Powder Recommendations for 380/9mm & 38/357

RANGER94 · September 20, 2011, 04:00 PM

Hi Everyone,
I was curious to see what is recommended in terms of powder for 380/9mm. I have a Beretta Cougar in 380, & Beretta 92FS & H&K USP in 9. Mainly shooting 115 & 124 grain bullets These are used for target practice.

I also would like a recommendation for 38 & 357. I have a 4 inch Colt Python & 6 inch Smith 686. Mainly shooting 125 grain bullets. These are also used primarily for target practice.

Thanks!

Ranger94

David Bachelder · September 20, 2011, 04:17 PM

I have been using Universal for my 38's and Winchester 296 for the 357 Magnum.

As follows.

38 Special:
Bullet - 125 gr Berry' plated bullet.
Primer - WSP or CCI #500
Powder -Universal @ 5gr
COAL = 1.455"
Average Velocity - 979fps (field measured)
Low = 4.7
High = 5.2
Sweet

357 Mag:
Bullet - 158 gr Hornady XTP or any Jacketed bullet.
Primer - WSP or CCI #500
Powder -Winchester 296 @ 16 gr
COAL = 1.580"
Average Velocity - 1730fps (field measured)
Low = 15 gr
High = 16.7 gr
Sweet

I have some 357 loads made up using Alliant 2400, but I haven't had a chance to shoot them.

Doodlebugger45 · September 20, 2011, 05:07 PM

It's hard to beat Universal as a pistol powder. Some folks prefer Unique as their go-to powder. Pretty much the same application as Universal except it's harder to meter. Another powder that would work well in both 9mm and 38/357 is W-231, which is the same as HP-38.

JACK308 · September 20, 2011, 05:12 PM

I hear power pistol is good in 9mm.

Scorch · September 20, 2011, 05:16 PM

Unique is my favorite, but it could just as easily be Universal, W231, or HP38. You can load pretty much everything from .25 ACP to .500 S&W with them. Might not be the best powder, but it would be very serviceable.

gman3 · September 20, 2011, 08:09 PM

I also use and like Universal for 38 spl.

Loader9 · September 20, 2011, 08:53 PM

Give a look at AA5. Works in all of the ones listed for plinkers to medium loads. It's a ball powder that meters like water and is exceptionally clean burning. Works fabulous in the 45ACP.

Charlie98 · September 20, 2011, 09:45 PM

I use Unique in about 95% of my handgun loads... I've experimented with different ones (in fact, just this week with W231 in the .38SPC... still couldn't beat Unique in my Model 10) but I've never found anything better. I load for the tiny .380 to big loads in the .41 Magnum and .45 Colt.

For Magnum level stuff I turn to W296.

Sevens · September 20, 2011, 10:13 PM

Quote:

357 Mag:
Bullet - 158 gr Hornady XTP or any Jacketed bullet.
Primer - WSP or CCI #500
Powder -Winchester 296 @ 16 gr
COAL = 1.580"
Average Velocity - 1730fps (field measured)
Low = 15 gr
High = 16.7 gr

1,730 FPS -- out of what, a rifle?
That's screaming for a 158 grain bullet from a .357 Magnum. That's like 200 FPS more than most anyone else could expect.

What gives?

Loader9 · September 20, 2011, 11:16 PM

^^^^That would have to be a rifle. I'm using 1 grain more out of a Python and getting just over 1300'ps.

zxcvbob · September 20, 2011, 11:40 PM

Bullseye or Unique in all of them except the .357 (and they will work in it too.)

AA#7 or 2400 in the .357

snowdog650 · September 21, 2011, 09:51 AM

Power Pistol for my 9mm, 40 S&W, and 38 Special.

2400 for my 357 MAG.

David Bachelder · September 21, 2011, 10:52 AM

1,730 FPS -- out of what, a rifle?
That's screaming for a 158 grain bullet from a .357 Magnum. That's like 200 FPS more than most anyone else could expect.

What gives?

Yes a rifle (22" barrel). Henry .38/.357, I should have made that clear. My bad. I did not mean to be misleading.

**Mike Irwin** · September 21, 2011, 11:38 AM

WW 231 for everything.

In .357 magnum it's good up to mid power loads.

For full power .357 Mag. loads, WW 296 or AA 7.

mikld · September 21, 2011, 11:57 AM

OK, since no one else mentioned it, I'll be the jerk; What do your reloading manuals say to use? Check data for each cartridge and see how many of your other cartridges use the same powder. some manuals will list the potentially most accurate load for each bullet used. Also, some manuals will have recommendations in the powder section of the "how to" section of the manual.

Having said all that, I'm working up loads using True Blue in my .357 Mag. and it seems to be working; accurate at min. loads and clean (?) shooting. So far W231 and Unique have worked well in my .38 Specials for many years, with everything from 125 gr. to 160 gr lead and jacketed...

