Powder Question

MINSH101 · March 28, 2016, 02:15 AM

Is there a powder that is good for 9mm/38 special/.357 magnum/.45 ACP? I want to start loading and I prefer to have just one brand, or type, of powder to keep track of. I do plan on keeping a powder tube with each die set separate.

Thanks in advance

trapper9260 · March 28, 2016, 05:43 AM

Get yourself a reloading book and it will tell all you want to know .Lyman one will give you different powder companys .Do not go by what someone say.each gun is different for what it likes.

**Mike Irwin** · March 28, 2016, 06:52 AM

Yes, there are a number.

I've used a lot of WW 231 over the years to load those rounds.

You can't use 231 to get to maximum .357 Mag. loads, but it's great for just bout any load for the others you mention.

Unique is also a good choice, as is AA 5.

TMD · March 28, 2016, 07:48 AM

Plenty of different powders to choose from that will work but none will give the best overall performance in all of them.

stagpanther · March 28, 2016, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Plenty of different powders to choose from that will work but none will give the best overall performance in all of them.

True--but I've found over the years that keeping a good supply of H110/W296, accurate 5,7 and 9 and 4227 covers a lot of bases well. : )

603Country · March 28, 2016, 09:00 AM

Unique

g.willikers · March 28, 2016, 09:13 AM

Hogdgon has a bunch of powders that satisfy that need.
But, per usual, you will have to develop safe loads yourself.
Although their web site loading data has proven accurate for what I load.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

BigJimP · March 28, 2016, 11:35 AM

Hodgdon TiteGroup is a solid choice in all of those calibers. I use it in all the calibers you list as my primary powder.

alexcue · March 28, 2016, 03:28 PM

I'd have to agree with BigJim, Titegroup will work fairly well with all those calibers.

W231 and Unique would be other good choices. Personally Unique will wear you out 'cause it's dirty and measures inconsistently for my taste. BUT, i do use it in some of my loads, and I will always have some of it onhand.

WCWV · March 28, 2016, 03:32 PM

I 3rd Titegroup. I can get it to shoot good in just about anything I try.

Dufus · March 28, 2016, 03:43 PM

VV N340 is the best I have used in those calibers. Very clean burning and virtually no muzzle flash.

std7mag · March 28, 2016, 06:43 PM

What they all said....

Get a book (get several), and check it out.

What powder I use depends on the caliber I'm loading for, bullet weight and construction, and what velocities I'm looking for.

Also you have things like 45ACP which I load for a 5 inch, 4 inch, and 3.3 inch barrels. Trying to keep over 800 FPS so hollow points actually expand, but not so high that your in +P territory.

BigJimP · March 28, 2016, 06:50 PM

Most of us don't reload "defense" ammo .....so it isn't about optimum performance for a "JHP" ....it's about what works best for the velocity, at that bullet weight - in that caliber / that we want for practice in the FMJ bullet we reload....

KEYBEAR · March 28, 2016, 07:01 PM

I shoot a bunch of 44 Mag and 44 Special all with Unique . I think I went through a little over 8 lb. last year . Yes it is dirty but I clean my guns anyway .

std7mag · March 28, 2016, 07:11 PM

Good point BigJimP.

But I load a lot of 45ACP for target practice out of those different guns also.
Don't need 1000 FPS to hit targets..
And I don't want to shoot the 3.3" with loads that were made for the 5".

Same holds true for the 9mm, 40s&W, etc...

Average Joe · March 28, 2016, 07:18 PM

BE 86 from Alliant is good for all of those calibers you mentioned, check out their website and see the loads for this powder.

BigJimP · March 28, 2016, 07:18 PM

That makes more sense --- i shoot 8-10 boxes a week myself on my primary carry gun / at tactical drills. With ammo that has similar recoil to my carry ammo...

mmb713 · March 28, 2016, 07:47 PM

Most any pistol powder will work in all of your cartridges but there is no single powder that will be optimum in all of them. I use different powders for different cartridges to get more optimal loads. And as has been pointed out, to get true magnum performance out of the 357 Magnum you will need one of the slowest burning pistol powders, and they are not suitable for 38 Special, 9mm or 45 Auto. The 38 and 45 will perform best with the same faster powders. 9mm performs better with powders at the slower end of the burn rate chart but fine loads can be worked up with the faster powders. If you just want mid-range loads in 357 Magnum any of the faster powders you can use in 38 Special, 9mm and 45 Auto will work great but your performance won't be a whole lot more than 38 Special.

