Alternative to PowerPistol

NvrGiveUp · August 7, 2018, 07:09 AM

I need to load some more 9mm rounds and am out of PowerPistol powder. What's worse is that NO ONE in my "local" area has it in stock. It isn't important enough for me to pay HazMat shipping fees to get it. Sooooo, I thought I'd ask y'all and see if anyone has a suggestion for 9mm powder (other than PP) for 115gr. Rainier plated w/WSP primers. Thanks in advance!

joed · August 7, 2018, 07:15 AM

Universal. Almost identical to Unique but better metering. But I'm a big fan of PP, have been from the first time I used it.

FITASC · August 7, 2018, 08:11 AM

Universal, Unique, Titegroup, Bullseye, Win 231, Win WST, Green Dot, Clays, ClayDot; and a host of others.........

markr6754 · August 7, 2018, 08:27 AM

HP-38, VV 3N37 or N330, Silhouette. I’ve also shot N320 and WST. Not sure what you’re looking to do...but these all push 115gr Plated RN quite well.

Jim Watson · August 7, 2018, 08:31 AM

Why don't you list what you can get and we will tell you which we prefer.
Doesn't matter if Acme 42.is best if you can't find it either.

BBarn · August 7, 2018, 10:33 AM

I would rate BE-86, HS-6, CFE Pistol, and AA#5 fairly close to Power Pistol in terms of burning rate and smooth dispensing through a powder measure. IME other powders are further away in burning rate or dispense more erratically through a powder measure.

If something a little faster is OK, W231 or Sport Pistol might be good choices. If something slower is preferred instead, perhaps AA#7.

I'm sure there are other good powders, but those are my suggestions based on what I've actually used.

gwpercle · August 7, 2018, 01:37 PM

Try AA #5
Also Unique or Universal .

Back before the great powder shortage I reloaded everything with Bullseye, Unique and 2400. Then they disappeared. Forced me to buy whatever the dealer had on the shelf......700X, HP38 , Red Dot , Titegroup, AA #2 , AA #5...these and a few other new powders I had never tried . This opened up my eye's to many good powders that could be used in place of my old standby's . The Accurate Arms Powders are quite impressive.
So don't be afraid to try some new powders...it could pay off well .

Unique is still a favorite in 9mm Luger .
Gary

FITASC · August 7, 2018, 01:41 PM

Most shotgun powders will work well in a lot of handgun cartridges in this range

AVirginian · August 7, 2018, 04:01 PM

CFE Pistol for me. I bought some Power Pistol but it created a GIANT fireball compared to CFE Pistol. Give it a go, you may like it.

zxcvbob · August 7, 2018, 04:10 PM

My favorite is probably Bullseye, even tho' I load them kind of hot.

Herco should be a good 9mm powder, except it's so bulky I don't know if there's enough room in the case for a full charge.

Nick_C_S · August 7, 2018, 06:16 PM

Another vote for AA#5.

It's not quite as spunky as Power Pistol so your bullets won't go quite as fast.

But considering you're using plated 115's, I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.

You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger fan of Power Pistol than me. But in your application, I'd lean toward AA#5 anyway. I think it's better suited here.

the Black Spot · August 7, 2018, 06:21 PM

Blue dot

pete950 · August 7, 2018, 06:27 PM

BE86 its power pistol with out the flash

rc · August 7, 2018, 06:30 PM

Universal Clays is going to produce some of the most consistent velocities. It may not max out as high as power pistol but it is a fantastic powder for 9mm and 40 cal. rc

Dufus · August 7, 2018, 08:59 PM

My vote goes to VV N340. It gives very good load density, shoots clean, and no fireball at all.....even at night.

J.G. Terry · August 7, 2018, 09:26 PM

Another vote for AAC #5: I have been using #5 with 125gr. cast bullets in 9mm. You should not have any problem with #5. Loads run very well in my 1911 clone. I like PP in 10mm and 40 S&W. To date its not be loaded into the revolver rounds. I don't know about the muzzle flash with PP. It's been no problem for me.

Nick_C_S · August 7, 2018, 10:55 PM

Quote:

BE86 its power pistol with out the flash

Yes. BE86 is flash suppressed Power Pistol. But the flash suppressant also slightly changes its characteristics. BE86 has a slightly faster burn rate than PP - probably putting it close to AA#5. Might be a good thing for our OP. For clarity, Power Pistol and BE86 load data are NOT interchangeable - they are two different propellants.

