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Old April 7, 2005, 12:12 AM   #1
redhawk41
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Blue Dot and HS-7

i am looking for a powder that i can use in both .45 ACP and .41 mag.

loading data shows:

.45 ACP
--Blue Dot and 230gr Speer GD around 850 fps.
--HS-7 and 230gr Speer GD around 850 fps

.41 mag
-- Blue Dot and 215gr SWC around 1100 fps
-- HS-7 and 215gr SWC around 1100 fps

this gives me just what i am looking for:
standard load in .45 and 'plinker' load in .41 mag

what are your thoughts on these two powders for these two applications?
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Old April 7, 2005, 12:30 AM   #2
Leftoverdj
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Makes sense to me and I've used both powders in both cartridges.

What makes even more sense is WC-820(f) from www.gibrass.com It's a surplus powder that is dead on HS-7 in burning rate and is selling for $56 per 8 lb jug. I've only used that in the .41 Mag because I am not shooting a .45 ACP at the moment.
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Old April 7, 2005, 09:55 PM   #3
cheygriz
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In my experience, both are excellent powders. However, I prefer the HS7 because it flows through the powder measure so much better.
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Old April 7, 2005, 11:05 PM   #4
Ranger61
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I have never found HS 7 to work very well in a low pressure load like the 45 ACP. It has tended to be kind of erratic with a large velocity variation, even with magnum pistol primers. It works fine in the 41 Mag as well as Blue Dot. I would rather use Winchester 231 for the 45 and for loads around 1100 fps in the 41 Mag. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Old April 12, 2005, 11:07 AM   #5
Sturm
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Accurate #7 is also a good choice, but accurates data for .45 ACP is limited to +P loads. For standard .45 ACP and medium .41 Magnum loads, HS-6 is a very good choice.
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Old April 13, 2005, 11:04 AM   #6
cheygriz
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I'll second the HS-6 for the .45 ACP. it is also one of the best powders available for .38 Spec. +P, .38 Super, 9MM Standard, +P and +P+, .40, 10MM, and .45 Colt (+P)

If I could have only one pistol powder for all reloading of handgun rounds, it would be HS6. (With Power Pistol running a close second)

It's certainly not the best powder for ALL calibres, but is the best powder for more different calibres than any other that I've used.
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Old April 13, 2005, 11:14 AM   #7
Mike Irwin
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I'm not fond of Blue Dot, and I've never used HS-7.

I highly recommend Accurate 7. I use it in .41 Mag. and 10mm.
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Old April 13, 2005, 10:49 PM   #8
redhawk41
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thanks guys

i was also eyeing the HS-6, and AA#7 has also been in the mix. guess i'll just have to try them all and see what works!

anyone know where you can get small, say 1/4 lb, samples of the different powders?

anyone shoot HS-6 in .41 mag?
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Old April 14, 2005, 11:23 AM   #9
Sturm
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Hey Buddy, I have occasionally and you can load up to max and get about 90% of the velocity of the slower burning magnum powders. Where HS-6 will shine in .41 will be with 210 and 220 gr. loads @ 1000-1100 FPS. I have not used HS-6 with the 170 gr. Sierra JHC, but if it were loaded with HS-6 at around 1200 FPS, you might get the defense load Skeeter Skelton and others wanted and didn't get from 210 gr. SWC's @ 1000 FPS. If I had a 4" model 57, HS-6 would be one of my prefered powders along with AA#7 as I mentioned earlier. For .41 and .45 ACP both, HS-6 would get the nod.
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