Powder for 9 MM & 45 ACP

RDF · August 10, 1999, 09:48 PM

Just found this web site today and this subject may already answer. I new to reloading, i have a Lee Anniversary kit from Midway, and have reloaded a few rounds of 30.06. I own a CZ-75-9mm and a CZ-97B-45 acp. I was wondering about powder, will one type work for both(like Accur #7) are two different kinds needed. What about bullets? 115gr.and 124gr for the 9mm and for the 45 acp ?. My use will be for Target shooting and Home defense.

[This message has been edited by RDF (edited August 10, 1999).]

ZFH · August 10, 1999, 09:52 PM

Unique will meet your needs I use it in my 45acp and brother uses it in his 9mm. It works real well in both cartridges.

Chris

Long Path · August 11, 1999, 04:26 AM

I've been using Unique for many years, but that's mainly because it's what Dad used in his old IPSC days, and I'm using his progressive press. (Let's be painfully honest: I'm shooting a LOT of his ammo, too!)

6.5 grains of Unique under a 230 gr. Lead Round Nose gives you hardball equivalent, but BOY does it smoke! "Smokeless powder," my hind foot!! No one wanted to qualify downwind of me on the firing line back in cop school. Something about Unique and bullet lube in the presence of soft lead....
5 grains of Unique with a 115 jacketed is a nice 9mm load.

I've been experimenting with Universal Clays, which is very similar to Unique, but with less smoke. Likewise Winchester 231, but that's a better lighter bullet powder, I think. Great for .38 special and I'll bet it's fine for .45 acp 185 grainers and 200 grainers.

------------------
Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap?

Colduglandon · August 11, 1999, 09:07 AM

Friend of mine recommended 231 for 45 acp. I have not used anything else. I fire only 230 gr lead and FMJ with no problem. Never had a jam. STAR bullet has the best prices around on bullets.

Joe Portale · August 11, 1999, 10:26 AM

RDF,

You will probably get as many suggestions as there is posts with that question. I like good old fashioned Red Dot for my 45acp and 9mm rounds. 4.2 grains of red Dot with 124g 9mm will give you about 1100 fps. I have two loads for the 45acp. I use 4.0 grains with a 230 bullet for plinking. About 800 fps. Then my real load is 5.o grains of Red Dot, same bullet with a velocity of 900 fps.

You stated that you are new to the reloading game. Let me make a suggestion. First, try several different powders. See if you can mooch samples of various powders from friends and try them all with at least twenty rounds. Second, stay in the middle of the road when you are loading. Don't load for what gives you the fastest or slowest velocity. I have found that the best accurecy is found with medium loads. Also, read the section on pressures in that Lee Manual you got with the Anniversary Kit. Have fun and good luck.

------------------
Joe Portale
Sonoran Sidewinder
Tucson, Arizona territory

Paul B. · August 11, 1999, 03:04 PM

RDF. I use Unique almost exclusively in 9MM and .45 ACP. Got a great deal on 8 pounds of 231, so I will try that.
I've never seen much smoke from Unique with jacketed loads, but yeah it does smoke some with lubricated lead bullets. Some???
Joe P. I'm in Tucson too. Where do you shoot? I usually hit 3 Points.
Paul B.

FTG-05 · August 11, 1999, 03:29 PM

I use Winchester Super Lite for both my 9mm and .40 S&W. It should also work for .45.

One thing to think about:

If you use a progressive like a Dillon RL-550B, one easy way to ensure that you don't double-load the case is have a load that almost fills up the case. That way if you accidently fill the case a second time, you get an overfilled case and a mess. Better a mess than a broken gun or worse, injury or death!

Regards,

Albin

CCV · August 11, 1999, 05:07 PM

Unique is a very versatile powder but is too dirty for my liking. 231 and HP38 are both good choices in the 9mm and .45 ACP.

But, if you want a clean burning, consistent, economical powder that performs extremely well in both the 9mm and .45 try Hodgdon's TiteGroup. This new powder has quickly become my favorite and I shoot a lot of rounds in both calibers.

Give TiteGroup a try, you won't be disappointed.

