Pistol Powder

Vernon · September 4, 2015, 03:50 PM

Was curious on what everyone's favorite powder for loading hand gun ammo. I've only loaded 45acp with Ramshot Silhouette. Am very happy with the performance but am keeping an open mind to others.

Slamfire · September 4, 2015, 04:21 PM

Three powders. Bullseye, Unique, 2400.

I use Bullseye in the 32 S&W Long, 9mm, 38 Special, 45 ACP. Bullseye was the original powder used in the 1910 cartridges that later became the 45 ACP.

I use Unique in the 44 Special, 45 Long Colt. Unique can be used in every application I use Bullseye, and in some of the applications I use 2400. Unique is very flexible.

I use 2400 for magnum cartridges: 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum. While I am of the opinion that H110/W296 is the better magnum powder, you have to use maximum loads only with that powder. I can cut charges of 2400, say going from 22.0 grains with a 240 in the 44 Mag to 17.5 grains, without any safety issues, and it still shoots well.

Hammerhead · September 4, 2015, 05:13 PM

Silhouette is pretty slow for a .45 powder, unusual choice.

I like Bullseye for general .45 and light .357 loads, but I think my favorite is VV N310. Just a great target .45 powder, meters perfectly, leaves no residue, super accurate. 4 grains under a 200 grain SWC is my recipe for a target load.

Reloader54 · September 4, 2015, 05:22 PM

I've used both unique and Win231. I'm now using Win231 for all of my reloading ammo that I shoot. It works great for the shooting that I do. But it's been hard to find. So when I run out I'm going back to unique.

mikejonestkd · September 4, 2015, 06:09 PM

I could reload just about everything from .380 to .454 with 5 powders - Bullseye, Unique, Win 231, 2400 and Trail Boss.

Clark · September 4, 2015, 06:32 PM

I have 22 handgun powders by 99% gets done with:
Bullseye, Power Pistol, and H110.

I have 21 rifle powders, but 99% gets done with
Blue Dot, H4895, and H4350

I have over 60 cartridges I handload but most of my time is with:
380, 223, and 7mmRemMag

I get over 100 TV channels but 99% of the time it is:
FOXNEWS, Comedy Central, ESPN

I registered with over 100 gun forums but most of the time is with
TFL, 24HCF, LRH

I could drive a zillion places but 99% it the miles:
Meet the wife for dinner, see the grandkid, grocery store, go hunting

There are lots of science talking heads on youtube, but I like
Sean Carroll, Brian Greene, and Carolin Crawford.

For investing I believe in
GOOG, AMZN, AAPL

There are lots of things to eat for lunch, but I live on
Salami, nuts, cheese.

ligonierbill · September 4, 2015, 06:35 PM

Most used: H110 and Power Pistol. Some HP-38, AA#9 and 300-MP. I probably use Power Pistol in more calibers than any other.

THEWELSHM · September 4, 2015, 08:57 PM

aA#9 Accurate is great

Thewelshm

straight-shooter · September 4, 2015, 08:58 PM

I like the usual standard powders like W231, Unique and 2400 but I've done some extensive testing over a chrono this year with Hodgdon CFE Pistol in 38, 9mm and 45 acp and am finding it to be a staple on the bench. Very consistent velocities with low pressure in the 130 power factor arena.

Nick_C_S · September 4, 2015, 11:33 PM

I use a few powders for handgun:

Nitro 100; V-V N310; Bullseye; HP-38/W231; TiteGroup; AA#2; Unique; AA#5; HS-6; Power Pistol; AA#7; W296.

Heh, that's all.

But for 45 ACP, my overall favorite is HP-38/W231 (they are the same, under different labels). It runs very consistent in the low-pressure, large caliber application. Bullseye is good too. For full power rounds, especially with 230gn bullets, HS-6, Unique, and Power Pistol work well.

There's a lot of ways to go, but the thing to keep in mind with 45 ACP is that it is a low pressure cartridge, and so it's best to lean toward faster propellants.

skizzums · September 5, 2015, 12:04 AM

9mm/380/.38spl choices are 238/hp38, titegroup, hs-6 and CFE is growing on me.

Magnums 4227, titegroup, h110, lil gun, hs6

Gravedigger56 · September 5, 2015, 07:19 AM

My favorites;

W231
Titegroup
Power Pistol
Clays

LE-28 · September 5, 2015, 10:14 AM

I use only three these days

Titegroup
BE-86
2400

Gster · September 5, 2015, 12:07 PM

I use Bullseye, Power Pistol, Unique, Trailboss, H110 and Titegroup. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Titegroup.

black mamba · September 5, 2015, 12:23 PM

I've tried many powders, but if I could only have three for everything they would be HP-38 for light to medium loads, HS-6 for medium to heavy loads, and Accurate 4100 for max magnum loads. All three meter great, shoot clean and with great accuracy for a wide range of bullet weights.

Nick_C_S · September 5, 2015, 12:25 PM

Good choices black mamba. I could live with those.