Get a good reloading manual, several would be better, and look at the load tables for all of the cartridges you are loading and pick powders that are listed in all of the tables. With the spotty availability of powders nowadays you will want a list of several suitable powders and see what is available. I still think it's better to tailor your powder selections to each individual cartridge though, when you can actually find a selection.

Mauser69 · March 29, 2016, 11:15 AM

All good answers in this thread - lots and lots of choices in those mid-range powders that will work well in all your calibers. As has already been stated, the toughest issue is just how much power you want out of that .357. If you really want full bore bang, you are not going to get it without something like 296/H110, 2400, or Accurate #9, and none of those magnum powders are particularly good for the other calibers you listed.

But if you will settle for .357 velocities in the 1,100 - 1,200 fps range, you can easily get that with Unique, Accurate #5, Accurate #7, BE-86, and Zip (other powders too, but those are the ones I have tested).

Unique would be my first choice, as it not only works wonderfully in the smaller stuff, it will push the .357 significantly over 1,200 as well. It is a very old powder, but it is so good in so many things, if I really could only have one powder on my shelf for shotguns and handguns, up to and including .44 Mag, Unique would be my hands-down choice.

std7mag · March 29, 2016, 08:19 PM

Well, taking a 5 min break right now from loading practice ammo for the 9mm.

Xtreme 115gr. RN Plated.
Mixed casings
Fed 100 primers
Ramshot True Blue

When I get back at it, loading some 45ACP.
Hornady 200gr. Lead C/T SWC
Mixed casings
CCI 300 Primers
Alliant Red Dot powder.

TimSr · March 30, 2016, 02:22 PM

Unique works well in all of those applications, including .357 mag which is the most different of the bunch. Each probably has its own favorite if you want to squeeze the last drop of performance out of them, but hey, you're just getting started! There's plenty of time to fine tune, and spend lots of money on multiple powders later, after you get started and figure out what you are doing. Don't get bogged down looking for ultimate optimum load in your first batch of ammo.

2ndtimer · March 30, 2016, 10:15 PM

If you want milder target type loads, then Titegroup, HP-38 or Win 231 and similar powders will work well in those cartridges. If you want to up the performance level, Unique, Accurate No. 5 and Universal Clays would also be good choices. My new favorite that works in all those is Power Pistol. It isn't as adaptable at lower powder charges, but provides top or close to top performances with all the cartridges you have listed.

March 28, 2016, 02:15 AM	#1
MINSH101 Member Join Date: September 8, 2015 Location: Washington State Posts: 63	Powder Question Is there a powder that is good for 9mm/38 special/.357 magnum/.45 ACP? I want to start loading and I prefer to have just one brand, or type, of powder to keep track of. I do plan on keeping a powder tube with each die set separate. Thanks in advance

March 28, 2016, 06:52 AM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Yes, there are a number. I've used a lot of WW 231 over the years to load those rounds. You can't use 231 to get to maximum .357 Mag. loads, but it's great for just bout any load for the others you mention. Unique is also a good choice, as is AA 5. __________________ "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.

March 29, 2016, 11:15 AM	#19
Mauser69 Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2014 Location: New Mexico Posts: 204	All good answers in this thread - lots and lots of choices in those mid-range powders that will work well in all your calibers. As has already been stated, the toughest issue is just how much power you want out of that .357. If you really want full bore bang, you are not going to get it without something like 296/H110, 2400, or Accurate #9, and none of those magnum powders are particularly good for the other calibers you listed. But if you will settle for .357 velocities in the 1,100 - 1,200 fps range, you can easily get that with Unique, Accurate #5, Accurate #7, BE-86, and Zip (other powders too, but those are the ones I have tested). Unique would be my first choice, as it not only works wonderfully in the smaller stuff, it will push the .357 significantly over 1,200 as well. It is a very old powder, but it is so good in so many things, if I really could only have one powder on my shelf for shotguns and handguns, up to and including .44 Mag, Unique would be my hands-down choice. __________________ NRA Family Life members, TSRA Life member, USAF vet and American Legion member.

March 30, 2016, 10:15 PM	#22
2ndtimer Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 293	If you want milder target type loads, then Titegroup, HP-38 or Win 231 and similar powders will work well in those cartridges. If you want to up the performance level, Unique, Accurate No. 5 and Universal Clays would also be good choices. My new favorite that works in all those is Power Pistol. It isn't as adaptable at lower powder charges, but provides top or close to top performances with all the cartridges you have listed. __________________ NRA Endowment Member

March 28, 2016, 05:43 AM	#2
trapper9260 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Iowa Posts: 119	Get yourself a reloading book and it will tell all you want to know .Lyman one will give you different powder companys .Do not go by what someone say.each gun is different for what it likes.

