If you had to buy 8# powder for 9mm & 45acp

Fuzzymaster · February 8, 2009, 01:58 PM

What powder would you buy for both of these ? I would like to stock up while I have some money. I know there are all kinds of variables, but which would you choose. Right now I am looking at Bullseye, Unique, and W231. Leaning towards Unique.

Sevens · February 8, 2009, 02:31 PM

Unique is wildly popular, but I don't care for it. It's not one of the best metering powders out there (it ain't the worst either) but it's not a ball powder, for sure. It's flexible and can be used for a lot of different calibers, but that's also a testament (IMO) of how it's not the "best" choice for ANY caliber. It's very old tech and though it's supposed to burn cleaner than in year's past, it's not the natural progression of technology in powders... it's a very old favorite that's still hanging around.

A -lot- of those descriptions I just used apply to Bullseye also... it's fairly dirty, it's a good target powder but it's a poor choice for heavy loads. It likely meters better than Unique, but it's not quite as flexible.

231 seems to be a better version of Bullseye, in that it's used in pretty much the same way for the same reasons. I believe that 231 will put less soot and filth on your handgun than Bullseye.

You'll probably get a lot of votes for Unique here, but I'd probably vote for 231. What's crazy is that I use FAR MORE of Bullseye than I do of Unique and I don't even have, nor have I ever used 231... so my opinions are nothing more than that-- my opinion.

I would take a long, hard look at Titegroup rather than any of the three you listed. I'm also getting to be a big fan of Alliant Power Pistol.

And it's only far to go ahead and state the obvious: In my opinion, if you list 30 different smokeless powders and ask me which powder to deep six, I'm kicking Unique off the island. I just don't think in the year 2009 that all that made Unique such a great powder in the last 80 years makes it so great right now. I think there are better powders that are more specific to certain jobs these days. Unique is a sentimental favorite of many and of the twelve powders I keep on hand, it's the last one I use and the first one I'd boot.

Big apologies to the boatloads of Unique fans that will no doubt take over this thread!

bobn · February 8, 2009, 03:19 PM

another 231 fan....bobn

Yoosta B. Blue · February 8, 2009, 03:40 PM

Nearly a year ago, I was extremely fortunate to have a "deal of a lifetime" to come my way, as far as reloading supplies are concerned. Among the horde of components that I obtained in that transaction were 9 pounds of Unique, and 10 pounds of HS-6.

When I first got those two powders (along with some others to boot), I set out on a judicious course to work up a good accurate and dependable load using either Unique or HS-6. Several thousand rounds later, I can say without question that HS-6 is definitely my favorite powder. It meters really well and I have developed a load with it for the 9mm that is "dead on" in my gun, with the same being true for my .45 ACP.

I do have one pound of TiteGroup here, which I have not yet opened. I don't plan to try it until all my HS-6 is gone, and that's not going to be for a good long while. Though HS-6 is not one of the powders that you are looking at, feel free to put me in the "ardent fan" column with Hodgdon's HS-6. If I were about to buy a bunch of powder right now for the calibers that I regularly shoot, it would be HS-6. It rocks!

Yoosta B. Blue

millerwb · February 8, 2009, 03:52 PM

I would be a Bullseye Fan.

freakshow10mm · February 8, 2009, 03:53 PM

The new AutoComp. I love it.

sig2009 · February 8, 2009, 03:53 PM

Depends what you want to load. For full house max loads for velocity Blue Dot and Unique are hard to beat. Both Blue Dot and Unique are good choices for 115 and 124 gn. For middle of the road loads in 115 I like 231,WSF and Bullseye but will not get max velocity with those powders. For 124 gn 231 and Bullseye are on the bottom when it comes to velocity. Blue Dot,AA #9,AA #7 and Unique are best for max loads.

Mikke · February 8, 2009, 04:25 PM

VV N340. Of course there might be cheaper alternatives where you are, but it's my favourite. Also works for .38.

kraigwy · February 8, 2009, 04:47 PM

Either 231 or bullseye would give you the biggest bang for the buck, also most common in bullseye shooting, That should tell you something.