For me, it would be Bullseye, Power Pistol, and AA#7. I could do without a super slow full power magnum revolver powder. But if I could have a 4th choice, it'd be W296. (I've never used AA 4100; but I have no doubt it's great stuff.)

tlm225 · September 5, 2015, 09:17 PM

W-231 and Unique with power pistol thrown in as a fill in for unique.

Nick_C_S · September 5, 2015, 10:40 PM

Quote:

. . . with Power Pistol thrown in as a fill in for Unique.

I think you meant with Unique thrown in as a fill in for Power Pistol

Road_Clam · September 6, 2015, 08:42 AM

A good buddy of mine who shot IPSA back years ago said he had the best performance using WST for .45 acp . He has quit shooting since then and now I have an almost full 8# keg of WST at my disposal...

Vernon · September 6, 2015, 10:58 AM

I thank y'all for all the great input. Will be exploring the above powders and trying some out. Thanks again.

csmsss · September 6, 2015, 11:03 AM

One powder I am VERY interested in learning more about is Hodgeon CFE Pistol powder. It's fairly new and, according to Hornady's published reloading tables, offers higher performance than most handgun powders. They also claim reduced copper fouling.

BigJimP · September 6, 2015, 11:30 AM

I've been using TiteGroup as my primary handgun powder for a long time...in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 acp, .38 spl, .357 Mag and .44 Mag...

You have to be careful with it in a lot of loads with Min and Max sometimes 0.3gr apart....but its a very consistent powder.

tranders · September 6, 2015, 12:27 PM

Another Titegroup fan here,but as said be careful with it.

TfflHndn · September 6, 2015, 12:50 PM

The ones I use the most are probably Red Dot/Promo and Clays for .45 and .38 target loads, Unique for a broad range of loads, and Longshot for heavier loads.

steveNChunter · September 6, 2015, 02:17 PM

Clays for .45 acp 230 gr plated lead target loads

Titegroup for .45 acp 185 gr jacketed loads

Power Pistol for all .40 s&w, .38 special, and 9mm loads

2400 for .357 mag loads

My powder selections are based largely on what I could find that was suitable at the time I started reloading, but it seems to work well so I've stuck with them.

My favorite load of all of them to shoot is the 230 gr .45 load. Super clean, soft shooting, and very accurate. Perfect range ammo for my 1911s and I'm loading them for 17 cents a round.

September 4, 2015, 03:50 PM	#1
Vernon Junior Member Join Date: August 31, 2015 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9	Pistol Powder Was curious on what everyone's favorite powder for loading hand gun ammo. I've only loaded 45acp with Ramshot Silhouette. Am very happy with the performance but am keeping an open mind to others.

September 4, 2015, 06:32 PM	#6
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I have 22 handgun powders by 99% gets done with: Bullseye, Power Pistol, and H110. I have 21 rifle powders, but 99% gets done with Blue Dot, H4895, and H4350 I have over 60 cartridges I handload but most of my time is with: 380, 223, and 7mmRemMag I get over 100 TV channels but 99% of the time it is: FOXNEWS, Comedy Central, ESPN I registered with over 100 gun forums but most of the time is with TFL, 24HCF, LRH I could drive a zillion places but 99% it the miles: Meet the wife for dinner, see the grandkid, grocery store, go hunting There are lots of science talking heads on youtube, but I like Sean Carroll, Brian Greene, and Carolin Crawford. For investing I believe in GOOG, AMZN, AAPL There are lots of things to eat for lunch, but I live on Salami, nuts, cheese. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

September 4, 2015, 11:33 PM	#10
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,524	Hangun Powders I use a few powders for handgun: Nitro 100; V-V N310; Bullseye; HP-38/W231; TiteGroup; AA#2; Unique; AA#5; HS-6; Power Pistol; AA#7; W296. Heh, that's all. But for 45 ACP, my overall favorite is HP-38/W231 (they are the same, under different labels). It runs very consistent in the low-pressure, large caliber application. Bullseye is good too. For full power rounds, especially with 230gn bullets, HS-6, Unique, and Power Pistol work well. There's a lot of ways to go, but the thing to keep in mind with 45 ACP is that it is a low pressure cartridge, and so it's best to lean toward faster propellants. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 5, 2015, 12:04 AM	#11
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	9mm/380/.38spl choices are 238/hp38, titegroup, hs-6 and CFE is growing on me. Magnums 4227, titegroup, h110, lil gun, hs6 __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

September 5, 2015, 12:07 PM	#14
Gster Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: N.central Pa. Posts: 302	I use Bullseye, Power Pistol, Unique, Trailboss, H110 and Titegroup. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Titegroup. __________________ Gun control means: Being able to hit what you are shooting at.