Stephen A. Camp · August 12, 1999, 07:31 PM

Greetings, sir. It is true that there are cleaner burning powders than Unique for use in 9mm and .45 ACP. That said, I stay with Unique. I use 6.0 gr under a Hornady 124 gr XTP in 9mm. From a Browning HP, its average velocity is 1243 ft/sec and it's exceptionally accurate. A warm, but accurate general purpose load in .45ACP uses the H&G #68 200 gr CSWC over 7.2 gr Unique for about 1030 ft/sec. It, too, will group. Best.

RDF · August 14, 1999, 10:17 PM

Thanks All
The information is helpful and i found a guy at work that reloads and he going to give me some samples to try.

El Chimango Pete · August 15, 1999, 04:56 PM

Unique - in both calibers. It is dirty, but the smell of burnt Unique (and Hoppes No. 9) must be part of what shooting at the range is all about!

zot · August 16, 1999, 11:43 AM

I use Winchester 231 for .25, .380,9mm,38 Special, .357, 44 Mag light loads and .45 acp
its a ball powder that flows smooth, I like
Unique but got 32 pounds of 231 cheap so its
now my main powder.

bald1 · August 16, 1999, 11:27 PM

I too use W231 for my 45ACP, be it 185, 200 or 230 grainers.
For 9mm it gets a bit more complicated. If we're loading 147gr lead bullets for knocking down steel plates, etc., the classic recipe is 5.1gr of AA5. If I'm loading 115 or 124 grainers into the +P range, VV 3N37 is my juice, but for everyday practice it, like others above, is good old reliable Unique.
As an aside I'm using up the last of my supply of the now discontinued Win Power Pistol for my 400 Cor-Bon loads. I've picked up some VV N340 for replacement load development. Time will tell.

-=[Bob]=-

[This message has been edited by bald1 (edited August 17, 1999).]

Walt Welch · August 17, 1999, 04:14 PM

For full power loads in both calibers, I suggest Hodgdon's HS-6.

I found that full charges of Unique in 9mm. were so near the case mouth that granules tended to fall out when my progressive reloader cycled. HS-6 is just enough denser for this not to be a problem. Double charging is not possible, however.

The other advantage is that the only +P load information in .45 ACP is printed by Hodgdon, and uses HS-6. Here is Hodgdon's URL; they have a good reloading manual which you can download in .pdf format, or use as an interactive on line format.
http://www.hodgdon.com/

Hope this helps, Walt

Patrick Graham · August 17, 1999, 08:15 PM

I use WW231 for 38, 9mm and 45ACP. Works great.
The reason I use it is because I got a great deal on a 12 pound can. That was 5 years ago. I have shot more than 6,000 rounds from that can and I still have a bunch left. I can't wait to finish it and try some different powders.

[This message has been edited by Patrick Graham (edited August 17, 1999).]

alan · August 20, 1999, 03:17 PM

RDF

Personal experience: Try, with lead bullets, 125 gr, sized .357, hard cast in 9mm 5.9 grains Accurate # 5. With 200 grain swc similar to H & G 68, try 8 grains of same powder. All of the powders mentioned by others should work too, some will be "better" than others, in a pareticular pistol, but all are, with due care, useable. I have also used 5.2 grains Red Dot with 200 grain SWC in a 5" government model 45 auto. I get 900 '/sec with this load, and in a couple of 45's it is quite accurate, (ball equivanent). For "defensive" loads, in any caliber, I personally would avoid "handloads", possible legal complications, should you actually have to fire at a human being. Find a "factory load" that works in your pistol, and use that for "defense". Handloads are fine for competition and or hunting, but could present legal problems in a possible civil action, that could arise out of a shooting incident.

August 10, 1999, 09:48 PM	#1
RDF Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 1999 Location: West Liberty, Ky Posts: 133	Just found this web site today and this subject may already answer. I new to reloading, i have a Lee Anniversary kit from Midway, and have reloaded a few rounds of 30.06. I own a CZ-75-9mm and a CZ-97B-45 acp. I was wondering about powder, will one type work for both(like Accur #7) are two different kinds needed. What about bullets? 115gr.and 124gr for the 9mm and for the 45 acp ?. My use will be for Target shooting and Home defense. [This message has been edited by RDF (edited August 10, 1999).]