Claddagh · February 8, 2009, 05:04 PM

I like 231 a lot. I went back to Unique for my standard .357 general purpose loads because I was getting a lot of leading when I used enough 231 to get the velocity I was looking for (950 f/s from a 4" bbl revolver} unless I used a gas check. Rather than switch to the more expensive bullets, I switched powders. FWIW, I did have to cut my old standard charge of Unique from years back by about 0.5 gr. to get the same ballistic data I used to get with it.

I still favor 231 in my standard .45 ACP practice loads. For some reason I don't get the kind of "flash" leading in them that I did in the .357's, even though the powder charges were similar and the bullets cast from the same alloy. Haven't a clue as to why.

I'm in the process of trying out some Titegroup. When the weather changes enough for me to get the chronograph out and do some testing we'll see how it works.

TheNordwand · February 8, 2009, 05:42 PM

I've been using Tightgroup for 9 and 45.

zxcvbob · February 8, 2009, 05:56 PM

Bullseye, or WSF.

Alleykat · February 8, 2009, 05:58 PM

I like AA#5 for both!

45Marlin carbine · February 8, 2009, 06:32 PM

Bullseye for cast slug 'practice' loads and Power Pistol for the jacketed 'hot' loads.

**Shane Tuttle** · February 8, 2009, 07:02 PM

Between your choices I'd stick with W231. It is the same as Hodgdon's HP38 which is my personal favorite. Also, HP38 has been cheaper to buy than W231 lately...at least for me.

HP38/W231 is soft recoiling, clean burning, and meters VERY well. I wouldn't use it to push max velocities.

I know you didn't ask for other powders, but I have to mirror Blue's sentiment on HS6. It's properties are very similar to HP38.

I don't like using TiteGroup AT ALL for the only reason that it doesn't fill the case very well. You're asking for a double charge.

I'm just getting into Power Pistol so the jury is still out...

Mtn Biker · February 8, 2009, 07:47 PM

If I could only have one it would be W231.

VL

crowbeaner · February 8, 2009, 08:01 PM

Simple question; my choice would be AA#5. CB.

Don H · February 8, 2009, 08:03 PM

+1 AA#5.

Crosshair · February 8, 2009, 08:10 PM

+1 on Titegroup.

Sure you're not going to get top performance, but it burns clean and it can be used in darn near ANY handgun caliber. Works great for cast bullets.

IllinoisCoyoteHunter · February 8, 2009, 08:22 PM

I use titegroup for 9, 357, 38 spl, and 45acp. It works just fine...and does go a long way.

atbarr · February 8, 2009, 08:42 PM

No comments on Solo 1000?

A.T.

zxcvbob · February 8, 2009, 09:04 PM

I dislike Titegroup very much because

it is very dirty and smoky with cast bullets; much more so than other powders. Doesn't seem to matter what lube I use.
it takes a vanishingly small amount of powder and it's hard to see how much is in the cases.

I could overlook either of these problems, but not both. I bought a pound of it, and I'm trying to use it up to get rid of it, but it just keeps going and going... (I guess that's one good thing about it)

Sevens · February 8, 2009, 10:59 PM

Damn geography. I'd give you my "hardly touched" can of Unique for your red-headed stepchild Titegroup.

rg1 · February 8, 2009, 11:49 PM

I'd pick Unique. Didn't get the velocity in my tests with 231 at listed charges. Don't like small charges of a powder that can easily be double charged. I've reloaded for some years and just have not kept up with some of the newer powders. I just keep using the same old recipes.

zxcvbob · February 9, 2009, 12:07 AM

I just bought a pound (14 oz) of International, and I'm impressed with how well it throws from the powder measure for such a bulky powder. Is Universal the same way? (International is to Green Dot as Universal is to Unique, not to say that they are interchangable) If so, Universal might be a good choice.

February 8, 2009, 01:58 PM	#1
Fuzzymaster Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Posts: 89	If you had to buy 8# powder for 9mm & 45acp What powder would you buy for both of these ? I would like to stock up while I have some money. I know there are all kinds of variables, but which would you choose. Right now I am looking at Bullseye, Unique, and W231. Leaning towards Unique.