Quote:

To date (I have not) loaded (Power Pistol) into the revolver rounds.

Power Pistol works great in revolver rounds. Makes superb pull-throttle 38+P's; and even better "just short of full-magnum" 357 rounds - especially with lighter bullets.

Quote:

I don't know about the muzzle flash with PP. It's been no problem for me.

Power Pistol is undeniably flashy. But it isn't a problem with me either. Muzzle flash is a non-issue for all my applications.

PhillySoldier · August 9, 2018, 07:58 AM

Ive switched from Power Pistol to CFE Pistol. Both are great powders but in my ransom rest testing the CFE outperforms it slightly as well as in my opinion is much smoother to shoot and with less flash

T. O'Heir · August 9, 2018, 12:07 PM

The "Rainier plated" part is important. Plated bullets are not jacketed. Been using Bullseye with cast 121 grain bullets for eons. However, you're going to have to work up a load with the powder you can get.
"...to pay HazMat shipping fees ..." Always best to buy components locally for that reason. HazMat fees are on top on the shipping though.

Jim Watson · August 9, 2018, 12:47 PM

Now you tell me. I just paid hazmat on scarce Federal 100 primers and today found some at a nearby store. So I bought some more.

Rangerrich99 · August 9, 2018, 05:20 PM

Bullseye, CFEPistol, Titegroup and Power Pistol with Berry's and Rocky Mountain 115 gr. FBRN plated.

kmw1954 · August 10, 2018, 10:24 AM

If looking for a direct replacement for Power Pistol I am unable to recommend as I have not used Power Pistol. The closest I have come I would believe are either AA#5 or Ramshot Silhouette. Of which I just bought 2 more pounds and most likely will not replace the AA#5 when it is gone. The Ramshot, for me anyways is the most consistent I've found in 380, 9mm and 45acp and overlaps a lot with AA#5.

evtSmtx · August 13, 2018, 01:21 PM

IME be-86 is just power pistol with a flash suppressant which dampens joy a bit but works super fine as does PP

Bubbau · August 13, 2018, 05:09 PM

I used Unique for years and had no problems. I have switched to Power Pistol but always have a good supply of Unique on hand just in case.

Nick_C_S · August 13, 2018, 10:32 PM

Quote:

I have switched to Power Pistol but always have a good supply of Unique on hand just in case.

Me too. But instead, I simply have a good supply of Power Pistol on hand - just in case

.

August 7, 2018, 07:09 AM	#1
NvrGiveUp Member Join Date: August 11, 2015 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 16	Alternative to PowerPistol I need to load some more 9mm rounds and am out of PowerPistol powder. What's worse is that NO ONE in my "local" area has it in stock. It isn't important enough for me to pay HazMat shipping fees to get it. Sooooo, I thought I'd ask y'all and see if anyone has a suggestion for 9mm powder (other than PP) for 115gr. Rainier plated w/WSP primers. Thanks in advance!

August 7, 2018, 08:11 AM	#3
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	Universal, Unique, Titegroup, Bullseye, Win 231, Win WST, Green Dot, Clays, ClayDot; and a host of others......... __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 7, 2018, 01:41 PM	#8
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	Most shotgun powders will work well in a lot of handgun cartridges in this range __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 7, 2018, 04:10 PM	#10
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	My favorite is probably Bullseye, even tho' I load them kind of hot. Herco should be a good 9mm powder, except it's so bulky I don't know if there's enough room in the case for a full charge. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

August 7, 2018, 06:16 PM	#11
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	Another vote for AA#5. It's not quite as spunky as Power Pistol so your bullets won't go quite as fast. But considering you're using plated 115's, I'm not so sure that's a bad thing. You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger fan of Power Pistol than me. But in your application, I'd lean toward AA#5 anyway. I think it's better suited here. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

August 7, 2018, 07:15 AM	#2
joed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2014 Posts: 442	Universal. Almost identical to Unique but better metering. But I'm a big fan of PP, have been from the first time I used it. __________________ The 6 gun was once as common as the cellphone is today, and just as annoying when it went off in the theater.

August 7, 2018, 08:27 AM	#4
markr6754 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2018 Location: Centerville, OH Posts: 347	HP-38, VV 3N37 or N330, Silhouette. I’ve also shot N320 and WST. Not sure what you’re looking to do...but these all push 115gr Plated RN quite well.