August 10, 1999, 09:52 PM	#2
ZFH Member Join Date: April 20, 1999 Location: here, there, somewhere Posts: 25	Unique will meet your needs I use it in my 45acp and brother uses it in his 9mm. It works real well in both cartridges. Chris

August 11, 1999, 04:26 AM	#3
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	I've been using Unique for many years, but that's mainly because it's what Dad used in his old IPSC days, and I'm using his progressive press. (Let's be painfully honest: I'm shooting a LOT of his ammo, too!) 6.5 grains of Unique under a 230 gr. Lead Round Nose gives you hardball equivalent, but BOY does it smoke! "Smokeless powder," my hind foot!! No one wanted to qualify downwind of me on the firing line back in cop school. Something about Unique and bullet lube in the presence of soft lead.... 5 grains of Unique with a 115 jacketed is a nice 9mm load. I've been experimenting with Universal Clays, which is very similar to Unique, but with less smoke. Likewise Winchester 231, but that's a better lighter bullet powder, I think. Great for .38 special and I'll bet it's fine for .45 acp 185 grainers and 200 grainers. ------------------ Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap?

August 11, 1999, 09:07 AM	#4
Colduglandon Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 1999 Location: Mass Posts: 493	Friend of mine recommended 231 for 45 acp. I have not used anything else. I fire only 230 gr lead and FMJ with no problem. Never had a jam. STAR bullet has the best prices around on bullets.

August 11, 1999, 10:26 AM	#5
Joe Portale Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 1999 Location: Tucson, Arizona Territory Posts: 715	RDF, You will probably get as many suggestions as there is posts with that question. I like good old fashioned Red Dot for my 45acp and 9mm rounds. 4.2 grains of red Dot with 124g 9mm will give you about 1100 fps. I have two loads for the 45acp. I use 4.0 grains with a 230 bullet for plinking. About 800 fps. Then my real load is 5.o grains of Red Dot, same bullet with a velocity of 900 fps. You stated that you are new to the reloading game. Let me make a suggestion. First, try several different powders. See if you can mooch samples of various powders from friends and try them all with at least twenty rounds. Second, stay in the middle of the road when you are loading. Don't load for what gives you the fastest or slowest velocity. I have found that the best accurecy is found with medium loads. Also, read the section on pressures in that Lee Manual you got with the Anniversary Kit. Have fun and good luck. ------------------ Joe Portale Sonoran Sidewinder Tucson, Arizona territory

August 11, 1999, 03:04 PM	#6
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	RDF. I use Unique almost exclusively in 9MM and .45 ACP. Got a great deal on 8 pounds of 231, so I will try that. I've never seen much smoke from Unique with jacketed loads, but yeah it does smoke some with lubricated lead bullets. Some??? Joe P. I'm in Tucson too. Where do you shoot? I usually hit 3 Points. Paul B.

August 11, 1999, 03:29 PM	#7
FTG-05 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: TN Posts: 301	I use Winchester Super Lite for both my 9mm and .40 S&W. It should also work for .45. One thing to think about: If you use a progressive like a Dillon RL-550B, one easy way to ensure that you don't double-load the case is have a load that almost fills up the case. That way if you accidently fill the case a second time, you get an overfilled case and a mess. Better a mess than a broken gun or worse, injury or death! Regards, Albin

August 11, 1999, 05:07 PM	#8
CCV Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 1999 Posts: 128	Unique is a very versatile powder but is too dirty for my liking. 231 and HP38 are both good choices in the 9mm and .45 ACP. But, if you want a clean burning, consistent, economical powder that performs extremely well in both the 9mm and .45 try Hodgdon's TiteGroup. This new powder has quickly become my favorite and I shoot a lot of rounds in both calibers. Give TiteGroup a try, you won't be disappointed.

