Good beginner powder??

Shawn3879 · August 22, 2002, 09:12 AM

Hey Guys,

What would be a good beginner powder for a new reloader? I am using a Dillon SD and reloading .45 & 9mm. I just want a good starting point and like most things there is a shelf full of powder at the store and I don't really know which one to try! I have several reloading books but I am looking for opinions rather than a laundary list of powders such as you get from a book.

Thanks in advance!

Poodleshooter · August 22, 2002, 11:17 AM

Accurate Arms #5, Hodgdon Universal Clays or Clays, Alliant Unique or Bullseye, Winchester 231. Most powders are interchangeable between the 2 cartridges.

**Mike Irwin** · August 22, 2002, 11:29 AM

WW231.

Meters great, clean burning, and provides great ballistic uniformity and accuracy.

cheygriz · August 22, 2002, 06:26 PM

For 9MM and .45, I'm partial to HS-6 from Hodgdon as first choice, with Alliant Power pistol running a very close second. I should add that I don't load light target loads. All of my loads are factory duplication or +P

This is just my personal taste, but I don't like powders that will not overflow the case if double charged. That eliminates Bullseye, Titegroup, 231, HP-38, Clays and Red Dot. Of course, millions of people use these powders with perfect satisfaction, especially in light target loads..

I'd suggest that you try a variety of powders over a period of a year or two, and find out which one works best for you.

August 22, 2002, 09:12 AM	#1
Shawn3879 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2002 Posts: 156	Good beginner powder?? Hey Guys, What would be a good beginner powder for a new reloader? I am using a Dillon SD and reloading .45 & 9mm. I just want a good starting point and like most things there is a shelf full of powder at the store and I don't really know which one to try! I have several reloading books but I am looking for opinions rather than a laundary list of powders such as you get from a book. Thanks in advance!

August 22, 2002, 11:29 AM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 33,141	WW231. Meters great, clean burning, and provides great ballistic uniformity and accuracy. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

August 22, 2002, 06:26 PM	#4
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,232	For 9MM and .45, I'm partial to HS-6 from Hodgdon as first choice, with Alliant Power pistol running a very close second. I should add that I don't load light target loads. All of my loads are factory duplication or +P This is just my personal taste, but I don't like powders that will not overflow the case if double charged. That eliminates Bullseye, Titegroup, 231, HP-38, Clays and Red Dot. Of course, millions of people use these powders with perfect satisfaction, especially in light target loads.. I'd suggest that you try a variety of powders over a period of a year or two, and find out which one works best for you. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

August 22, 2002, 11:17 AM	#2
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,536	Accurate Arms #5, Hodgdon Universal Clays or Clays, Alliant Unique or Bullseye, Winchester 231. Most powders are interchangeable between the 2 cartridges.