March 28, 2016, 07:48 AM	#4
TMD Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,293	Plenty of different powders to choose from that will work but none will give the best overall performance in all of them.

March 28, 2016, 09:00 AM	#6
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Unique

March 28, 2016, 09:13 AM	#7
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Hogdgon has a bunch of powders that satisfy that need. But, per usual, you will have to develop safe loads yourself. Although their web site loading data has proven accurate for what I load. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/ __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

March 28, 2016, 11:35 AM	#8
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Hodgdon TiteGroup is a solid choice in all of those calibers. I use it in all the calibers you list as my primary powder.

March 28, 2016, 03:28 PM	#9
alexcue Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 134	I'd have to agree with BigJim, Titegroup will work fairly well with all those calibers. W231 and Unique would be other good choices. Personally Unique will wear you out 'cause it's dirty and measures inconsistently for my taste. BUT, i do use it in some of my loads, and I will always have some of it onhand.

March 28, 2016, 03:32 PM	#10
WCWV Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2015 Posts: 137	I 3rd Titegroup. I can get it to shoot good in just about anything I try.

March 28, 2016, 03:43 PM	#11
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	VV N340 is the best I have used in those calibers. Very clean burning and virtually no muzzle flash.

March 28, 2016, 06:43 PM	#12
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	What they all said.... Get a book (get several), and check it out. What powder I use depends on the caliber I'm loading for, bullet weight and construction, and what velocities I'm looking for. Also you have things like 45ACP which I load for a 5 inch, 4 inch, and 3.3 inch barrels. Trying to keep over 800 FPS so hollow points actually expand, but not so high that your in +P territory.

March 28, 2016, 06:50 PM	#13
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Most of us don't reload "defense" ammo .....so it isn't about optimum performance for a "JHP" ....it's about what works best for the velocity, at that bullet weight - in that caliber / that we want for practice in the FMJ bullet we reload....

March 28, 2016, 07:01 PM	#14
KEYBEAR Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,059	I shoot a bunch of 44 Mag and 44 Special all with Unique . I think I went through a little over 8 lb. last year . Yes it is dirty but I clean my guns anyway .

March 28, 2016, 07:11 PM	#15
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Good point BigJimP. But I load a lot of 45ACP for target practice out of those different guns also. Don't need 1000 FPS to hit targets.. And I don't want to shoot the 3.3" with loads that were made for the 5". Same holds true for the 9mm, 40s&W, etc...

March 28, 2016, 07:18 PM	#16
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	BE 86 from Alliant is good for all of those calibers you mentioned, check out their website and see the loads for this powder.

March 28, 2016, 07:47 PM	#18
mmb713 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 421	Most any pistol powder will work in all of your cartridges but there is no single powder that will be optimum in all of them. I use different powders for different cartridges to get more optimal loads. And as has been pointed out, to get true magnum performance out of the 357 Magnum you will need one of the slowest burning pistol powders, and they are not suitable for 38 Special, 9mm or 45 Auto. The 38 and 45 will perform best with the same faster powders. 9mm performs better with powders at the slower end of the burn rate chart but fine loads can be worked up with the faster powders. If you just want mid-range loads in 357 Magnum any of the faster powders you can use in 38 Special, 9mm and 45 Auto will work great but your performance won't be a whole lot more than 38 Special. Get a good reloading manual, several would be better, and look at the load tables for all of the cartridges you are loading and pick powders that are listed in all of the tables. With the spotty availability of powders nowadays you will want a list of several suitable powders and see what is available. I still think it's better to tailor your powder selections to each individual cartridge though, when you can actually find a selection.

March 29, 2016, 08:19 PM	#20
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Well, taking a 5 min break right now from loading practice ammo for the 9mm. Xtreme 115gr. RN Plated. Mixed casings Fed 100 primers Ramshot True Blue When I get back at it, loading some 45ACP. Hornady 200gr. Lead C/T SWC Mixed casings CCI 300 Primers Alliant Red Dot powder.

March 30, 2016, 02:22 PM	#21
TimSr Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Rittman, Ohio Posts: 2,074	Unique works well in all of those applications, including .357 mag which is the most different of the bunch. Each probably has its own favorite if you want to squeeze the last drop of performance out of them, but hey, you're just getting started! There's plenty of time to fine tune, and spend lots of money on multiple powders later, after you get started and figure out what you are doing. Don't get bogged down looking for ultimate optimum load in your first batch of ammo.