August 12, 1999, 07:31 PM	#9
Stephen A. Camp Staff In Memoriam Join Date: April 16, 1999 Posts: 2,570	Greetings, sir. It is true that there are cleaner burning powders than Unique for use in 9mm and .45 ACP. That said, I stay with Unique. I use 6.0 gr under a Hornady 124 gr XTP in 9mm. From a Browning HP, its average velocity is 1243 ft/sec and it's exceptionally accurate. A warm, but accurate general purpose load in .45ACP uses the H&G #68 200 gr CSWC over 7.2 gr Unique for about 1030 ft/sec. It, too, will group. Best.

August 14, 1999, 10:17 PM	#10
RDF Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 1999 Location: West Liberty, Ky Posts: 133	Thanks All The information is helpful and i found a guy at work that reloads and he going to give me some samples to try.

August 15, 1999, 04:56 PM	#11
El Chimango Pete Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 1999 Location: Sierras de Cordoba - Argentina Posts: 352	Unique - in both calibers. It is dirty, but the smell of burnt Unique (and Hoppes No. 9) must be part of what shooting at the range is all about!

August 16, 1999, 11:43 AM	#12
zot Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 1999 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 566	I use Winchester 231 for .25, .380,9mm,38 Special, .357, 44 Mag light loads and .45 acp its a ball powder that flows smooth, I like Unique but got 32 pounds of 231 cheap so its now my main powder.

August 16, 1999, 11:27 PM	#13
bald1 Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Black Hills of S. Dakota Posts: 372	I too use W231 for my 45ACP, be it 185, 200 or 230 grainers. For 9mm it gets a bit more complicated. If we're loading 147gr lead bullets for knocking down steel plates, etc., the classic recipe is 5.1gr of AA5. If I'm loading 115 or 124 grainers into the +P range, VV 3N37 is my juice, but for everyday practice it, like others above, is good old reliable Unique. As an aside I'm using up the last of my supply of the now discontinued Win Power Pistol for my 400 Cor-Bon loads. I've picked up some VV N340 for replacement load development. Time will tell. -=[Bob]=- [This message has been edited by bald1 (edited August 17, 1999).]

August 17, 1999, 04:14 PM	#14
Walt Welch Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 1998 Location: Alamo, CA Posts: 424	For full power loads in both calibers, I suggest Hodgdon's HS-6. I found that full charges of Unique in 9mm. were so near the case mouth that granules tended to fall out when my progressive reloader cycled. HS-6 is just enough denser for this not to be a problem. Double charging is not possible, however. The other advantage is that the only +P load information in .45 ACP is printed by Hodgdon, and uses HS-6. Here is Hodgdon's URL; they have a good reloading manual which you can download in .pdf format, or use as an interactive on line format. http://www.hodgdon.com/ Hope this helps, Walt

August 17, 1999, 08:15 PM	#15
Patrick Graham Junior member Join Date: January 18, 1999 Location: Kokomo, Indiana USA Posts: 674	I use WW231 for 38, 9mm and 45ACP. Works great. The reason I use it is because I got a great deal on a 12 pound can. That was 5 years ago. I have shot more than 6,000 rounds from that can and I still have a bunch left. I can't wait to finish it and try some different powders. [This message has been edited by Patrick Graham (edited August 17, 1999).]

August 20, 1999, 03:17 PM	#16
alan Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 1999 Posts: 3,847	RDF Personal experience: Try, with lead bullets, 125 gr, sized .357, hard cast in 9mm 5.9 grains Accurate # 5. With 200 grain swc similar to H & G 68, try 8 grains of same powder. All of the powders mentioned by others should work too, some will be "better" than others, in a pareticular pistol, but all are, with due care, useable. I have also used 5.2 grains Red Dot with 200 grain SWC in a 5" government model 45 auto. I get 900 '/sec with this load, and in a couple of 45's it is quite accurate, (ball equivanent). For "defensive" loads, in any caliber, I personally would avoid "handloads", possible legal complications, should you actually have to fire at a human being. Find a "factory load" that works in your pistol, and use that for "defense". Handloads are fine for competition and or hunting, but could present legal problems in a possible civil action, that could arise out of a shooting incident.