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Old February 19, 2012, 02:00 PM   #1
deadwolfarms
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powder for 38 spl

I am looking for a powder that meeters well and would be good for 125 grain bullets
thoughts?
Thanks
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Old February 19, 2012, 02:16 PM   #2
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I like Bullseye. Meters great, and accuracy is always there.
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Old February 19, 2012, 02:33 PM   #3
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I am currently using Bullseye and/or N-340. In the past I have used W231, HS-6, Red Dot, Unique, and the old version of Unique.

I like the HS-6, and N-340 best, as they meter quite well and fill the case better than the faster powders. W231 meters ok, too. Bullseye seems to meter better on my setup than does Unique or Red Dot, but not well enough that I am going to buy another jug after this one is gone. As far as where the shots land on the target--they all seem to make groups of the same size--ok for a handgun. My .38 spcl. is not a match revolver, but it shoots ok using 158 gr. Berry HPs or my new fav, 148 gr. Berry HBWC.
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Old February 19, 2012, 04:39 PM   #4
Don P
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My vote goes to Titegroup.
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Old February 19, 2012, 05:06 PM   #5
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Bullseye.

International Clays is good in .38 Special, but there's *very* little load data for it.

Promo and American Select are good, but don't meter well in some powder measures. They work well enough that's it's worth a try.

I use all 4 of the above, and also Unique with heavy bullets. W231 is supposed to be great, but I haven't gotten around to trying that one.
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Old February 19, 2012, 05:43 PM   #6
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I use Clays for 38spl. Meters well for me & burns clean.
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Old February 19, 2012, 05:45 PM   #7
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Bullseye, Red Dot, Unique, Universal Clays have all given me good performance
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Old February 19, 2012, 07:15 PM   #8
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Faster burning powders tend to burn cleaner at a given pressure, for .38 spl I mostly use Bullseye and W-231 I would like to try AA#2 though. I have used Unique for higher velocity but switched to AA#5 for now, #5 meters much better and is clean if the pressure is high enough.

What type of revolver are you reloading for ?
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Old February 19, 2012, 07:25 PM   #9
Mike Irwin
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WW 231.

I've tried other powders, but I always go back to 231. It's my go-to powder for just about all of my handgun loading.

It meters well, it burns cleanly, and its just about the perfect powder for .38, 9mm, .45, .380, and mid-range loads in .357 and .41 Mags.
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Old February 19, 2012, 07:34 PM   #10
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HP 38 is a spherical powder so it meters very well and is economical however it's low velocity Hodgdon's own description of the powder sates.
Quote:
HP38 is a spherical powder that is great for low velocity and mid-range target loads in the .38 Special, .44 Special, and 45 ACP. This high energy powder provides economy in loading.
It really depends on what your load purpose is.

Go to their websight load data center and you will get great info there.http://www.hodgdon.com/
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Old February 19, 2012, 08:04 PM   #11
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HP38 & W231 are the same. Exact same specs.
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Old February 19, 2012, 08:21 PM   #12
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Win 231 works for 38 spl.

Jim
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Old February 19, 2012, 08:26 PM   #13
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Bullseye meters well and is accurate in my .38 reloads.
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Old February 19, 2012, 08:31 PM   #14
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Accurate Arms #2 works well for me with 125 grain bullets.
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Old February 19, 2012, 08:33 PM   #15
OEF-Vet
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Quote:
HP38 & W231 are the same. Exact same specs.
2rott, I agree with you with the exception of price. From Midway USA
W231 $20.49 lb
HP 38 $18.79 lb

If you are willing to pay $1.70 a pound just to have the Winchester label more power to you but I'll use that $ for something else.
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Old February 19, 2012, 08:55 PM   #16
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Bull's Eye is my go to powder for most handgun rounds. Though I can say that Trail Boss works well in the .38 spcl cases, and is super clean buring. It meters well too.
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Old February 20, 2012, 07:50 AM   #17
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Power Pistol works great for +P loads in 38 Spc.
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Old February 20, 2012, 08:45 AM   #18
David Bachelder
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Hodgdon Universal.
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Old February 20, 2012, 11:55 AM   #19
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In order, I have used these powders with success in .38 Special:
Green Dot, Bullseye, Titegroup, Unique, Power Pistol, Win 473AA, and Universal.

I have made the most with Power Pistol and Universal. Mostly 158 grain plated and LSWC bullets, but lately I'm transitioning to 125 grain jacketed slugs.
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Old February 20, 2012, 12:08 PM   #20
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Bullseye or Unique. They work with all manner of different bullets.
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