September 4, 2015, 04:21 PM	#2
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	Three powders. Bullseye, Unique, 2400. I use Bullseye in the 32 S&W Long, 9mm, 38 Special, 45 ACP. Bullseye was the original powder used in the 1910 cartridges that later became the 45 ACP. I use Unique in the 44 Special, 45 Long Colt. Unique can be used in every application I use Bullseye, and in some of the applications I use 2400. Unique is very flexible. I use 2400 for magnum cartridges: 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum. While I am of the opinion that H110/W296 is the better magnum powder, you have to use maximum loads only with that powder. I can cut charges of 2400, say going from 22.0 grains with a 240 in the 44 Mag to 17.5 grains, without any safety issues, and it still shoots well. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

September 4, 2015, 05:13 PM	#3
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	Silhouette is pretty slow for a .45 powder, unusual choice. I like Bullseye for general .45 and light .357 loads, but I think my favorite is VV N310. Just a great target .45 powder, meters perfectly, leaves no residue, super accurate. 4 grains under a 200 grain SWC is my recipe for a target load.

September 4, 2015, 05:22 PM	#4
Reloader54 Member Join Date: January 8, 2015 Location: Tempe,AZ Posts: 34	I've used both unique and Win231. I'm now using Win231 for all of my reloading ammo that I shoot. It works great for the shooting that I do. But it's been hard to find. So when I run out I'm going back to unique.

September 4, 2015, 06:09 PM	#5
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,717	I could reload just about everything from .380 to .454 with 5 powders - Bullseye, Unique, Win 231, 2400 and Trail Boss. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

September 4, 2015, 06:35 PM	#7
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,458	Most used: H110 and Power Pistol. Some HP-38, AA#9 and 300-MP. I probably use Power Pistol in more calibers than any other.

September 4, 2015, 08:57 PM	#8
THEWELSHM Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2015 Location: Brandon Fl Posts: 236	aA#9 Accurate is great Thewelshm

September 4, 2015, 08:58 PM	#9
straight-shooter Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2007 Location: North Central Indiana Posts: 436	I like the usual standard powders like W231, Unique and 2400 but I've done some extensive testing over a chrono this year with Hodgdon CFE Pistol in 38, 9mm and 45 acp and am finding it to be a staple on the bench. Very consistent velocities with low pressure in the 130 power factor arena.

September 5, 2015, 07:19 AM	#12
Gravedigger56 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2015 Location: Indiana Posts: 125	My favorites; W231 Titegroup Power Pistol Clays

September 5, 2015, 10:14 AM	#13
LE-28 Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 759	I use only three these days Titegroup BE-86 2400

September 5, 2015, 12:23 PM	#15
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	I've tried many powders, but if I could only have three for everything they would be HP-38 for light to medium loads, HS-6 for medium to heavy loads, and Accurate 4100 for max magnum loads. All three meter great, shoot clean and with great accuracy for a wide range of bullet weights.

September 5, 2015, 12:25 PM	#16
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,524	Good choices black mamba. I could live with those. For me, it would be Bullseye, Power Pistol, and AA#7. I could do without a super slow full power magnum revolver powder. But if I could have a 4th choice, it'd be W296. (I've never used AA 4100; but I have no doubt it's great stuff.) __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 5, 2015, 09:17 PM	#17
tlm225 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 962	W-231 and Unique with power pistol thrown in as a fill in for unique. __________________ All that is neccessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

September 6, 2015, 08:42 AM	#19
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	A good buddy of mine who shot IPSA back years ago said he had the best performance using WST for .45 acp . He has quit shooting since then and now I have an almost full 8# keg of WST at my disposal... __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

September 6, 2015, 10:58 AM	#20
Vernon Junior Member Join Date: August 31, 2015 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9	I thank y'all for all the great input. Will be exploring the above powders and trying some out. Thanks again.

September 6, 2015, 11:03 AM	#21
csmsss Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Orange, TX Posts: 3,078	One powder I am VERY interested in learning more about is Hodgeon CFE Pistol powder. It's fairly new and, according to Hornady's published reloading tables, offers higher performance than most handgun powders. They also claim reduced copper fouling.

September 6, 2015, 11:30 AM	#22
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I've been using TiteGroup as my primary handgun powder for a long time...in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 acp, .38 spl, .357 Mag and .44 Mag... You have to be careful with it in a lot of loads with Min and Max sometimes 0.3gr apart....but its a very consistent powder.

September 6, 2015, 12:27 PM	#23
tranders Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Indiana Posts: 233	Another Titegroup fan here,but as said be careful with it.

September 6, 2015, 12:50 PM	#24
TfflHndn Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2013 Location: Gig Harbor WA Posts: 160	The ones I use the most are probably Red Dot/Promo and Clays for .45 and .38 target loads, Unique for a broad range of loads, and Longshot for heavier loads.

September 6, 2015, 02:17 PM	#25
steveNChunter Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Location: Southern Appalachian Mtns Posts: 1,520	Clays for .45 acp 230 gr plated lead target loads Titegroup for .45 acp 185 gr jacketed loads Power Pistol for all .40 s&w, .38 special, and 9mm loads 2400 for .357 mag loads My powder selections are based largely on what I could find that was suitable at the time I started reloading, but it seems to work well so I've stuck with them. My favorite load of all of them to shoot is the 230 gr .45 load. Super clean, soft shooting, and very accurate. Perfect range ammo for my 1911s and I'm loading them for 17 cents a round. __________________ DEO VINDICE