February 8, 2009, 02:31 PM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Unique is wildly popular, but I don't care for it. It's not one of the best metering powders out there (it ain't the worst either) but it's not a ball powder, for sure. It's flexible and can be used for a lot of different calibers, but that's also a testament (IMO) of how it's not the "best" choice for ANY caliber. It's very old tech and though it's supposed to burn cleaner than in year's past, it's not the natural progression of technology in powders... it's a very old favorite that's still hanging around. A -lot- of those descriptions I just used apply to Bullseye also... it's fairly dirty, it's a good target powder but it's a poor choice for heavy loads. It likely meters better than Unique, but it's not quite as flexible. 231 seems to be a better version of Bullseye, in that it's used in pretty much the same way for the same reasons. I believe that 231 will put less soot and filth on your handgun than Bullseye. You'll probably get a lot of votes for Unique here, but I'd probably vote for 231. What's crazy is that I use FAR MORE of Bullseye than I do of Unique and I don't even have, nor have I ever used 231... so my opinions are nothing more than that-- my opinion. I would take a long, hard look at Titegroup rather than any of the three you listed. I'm also getting to be a big fan of Alliant Power Pistol. And it's only far to go ahead and state the obvious: In my opinion, if you list 30 different smokeless powders and ask me which powder to deep six, I'm kicking Unique off the island. I just don't think in the year 2009 that all that made Unique such a great powder in the last 80 years makes it so great right now. I think there are better powders that are more specific to certain jobs these days. Unique is a sentimental favorite of many and of the twelve powders I keep on hand, it's the last one I use and the first one I'd boot. Big apologies to the boatloads of Unique fans that will no doubt take over this thread! __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 8, 2009, 03:40 PM	#4
Yoosta B. Blue Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2008 Location: Just a tad NE of the Alamo... Posts: 252	A really good question, Fuzzymaster... Nearly a year ago, I was extremely fortunate to have a "deal of a lifetime" to come my way, as far as reloading supplies are concerned. Among the horde of components that I obtained in that transaction were 9 pounds of Unique, and 10 pounds of HS-6. When I first got those two powders (along with some others to boot), I set out on a judicious course to work up a good accurate and dependable load using either Unique or HS-6. Several thousand rounds later, I can say without question that HS-6 is definitely my favorite powder. It meters really well and I have developed a load with it for the 9mm that is "dead on" in my gun, with the same being true for my .45 ACP. I do have one pound of TiteGroup here, which I have not yet opened. I don't plan to try it until all my HS-6 is gone, and that's not going to be for a good long while. Though HS-6 is not one of the powders that you are looking at, feel free to put me in the "ardent fan" column with Hodgdon's HS-6. If I were about to buy a bunch of powder right now for the calibers that I regularly shoot, it would be HS-6. It rocks! Yoosta B. Blue

February 8, 2009, 05:56 PM	#12
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	Bullseye, or WSF. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

February 8, 2009, 07:02 PM	#15
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Between your choices I'd stick with W231. It is the same as Hodgdon's HP38 which is my personal favorite. Also, HP38 has been cheaper to buy than W231 lately...at least for me. HP38/W231 is soft recoiling, clean burning, and meters VERY well. I wouldn't use it to push max velocities. I know you didn't ask for other powders, but I have to mirror Blue's sentiment on HS6. It's properties are very similar to HP38. I don't like using TiteGroup AT ALL for the only reason that it doesn't fill the case very well. You're asking for a double charge. I'm just getting into Power Pistol so the jury is still out... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

February 8, 2009, 03:19 PM	#3
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	another 231 fan....bobn

February 8, 2009, 03:52 PM	#5
millerwb Member Join Date: December 13, 2008 Posts: 63	I would be a Bullseye Fan.

February 8, 2009, 03:53 PM	#6
freakshow10mm Junior member Join Date: January 23, 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,398	The new AutoComp. I love it.

