading manuals because it will give you more choices and these two powders will be in one of the books for the Caliber that you want to load..

I started out with IMR4895. I can load all of my rifle rounds with it, including .223, .243, .308, and .30-06. I have since started using Varget and BL-C(2), since it performs better in some combinations of calibers and bullets.

Imr 4895 For Sale

Most smokeless powders have a wide range of application. Best thing to do is research your particular caliber and use that which provides the best of all worlds in relationship thereto.

4895 Powder

Rick is right...there isn't a powder on the market that doesn't have literally dozens of recipes ...Find one that performs to your specifications and use it.