April 12, 2014, 01:32 AM | #1 |
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Powder recommendations?
I load my 357 magnum and 44 magnum loads to "special" velocities. I.e. 357 magnum = 38 special, etc.
I love Unique for this as it is fast enough that I also use it for 9mm as well as lighter bullets in the above calibers. Plus, it has sufficient volume to allow me to see any double charging. But with the current shortages I'd like to have an alternative powder that might compare to Unique. Voluminous, fairly fast (I don't like Bullseye, however), versatile. I also use Unique to load shotgun shells. Does anything fit the bill? Thanks. |
April 12, 2014, 06:21 AM | #2 |
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Red Dot
Herco Green Dot |
April 12, 2014, 07:05 AM | #3 |
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Might give Universal Clays a look at
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April 12, 2014, 08:06 AM | #4 |
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Trail Boss.
You won't get the higher velocity range, but you'll get excellent metering and loading density that makes it impossible to drop a double charge.
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April 12, 2014, 11:44 AM | #5 |
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Thanks so much for the responses. I've used Green Dot in the past. I'm off to find the other powders.
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April 12, 2014, 03:04 PM | #6 |
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Hodgdon Universal is supposed to be a "modern equivalent" to Unique. I suppose "equivalent" is a poor choice of words -- it can't be swapped in/out directly. But you can pretty much use Universal anywhere you use Unique.
I've used Universal in .38 Special and I don't like it. And this is saying something, because I use tons of Universal across many calibers, so for me to specifically not like it in .38 comes for good reasons after multiple tries. Universal in .357 works, as long as you know going in that you simply cannot make true .357 Magnum loads with it. For that, you need a slower powder. Universal is absolutely my "go to" powder for 9mm, with both lead and jacketed/plated slugs. Works like a charm for me in 9mm. In reading your initial post... you really have a SLEW of powders you could try for different things. Power Pistol might be a good one. And I make some fantastic target loads in .44 Magnum using Titegroup. With a 240gr cast LSWC, I hit 870 FPS in a 7.5" Redhawk with a 5.7 grain dose of Titegroup in .44 Magnum and it's just a heap of fun.
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April 14, 2014, 07:36 AM | #7 |
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Alternate Powder
Competition. It is very fast, gives easy recoil, light shooting loads in both .357 and .44Mag, and doubles as a shotgun powder. Great choice.
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April 14, 2014, 07:55 AM | #8 |
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I have been using 20/28. I started doing this after a member of another forum posted his results using this powder. I use mid level Unique data. I get 2-5% faster velocity using the same charge weight as Unique. I have seen no signs of high pressure. I have used this powder mostly for .44spl. loads. It meters a bit better than Unique and is also a bit cleaner. My results reflect the results of the person who first mentioned it's use. I AM ONLY RELATING MY EXPERIENCES. I AM NOT RECOMMENDING ANYTHING. YOU DO WHAT YOU THINK IS SAFE AND PROPER.
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April 14, 2014, 02:57 PM | #9 |
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Universal works great every where Unique does. You won't be able to find any for a while though. The factory in Australia is offline due to a fire there. AA#5 would be a good choice in that burning range too.
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April 14, 2014, 03:59 PM | #10 |
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I like Hodgdon Universal....way better than Unique...( for 9mm and .357 Mag )...and Universal is also a good powder for 20ga and 28ga shotshells.
but supplies of either one are very tough to find right now.../ hopefully it'll get better later this summer.. |
April 14, 2014, 04:07 PM | #11 |
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For .38 special and .357 Magnum.IMR Trail Boss Has a higher VMD (twice the bulk) than Unique with a slightly smaller charge and will fill a case up about as good as your going to get. However, I am not sure it is good for your 9mm. I have no load data for it (not sure there is any) and Trail Boss is better suited for larger pistol casings such as 38 special, 44 special, 45 Colt, etc. YMMV
I think 700x will offer a load for all three 38,.357mag, and 9mm and fill the case quite well, especially on those 9mm and .357 Magnums. I say 700x fits the bill for case filling the calibers listed as good as any. If you can find and don't mind using two powders then you can go with Trail Boss for the 38/.357 loads and a number of others for the 9mm that will fill the case well.
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