Powder recommendation for pistol loading

nass · March 16, 2007, 09:29 AM

Just getting setup to start loading on a Lee Classic Turret. I have the Pro autodisk powder measure. Not opposed to getting the adjustable charge bar if needed.

I am planning on loading:
45 - 185 or 200 gr for competition use. Lighter loads, but still Major PF.
9mm - 115-130ish gr, minor PF
38 - later (new addition)
44 - later (after I get comfy), Hunting loads

So, what powders feed well through thus measure and burn clean/well in these calibers. I'd like to have only a couple types on the shelf if possible.

Thanks in advance. I know there is no one answer, but your advise helps!

Jim Watson · March 16, 2007, 10:21 AM

I have shot this and that over the years, but have always gone back to Winchester 231 (or HP38 which comes off the same production line) for 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 ACP.

.44 Magnum calls for a much slower powder for hunting loads.
My old M29 is more accurate with IMR 4227 than the traditional 2400.
Win 296 (or H110 out of that same plant) is probably more efficent when loaded within its rather narrow limits at or very near full power.

Crimp · March 16, 2007, 11:33 AM

+1 Jim. I've tried many powders, but come back to 231 for most of my plinking rounds.

Lately, for the higher pressure 9mm (and .357), I've been using slower powders, like Ramshot True Blue.

Castaway · March 16, 2007, 11:41 AM

For cast bullets and overall versatility, you can't beat Unique. Covers a wide range of calibers and velocities in each. For the 44 hunting loads, I'd go with eithher of the 4227's or H110 but still would use Unique for practice/plinking. There are those that say it's dirty, but so what if it shoots well.

nass · March 16, 2007, 02:27 PM

Thanks guys! 231 sounds like it is a winner for most types of competition shooting I do.

Now let's dive into specific loading for 45s, cause that's where I'm starting. I am planning on using Berry's plated 185gr HBRN or 200gr RN. good choice? W231 powder amount recommended to stay at major PF, but not be full house loads?

I'll leave the 44 for a different topic seeing as it is so different.

arizona hunter · March 16, 2007, 02:35 PM

I don't use that powder measure, but for 9 mm & 38 Spec. I like Titegroup. Meters well and a little goes a long way.

rwilson452 · March 16, 2007, 02:43 PM

If I read the rules correctly you want a PF of 165000. with a 185 gr bullet you need roughly 900 FPS you would need 6.6 gr of 231 to get you over the 900fps mark

March 16, 2007, 09:29 AM	#1
nass Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 281	Powder recommendation for pistol loading Just getting setup to start loading on a Lee Classic Turret. I have the Pro autodisk powder measure. Not opposed to getting the adjustable charge bar if needed. I am planning on loading: 45 - 185 or 200 gr for competition use. Lighter loads, but still Major PF. 9mm - 115-130ish gr, minor PF 38 - later (new addition) 44 - later (after I get comfy), Hunting loads So, what powders feed well through thus measure and burn clean/well in these calibers. I'd like to have only a couple types on the shelf if possible. Thanks in advance. I know there is no one answer, but your advise helps! __________________ My $0.02

March 16, 2007, 02:27 PM	#5
nass Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 281	plinking/competition rounds Thanks guys! 231 sounds like it is a winner for most types of competition shooting I do. Now let's dive into specific loading for 45s, cause that's where I'm starting. I am planning on using Berry's plated 185gr HBRN or 200gr RN. good choice? W231 powder amount recommended to stay at major PF, but not be full house loads? I'll leave the 44 for a different topic seeing as it is so different. __________________ My $0.02

March 16, 2007, 10:21 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	I have shot this and that over the years, but have always gone back to Winchester 231 (or HP38 which comes off the same production line) for 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 ACP. .44 Magnum calls for a much slower powder for hunting loads. My old M29 is more accurate with IMR 4227 than the traditional 2400. Win 296 (or H110 out of that same plant) is probably more efficent when loaded within its rather narrow limits at or very near full power.

March 16, 2007, 11:33 AM	#3
Crimp Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 276	+1 Jim. I've tried many powders, but come back to 231 for most of my plinking rounds. Lately, for the higher pressure 9mm (and .357), I've been using slower powders, like Ramshot True Blue.

March 16, 2007, 11:41 AM	#4
Castaway Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Dade City, FL Posts: 90	For cast bullets and overall versatility, you can't beat Unique. Covers a wide range of calibers and velocities in each. For the 44 hunting loads, I'd go with eithher of the 4227's or H110 but still would use Unique for practice/plinking. There are those that say it's dirty, but so what if it shoots well.

March 16, 2007, 02:35 PM	#6
arizona hunter Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2005 Location: phoenix, AZ Posts: 212	I don't use that powder measure, but for 9 mm & 38 Spec. I like Titegroup. Meters well and a little goes a long way.

March 16, 2007, 02:43 PM	#7
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	If I read the rules correctly you want a PF of 165000. with a 185 gr bullet you need roughly 900 FPS you would need 6.6 gr of 231 to get you over the 900fps mark