Softer round powder for 9/40?

rdtompki · August 15, 2014, 06:54 AM

I'm just starting to acquire reloading equipment. The cartridges will be used for IDPA and related range work so I'd like to find a newbie-tolerant powder that I can use to load both 9 and 40. 231 and N340 seem like good choices based on what I've read, but it's very difficult for someone starting out to relate the load tables to the suitability of a given powder for a particular application. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

oldpapps · August 15, 2014, 07:10 AM

And the same advice: 'Get/read good loading manual....'

Now that has been covered, I have been using 231 since... it replaced 230 in the early 70's. I have used it for the weakest/softest .32 S&W to some heavy .44 Mags. It is all in how it is used. Oh, 231 is reportedly the same as HP-38.

I have no knowledge of 'N340', so I can not comment on it.

As I see it, the only problem with 231/HP-38 is finding some to buy.

Follow the loadings listed in an accepted loading source, start at the 'beginning load' and enjoy.

OSOK

Shootest · August 15, 2014, 07:56 AM

W231/HP38 is a good powder for target loads. Some other good choices Bullseye, AA#2, Unique, Clays, Universal. Hope you can find at least 1 of those. I have no experience with that V (how ever you spell it) company’s powder.

jmorris · August 15, 2014, 10:18 AM

Try a Berrys plated 147 with 3.1 g of VV N310 @ 1.160".

I haven't found a softer feeling load that will always make minor, in more than a decade.

August 15, 2014, 06:54 AM	#1
rdtompki Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2014 Location: San Franciso Bay area Posts: 108	Softer round powder for 9/40? I'm just starting to acquire reloading equipment. The cartridges will be used for IDPA and related range work so I'd like to find a newbie-tolerant powder that I can use to load both 9 and 40. 231 and N340 seem like good choices based on what I've read, but it's very difficult for someone starting out to relate the load tables to the suitability of a given powder for a particular application. Any help would be greatly appreciated. __________________ NRA Life Member CRPA Life Member

August 15, 2014, 07:56 AM	#3
Shootest Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Just outside Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 722	W231/HP38 is a good powder for target loads. Some other good choices Bullseye, AA#2, Unique, Clays, Universal. Hope you can find at least 1 of those. I have no experience with that V (how ever you spell it) company’s powder. __________________ The private ownership of firearms is an American Heritage. Anyone who disputes that is Anti-American and unpatriotic. NRA Life Member

August 15, 2014, 07:10 AM	#2
oldpapps Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2011 Location: Middle America Posts: 518	And the same advice: 'Get/read good loading manual....' Now that has been covered, I have been using 231 since... it replaced 230 in the early 70's. I have used it for the weakest/softest .32 S&W to some heavy .44 Mags. It is all in how it is used. Oh, 231 is reportedly the same as HP-38. I have no knowledge of 'N340', so I can not comment on it. As I see it, the only problem with 231/HP-38 is finding some to buy. Follow the loadings listed in an accepted loading source, start at the 'beginning load' and enjoy. OSOK

August 15, 2014, 10:18 AM	#4
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,077	Try a Berrys plated 147 with 3.1 g of VV N310 @ 1.160". I haven't found a softer feeling load that will always make minor, in more than a decade.