August 7, 2018, 08:31 AM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,542	Why don't you list what you can get and we will tell you which we prefer. Doesn't matter if Acme 42.is best if you can't find it either.

August 7, 2018, 10:33 AM	#6
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	I would rate BE-86, HS-6, CFE Pistol, and AA#5 fairly close to Power Pistol in terms of burning rate and smooth dispensing through a powder measure. IME other powders are further away in burning rate or dispense more erratically through a powder measure. If something a little faster is OK, W231 or Sport Pistol might be good choices. If something slower is preferred instead, perhaps AA#7. I'm sure there are other good powders, but those are my suggestions based on what I've actually used.

August 7, 2018, 01:37 PM	#7
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,752	Try AA #5 Also Unique or Universal . Back before the great powder shortage I reloaded everything with Bullseye, Unique and 2400. Then they disappeared. Forced me to buy whatever the dealer had on the shelf......700X, HP38 , Red Dot , Titegroup, AA #2 , AA #5...these and a few other new powders I had never tried . This opened up my eye's to many good powders that could be used in place of my old standby's . The Accurate Arms Powders are quite impressive. So don't be afraid to try some new powders...it could pay off well . Unique is still a favorite in 9mm Luger . Gary

August 7, 2018, 04:01 PM	#9
AVirginian Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2014 Posts: 128	CFE Pistol for me. I bought some Power Pistol but it created a GIANT fireball compared to CFE Pistol. Give it a go, you may like it.

August 7, 2018, 06:21 PM	#12
the Black Spot Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: arkansas Posts: 218	Blue dot

August 7, 2018, 06:27 PM	#13
pete950 Member Join Date: April 11, 2010 Location: ILLinois Posts: 42	BE86 its power pistol with out the flash

August 7, 2018, 06:30 PM	#14
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	Universal Clays is going to produce some of the most consistent velocities. It may not max out as high as power pistol but it is a fantastic powder for 9mm and 40 cal. rc

August 7, 2018, 08:59 PM	#15
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	My vote goes to VV N340. It gives very good load density, shoots clean, and no fireball at all.....even at night.

August 7, 2018, 09:26 PM	#16
J.G. Terry Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2014 Posts: 577	Another vote for AAC #5 Another vote for AAC #5: I have been using #5 with 125gr. cast bullets in 9mm. You should not have any problem with #5. Loads run very well in my 1911 clone. I like PP in 10mm and 40 S&W. To date its not be loaded into the revolver rounds. I don't know about the muzzle flash with PP. It's been no problem for me. __________________ Intentionally Antagonizing Another MemberInsults and Ad Hominems

August 9, 2018, 07:58 AM	#18
PhillySoldier Junior Member Join Date: May 14, 2018 Posts: 10	Ive switched from Power Pistol to CFE Pistol. Both are great powders but in my ransom rest testing the CFE outperforms it slightly as well as in my opinion is much smoother to shoot and with less flash

August 9, 2018, 12:07 PM	#19
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	The "Rainier plated" part is important. Plated bullets are not jacketed. Been using Bullseye with cast 121 grain bullets for eons. However, you're going to have to work up a load with the powder you can get. "...to pay HazMat shipping fees ..." Always best to buy components locally for that reason. HazMat fees are on top on the shipping though. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

August 9, 2018, 12:47 PM	#20
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,542	Now you tell me. I just paid hazmat on scarce Federal 100 primers and today found some at a nearby store. So I bought some more.

August 9, 2018, 05:20 PM	#21
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Bullseye, CFEPistol, Titegroup and Power Pistol with Berry's and Rocky Mountain 115 gr. FBRN plated.

August 10, 2018, 10:24 AM	#22
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	If looking for a direct replacement for Power Pistol I am unable to recommend as I have not used Power Pistol. The closest I have come I would believe are either AA#5 or Ramshot Silhouette. Of which I just bought 2 more pounds and most likely will not replace the AA#5 when it is gone. The Ramshot, for me anyways is the most consistent I've found in 380, 9mm and 45acp and overlaps a lot with AA#5.

August 13, 2018, 01:21 PM	#23
evtSmtx Member Join Date: June 10, 2015 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 62	IME be-86 is just power pistol with a flash suppressant which dampens joy a bit but works super fine as does PP

August 13, 2018, 05:09 PM	#24
Bubbau Member Join Date: January 28, 2018 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 16	I used Unique for years and had no problems. I have switched to Power Pistol but always have a good supply of Unique on hand just in case.