February 8, 2009, 03:53 PM	#7
sig2009 Member Join Date: September 25, 2008 Posts: 49	Depends what you want to load. For full house max loads for velocity Blue Dot and Unique are hard to beat. Both Blue Dot and Unique are good choices for 115 and 124 gn. For middle of the road loads in 115 I like 231,WSF and Bullseye but will not get max velocity with those powders. For 124 gn 231 and Bullseye are on the bottom when it comes to velocity. Blue Dot,AA #9,AA #7 and Unique are best for max loads.

February 8, 2009, 04:25 PM	#8
Mikke Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2000 Location: Ume?, Sweden Posts: 154	VV N340. Of course there might be cheaper alternatives where you are, but it's my favourite. Also works for .38.

February 8, 2009, 04:47 PM	#9
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Either 231 or bullseye would give you the biggest bang for the buck, also most common in bullseye shooting, That should tell you something. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 8, 2009, 05:04 PM	#10
Claddagh Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2009 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 313	I like 231 a lot. I went back to Unique for my standard .357 general purpose loads because I was getting a lot of leading when I used enough 231 to get the velocity I was looking for (950 f/s from a 4" bbl revolver} unless I used a gas check. Rather than switch to the more expensive bullets, I switched powders. FWIW, I did have to cut my old standard charge of Unique from years back by about 0.5 gr. to get the same ballistic data I used to get with it. I still favor 231 in my standard .45 ACP practice loads. For some reason I don't get the kind of "flash" leading in them that I did in the .357's, even though the powder charges were similar and the bullets cast from the same alloy. Haven't a clue as to why. I'm in the process of trying out some Titegroup. When the weather changes enough for me to get the chronograph out and do some testing we'll see how it works.

February 8, 2009, 05:42 PM	#11
TheNordwand Junior Member Join Date: August 1, 2008 Posts: 2	I've been using Tightgroup for 9 and 45.

February 8, 2009, 05:58 PM	#13
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	I like AA#5 for both!

February 8, 2009, 06:32 PM	#14
45Marlin carbine Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 1,124	Bullseye for cast slug 'practice' loads and Power Pistol for the jacketed 'hot' loads.

February 8, 2009, 07:47 PM	#16
Mtn Biker Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Posts: 122	If I could only have one it would be W231. VL

February 8, 2009, 08:01 PM	#17
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	Simple question; my choice would be AA#5. CB. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

February 8, 2009, 08:03 PM	#18
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	+1 AA#5. __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

February 8, 2009, 08:10 PM	#19
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	+1 on Titegroup. Sure you're not going to get top performance, but it burns clean and it can be used in darn near ANY handgun caliber. Works great for cast bullets. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

February 8, 2009, 08:22 PM	#20
IllinoisCoyoteHunter Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2008 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 1,527	I use titegroup for 9, 357, 38 spl, and 45acp. It works just fine...and does go a long way. __________________ ~~IllinoisCoyoteHunter~~ ~NRA LIFE MEMBER~ ~NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR~

February 8, 2009, 08:42 PM	#21
atbarr Junior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Posts: 2	No comments on Solo 1000? A.T.

February 8, 2009, 09:04 PM	#22
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	I dislike Titegroup very much because it is very dirty and smoky with cast bullets; much more so than other powders. Doesn't seem to matter what lube I use. it takes a vanishingly small amount of powder and it's hard to see how much is in the cases. I could overlook either of these problems, but not both. I bought a pound of it, and I'm trying to use it up to get rid of it, but it just keeps going and going... (I guess that's one good thing about it) __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

February 8, 2009, 10:59 PM	#23
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Damn geography. I'd give you my "hardly touched" can of Unique for your red-headed stepchild Titegroup. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 8, 2009, 11:49 PM	#24
rg1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 1,125	I'd pick Unique. Didn't get the velocity in my tests with 231 at listed charges. Don't like small charges of a powder that can easily be double charged. I've reloaded for some years and just have not kept up with some of the newer powders. I just keep using the same old recipes.

February 9, 2009, 12:07 AM	#25
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	I just bought a pound (14 oz) of International, and I'm impressed with how well it throws from the powder measure for such a bulky powder. Is Universal the same way? (International is to Green Dot as Universal is to Unique, not to say that they are interchangable) If so, Universal might be a good choice. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth