Which Powder ?(for handguns)

twiceshy · April 11, 2002, 09:10 PM

I have only just started to reload, and just used up my 1st pound of powder. Stuff goes a long way, (1300 rounds) . I wont say what brand I used so as not to spoil any advice. I reload 9mm, 38 special , 357 mag, and 45 ACP. My question is what do you long time reloaders recomend and why ?

I have lots to learn ! So im looking for good advice from the PRO'S !

Thank you all !!

keano44 · April 11, 2002, 09:59 PM

Let me first say that I do not consider myself a reloading pro by any means. And, there are many regular contributors to this forum who are more qualified to answer your question. That said, if what you are asking is a reccomendation for one powder to use for all the calibers you mentioned, I would suggest Unique.

**Mike Irwin** · April 11, 2002, 10:11 PM

I'd suggest Winchester 231.

It's a lot cleaner than Unique, meters better, too.

It will cover all of the cartridges that you note, but won't do the hot loads in .357 Mag. You'll need something slower burning for that.

Chemistry · April 11, 2002, 10:50 PM

Twiceshy wrote:

"I have only just started to reload, and just used up my 1st pound of powder. Stuff goes a long way, (1300 rounds) . I wont say what brand I used so as not to spoil any advice. I reload 9mm, 38 special , 357 mag, and 45 ACP. My question is what do you long time reloaders recomend and why ?"

If you are looking for a single powder that can do all of those calibers, there are two powders that would work just fine.

Alliant's Unique is a wonderfully versatile powder. The older forumula was dirty burning and metered poorly, but the newer clean burning forumula really is a lot cleaner burning, and meters much more consistently.

Hodgdon Universal Clays (do not confuse with Clays or International Clays) is very similar to Unique, but is cleaner burning, and has less muzzle flash.

Alliant Power Pistol would really shine when loading the 9 mm and .357 magnum calibers, giving you excellent velocities, without giving high pressures. It does a good job in the lower pressure .38 Special and .45 ACP.

sricciardelli · April 12, 2002, 06:25 AM

I used to use different powders for every caliber I loaded...but recently have started working with Power Pistol in 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .45ACP.

So far the results have been encouraging...but not ready for publication.

Steve in PA · April 12, 2002, 08:20 AM

9mm - HS6
.44mag - H110
.45acp - Unique

Johnny Guest · April 12, 2002, 10:29 AM

1. Unique
2. H. Universal
3. W. 231

There may be individual powders which are specialized enough to do a somewhat better job on one of the cartridges (especially .357 mag,) but for max versatility and a really good, solid job on ALL of 'em, the above, in MY order of preference.

Best of luck,
Johnny

czhead · April 12, 2002, 10:37 AM

For reduced loads in 9mm and .380 I have been using TIGHTGROUP. It has so far shown to very clean burning. Unlike most of the other reloaders I test for the absolute minimum loads. I hate recoil, big noise, muzzle flash and flip. I love target shooting and don't believe that you have to test the limits of barrel integrity by loading past MGf. suggested max load in order to achieve accuracy. Tightgroup gives me plenty of burn rate without a lot of pressure.

I do not hunt but on the other side of the coin for self defense I would not load my own ammunition anyway.

labgrade · April 12, 2002, 01:57 PM

Bullseye for .38 Special & 9mm - Bluedot for .357 (works for 9mm too, but uses a tad bit more than Bullseye)

I only load 148 gr wadcutters for .38 & if wanting anything more than that'll do, I switch to a .357 loading.

Never loaded for .45 & am probablly a dinosaur & need to try some of the newer powders for pistols. Some day, but I've been telling myself that for the last 10 years or more ....

Chris McDermott · April 12, 2002, 02:24 PM

You probably should consider going to at least two different powders, a higher pressure powder (H110, AA#7 etc) for the 357 Magnum and 9mm; and a lower pressure powder for the 38 Special and 45 ACP. The cartridges just have too different pressure operating levels for one powder to perform the best in all four. Unique or Universal Clays is a good compromise if you have to just use one powder, but two or three different powders would work better.

Poodleshooter · April 12, 2002, 04:28 PM

2 powders?
Win 231 and Win 296 (light/medium and magnum) Those two powders will cover almost anything you need to do with your listed calibers.
3 powders? Get one of each class-slow,medium and magnum.
Bullseye/tightgroup/Win 231/Clays/AA#2; Univ. Clays/Unique/AA#5; Wi296/H110/Alliant2400/AA#9.

If you get a high pressure auto, Power Pistol and AA#7 are usefull.

JimmyDee · April 12, 2002, 09:07 PM

One powder? I'd say W231: for me it's been great in 45ACP and 38SPL, fine in 9mm, and can do some 357Magnum. I've been happy with W231 in the first three. PowerPistol might be something that can work in all those, but I don't have much experience with it.

It will be tough to find one powder that works well with all popular weights and velocities in those calibers. Anyone got any insight into this?

Two powders? I use W296 in 357Magnum.

Ala Dan · April 12, 2002, 11:51 PM

Unique, Hodgdon Universal Clay's, or W-231 all are good
choice's, for the caliber's you mentioned.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

Freedom in theSkies · April 13, 2002, 12:16 AM

Another vote for Unique, followed by 231.

I found that 700x does not meter well in Lee measures, for what it's worth...

stellarpod · April 13, 2002, 06:21 AM

I agree with Mr. Irwin (how's that for respect

). 231 is probably the powder I use more than any across different calibers.

BUT, I buy it as Hodgdon HP38 which is exactly the same thing. The shop I patronize sells it cheaper that way.

I also use Clay's and Clay's Universal, but HP38/W231 seems to be the most useful, all around.

Fatelvis · April 13, 2002, 12:54 PM

If you`re looking to load all the calibers mentioned, with only one powder, I`d have to go with Unique.

jjmorgan64 · April 13, 2002, 04:37 PM

When I started, I used it for everything, you'd be hard pressed to not find a suitable load with it.

coonan357 · April 13, 2002, 08:15 PM

my favorites for 357 , blue dot , 2400 , #7&9 and h110-win.296
38 special AA#2 and #5, power pistol,unique,hp-38
I don't do nines sorry
the powders vary for what gun and bullet I am shooting .

Chief Jones · April 13, 2002, 08:54 PM

I've used Hodgon Universal Clays for all those & have had great results.

Woody

ryucasta · April 18, 2002, 07:29 PM

Vihtavuori Premium Smokeless Powder you get what you pay for.

LAH · April 19, 2002, 07:50 AM

If you're wanting one powder for the cartridges mentioned my choice would be Winchester 231. It's hard to beat and meters well in auto measures.

ryucasta · April 19, 2002, 09:21 AM

Pro and cons of 231

Pro

Inexpensive
Meters Well
Most stores carry it in stock

Con
Leaves large quantities of residue

April 11, 2002, 09:10 PM	#1
twiceshy Member Join Date: December 9, 2001 Posts: 16	Which Powder ?(for handguns) I have only just started to reload, and just used up my 1st pound of powder. Stuff goes a long way, (1300 rounds) . I wont say what brand I used so as not to spoil any advice. I reload 9mm, 38 special , 357 mag, and 45 ACP. My question is what do you long time reloaders recomend and why ? I have lots to learn ! So im looking for good advice from the PRO'S ! Thank you all !! __________________ Once bitten "Twiceshy"

April 11, 2002, 10:11 PM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I'd suggest Winchester 231. It's a lot cleaner than Unique, meters better, too. It will cover all of the cartridges that you note, but won't do the hot loads in .357 Mag. You'll need something slower burning for that. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 12, 2002, 08:20 AM	#6
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	9mm - HS6 .44mag - H110 .45acp - Unique __________________ Steve

April 12, 2002, 10:37 AM	#8
czhead Member Join Date: February 12, 2002 Location: Plano, Tx Posts: 29	For reduced loads For reduced loads in 9mm and .380 I have been using TIGHTGROUP. It has so far shown to very clean burning. Unlike most of the other reloaders I test for the absolute minimum loads. I hate recoil, big noise, muzzle flash and flip. I love target shooting and don't believe that you have to test the limits of barrel integrity by loading past MGf. suggested max load in order to achieve accuracy. Tightgroup gives me plenty of burn rate without a lot of pressure. I do not hunt but on the other side of the coin for self defense I would not load my own ammunition anyway.

April 13, 2002, 12:16 AM	#14
Freedom in theSkies Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2001 Location: The "Nice Dictatorship" of Canada Posts: 250	Another vote for Unique, followed by 231. I found that 700x does not meter well in Lee measures, for what it's worth... __________________ Live in peace... But defend it...Embrace it... But never take it for granted...

April 11, 2002, 09:59 PM	#2
keano44 Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2001 Location: Lafayette LA Posts: 177	Let me first say that I do not consider myself a reloading pro by any means. And, there are many regular contributors to this forum who are more qualified to answer your question. That said, if what you are asking is a reccomendation for one powder to use for all the calibers you mentioned, I would suggest Unique. __________________ I've seen good, and I've seen bad. I've seen fire, and I've seen rain. I've seen war, and I've seen peace. I've seen mountains, and I've seen desserts. I've seen the world, and thought I'd seen it all. But of all the scenes I've ever seen, I ain't never seen no scene, like the scene I'm seein now!........keano44

April 11, 2002, 10:50 PM	#4
Chemistry Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2001 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 158	Twiceshy wrote: "I have only just started to reload, and just used up my 1st pound of powder. Stuff goes a long way, (1300 rounds) . I wont say what brand I used so as not to spoil any advice. I reload 9mm, 38 special , 357 mag, and 45 ACP. My question is what do you long time reloaders recomend and why ?" If you are looking for a single powder that can do all of those calibers, there are two powders that would work just fine. Alliant's Unique is a wonderfully versatile powder. The older forumula was dirty burning and metered poorly, but the newer clean burning forumula really is a lot cleaner burning, and meters much more consistently. Hodgdon Universal Clays (do not confuse with Clays or International Clays) is very similar to Unique, but is cleaner burning, and has less muzzle flash. Alliant Power Pistol would really shine when loading the 9 mm and .357 magnum calibers, giving you excellent velocities, without giving high pressures. It does a good job in the lower pressure .38 Special and .45 ACP.

April 12, 2002, 06:25 AM	#5
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	I used to use different powders for every caliber I loaded...but recently have started working with Power Pistol in 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .45ACP. So far the results have been encouraging...but not ready for publication. __________________ http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

April 12, 2002, 10:29 AM	#7
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	Another vote for the top three - - - 1. Unique 2. H. Universal 3. W. 231 There may be individual powders which are specialized enough to do a somewhat better job on one of the cartridges (especially .357 mag,) but for max versatility and a really good, solid job on ALL of 'em, the above, in MY order of preference. Best of luck, Johnny

April 12, 2002, 01:57 PM	#9
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Bullseye for .38 Special & 9mm - Bluedot for .357 (works for 9mm too, but uses a tad bit more than Bullseye) I only load 148 gr wadcutters for .38 & if wanting anything more than that'll do, I switch to a .357 loading. Never loaded for .45 & am probablly a dinosaur & need to try some of the newer powders for pistols. Some day, but I've been telling myself that for the last 10 years or more ....

April 12, 2002, 02:24 PM	#10
Chris McDermott Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2000 Posts: 245	You probably should consider going to at least two different powders, a higher pressure powder (H110, AA#7 etc) for the 357 Magnum and 9mm; and a lower pressure powder for the 38 Special and 45 ACP. The cartridges just have too different pressure operating levels for one powder to perform the best in all four. Unique or Universal Clays is a good compromise if you have to just use one powder, but two or three different powders would work better.

