April 2, 2005, 06:55 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: February 22, 2005
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Clean Handgun Powder
Of the powders that you use in your reloading, what is the cleanest for you for loads that run the gammet of, say, light plinkers to full power rounds.
I have used Unique, Blue Dot, HS-7, and a couple others. I was just wondering what you guys liked. I load for 38 special, 357 mag, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 acp, and 45 colt. My brother likes AA#5 for 40 and 45 acp. I am looking for input on Accurate Arms, Alliant, Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders. Just curious, and it may lead me to some new powder choices to try. Bill |
April 2, 2005, 07:49 PM | #2 |
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You might want to look at the companies making powder from cotton based rather than wood fiber based nitrocellulose. Several are available. Scott powders used to do before they were sold, but I believe the remaining plant probably has not changed process. You can still get Solo 1000 and 1200 in this form, though Accurate Arms now owns this line.
Vhitavuori Oy brand powder from Finland is another. Their N320 and N330 might do well for you. N320 is the only powder my internal ballistics program thinks will burn 100% in .45ACP while achieving hardball velocities and pressures. These look pretty good, at least on paper. If you look at ball powders, consider WW-231. An oldie but goodie. A lot of people I shot in pistol leagues with years ago switched to it from Bullseye, both because it meters more accurately from a measure and because it leaves less soot behind. For full-power magnum loads, WW-296 and H110 are very close to one another and very hard to beat. I can't say which might be cleaner? I've used both. Nick |
April 2, 2005, 07:59 PM | #3 |
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I use HS6 for all of the calibres you list except .357 Magnum.
But if you want clean burning with HS-6, you've got to load it fairly hot.
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April 2, 2005, 08:45 PM | #4 |
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For clean powders I like Universal, AA #7 and Tite Group.
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April 2, 2005, 11:49 PM | #5 |
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W231 can work in just about any pistol caliber with good results and burns as clean as any. It is also sold as HP38.
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April 3, 2005, 07:58 AM | #6 |
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yep, clean in lotsa calibers
Alliant Power Pistol.
Vihtavuori Oy 3N37. Nitro 100. Pretty short list, ay? (Currently testing N350.)
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April 3, 2005, 08:12 AM | #7 |
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Have to give my vote to Titegroup for about the cleanest 231 isn't to bad.Unique and Bullseye being some of the worst.
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April 3, 2005, 08:56 AM | #8 | |
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Vihtavuori. I sure am liking this line of powders. It sure ain't the cheapest, but for high performance and clean burning loads it's my ticket. They're N3xx powders are just excellent. N340 is a favorite of mine, especially for .45 ACP's.
Quote:
Vihtavuori Reloading Guide 1/2004
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