April 12, 2002, 04:28 PM	#11
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	2 powders? Win 231 and Win 296 (light/medium and magnum) Those two powders will cover almost anything you need to do with your listed calibers. 3 powders? Get one of each class-slow,medium and magnum. Bullseye/tightgroup/Win 231/Clays/AA#2; Univ. Clays/Unique/AA#5; Wi296/H110/Alliant2400/AA#9. If you get a high pressure auto, Power Pistol and AA#7 are usefull.

April 12, 2002, 09:07 PM	#12
JimmyDee Member Join Date: December 30, 2001 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 79	One powder? I'd say W231: for me it's been great in 45ACP and 38SPL, fine in 9mm, and can do some 357Magnum. I've been happy with W231 in the first three. PowerPistol might be something that can work in all those, but I don't have much experience with it. It will be tough to find one powder that works well with all popular weights and velocities in those calibers. Anyone got any insight into this? Two powders? I use W296 in 357Magnum.

April 12, 2002, 11:51 PM	#13
Ala Dan Member in memoriam Join Date: August 13, 1999 Location: In The HOT, Humid, and Mu Posts: 6,116	Unique, Hodgdon Universal Clay's, or W-231 all are good choice's, for the caliber's you mentioned. Best Wishes, Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.

April 13, 2002, 06:21 AM	#15
stellarpod Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2001 Location: OKC,OK Posts: 263	I agree with Mr. Irwin (how's that for respect ). 231 is probably the powder I use more than any across different calibers. BUT, I buy it as Hodgdon HP38 which is exactly the same thing. The shop I patronize sells it cheaper that way. I also use Clay's and Clay's Universal, but HP38/W231 seems to be the most useful, all around. __________________ Things are a lot more like they used to be than they are now

April 13, 2002, 12:54 PM	#16
Fatelvis Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: Lockport, IL Posts: 490	If you`re looking to load all the calibers mentioned, with only one powder, I`d have to go with Unique.

April 13, 2002, 04:37 PM	#17
jjmorgan64 Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Posts: 519	Unique When I started, I used it for everything, you'd be hard pressed to not find a suitable load with it. __________________ The Forty-Four spoke and it sent lead and smoke And seventeen inches of flame. -Marty Robbins JM

April 13, 2002, 08:15 PM	#18
coonan357 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2002 Location: in a state of confusion and disbelief ! Posts: 726	my favorites for 357 , blue dot , 2400 , #7&9 and h110-win.296 38 special AA#2 and #5, power pistol,unique,hp-38 I don't do nines sorry the powders vary for what gun and bullet I am shooting . __________________ N.R.A. Lifer and proud of it ! You can't argue with a .357 Mag. Well, you can try, but you'll end up bleeding an aweful lot. -GEORGE HILL 4-08-2002 My Coonan is Not For Sale please do not ask!

April 13, 2002, 08:54 PM	#19
Chief Jones Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2002 Location: Wewahitchka, FL Posts: 218	I've used Hodgon Universal Clays for all those & have had great results. Woody

April 18, 2002, 07:29 PM	#20
ryucasta Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 431	Vihtavuori Premium Smokeless Powder you get what you pay for. __________________ Cheers, Raul Scarface/Tony Montana Says: Send me here. Send me there. This. That. Nothing you can do to me Harry, Castro didn’t do --- nothing...

April 19, 2002, 07:50 AM	#21
LAH Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2002 Location: In The Hardwoods Posts: 1,188	Powders If you're wanting one powder for the cartridges mentioned my choice would be Winchester 231. It's hard to beat and meters well in auto measures.

April 19, 2002, 09:21 AM	#22
ryucasta Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 431	Pro and cons of 231 Pro Inexpensive Meters Well Most stores carry it in stock Con Leaves large quantities of residue __________________ Cheers, Raul Scarface/Tony Montana Says: Send me here. Send me there. This. That. Nothing you can do to me Harry, Castro didn’t do --- nothing...