David Bachelder · September 21, 2011, 01:41 PM

My recipe came out of the book. The Winchester reload data available online.

oneounceload · September 21, 2011, 02:01 PM

Universal, Unique and Bullseye are all good for 9mm and 38, somewhat OK for 357 (there are better choices). I do not reload 380, but I do reload 32SWL and have reloaded 32ACP and also used Universal and Unique for them, so I suspect it should do well for 380

jimhu · September 21, 2011, 06:51 PM

9mm Luger - 4gr Bullseye, 115gr LRN clocked at 1080fps
9mm Luger - 3gr Bullseye, 147gr LTC clocked at 850fps
both multiplies to about 125PF

sourdough44 · September 22, 2011, 11:43 AM

Universal & maybe some Titegroup & your all set.

WESHOOT2 · September 24, 2011, 06:13 AM

You can use Universal, or better still, Power Pistol, for normal loads in all cartridges mentioned.

Jim243 · September 24, 2011, 06:42 AM

I have to agree with Mike, Win 231 for everything except 357 there I use 2400 powder.

Jim

Crankylove · September 24, 2011, 09:57 AM

W231/HP38, Bullseye, IMR 4227, Trailboss, and Tightgroup for .38's.

W296, H110, IMR 4227, AA#7 for .357's

Deja vu · September 24, 2011, 12:56 PM

I like H110... but it is what my dad uses so it is what I have access too with out spending money.

Clark · September 25, 2011, 06:30 PM

I like H110 in 38 sp and 357 mag. I did LIL'GUN for years, but it does not smell as good.

I like Power Pistol in 380 and 9mm.

YARDDOG(1) · September 25, 2011, 06:58 PM

Unique & H110, Though Unique would do in all ; )
Y/D

September 20, 2011, 04:00 PM	#1
RANGER94 Member Join Date: December 18, 2010 Posts: 40	Powder Recommendations for 380/9mm & 38/357 Hi Everyone, I was curious to see what is recommended in terms of powder for 380/9mm. I have a Beretta Cougar in 380, & Beretta 92FS & H&K USP in 9. Mainly shooting 115 & 124 grain bullets These are used for target practice. I also would like a recommendation for 38 & 357. I have a 4 inch Colt Python & 6 inch Smith 686. Mainly shooting 125 grain bullets. These are also used primarily for target practice. Thanks! Ranger94

September 20, 2011, 11:40 PM	#11
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	Bullseye or Unique in all of them except the .357 (and they will work in it too.) AA#7 or 2400 in the .357 __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

September 21, 2011, 11:38 AM	#14
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	WW 231 for everything. In .357 magnum it's good up to mid power loads. For full power .357 Mag. loads, WW 296 or AA 7. __________________ "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.

September 21, 2011, 11:57 AM	#15
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	OK, since no one else mentioned it, I'll be the jerk; What do your reloading manuals say to use? Check data for each cartridge and see how many of your other cartridges use the same powder. some manuals will list the potentially most accurate load for each bullet used. Also, some manuals will have recommendations in the powder section of the "how to" section of the manual. Having said all that, I'm working up loads using True Blue in my .357 Mag. and it seems to be working; accurate at min. loads and clean (?) shooting. So far W231 and Unique have worked well in my .38 Specials for many years, with everything from 125 gr. to 160 gr lead and jacketed... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

September 24, 2011, 06:13 AM	#20
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	You can use Universal, or better still, Power Pistol, for normal loads in all cartridges mentioned. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

September 20, 2011, 04:17 PM	#2
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	I have been using Universal for my 38's and Winchester 296 for the 357 Magnum. As follows. 38 Special: Bullet - 125 gr Berry' plated bullet. Primer - WSP or CCI #500 Powder -Universal @ 5gr COAL = 1.455" Average Velocity - 979fps (field measured) Low = 4.7 High = 5.2 Sweet 357 Mag: Bullet - 158 gr Hornady XTP or any Jacketed bullet. Primer - WSP or CCI #500 Powder -Winchester 296 @ 16 gr COAL = 1.580" Average Velocity - 1730fps (field measured) Low = 15 gr High = 16.7 gr Sweet I have some 357 loads made up using Alliant 2400, but I haven't had a chance to shoot them.

September 20, 2011, 05:07 PM	#3
Doodlebugger45 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,717	It's hard to beat Universal as a pistol powder. Some folks prefer Unique as their go-to powder. Pretty much the same application as Universal except it's harder to meter. Another powder that would work well in both 9mm and 38/357 is W-231, which is the same as HP-38.

September 20, 2011, 05:12 PM	#4
JACK308 Junior member Join Date: July 10, 2011 Posts: 377	I hear power pistol is good in 9mm.

September 20, 2011, 05:16 PM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Unique is my favorite, but it could just as easily be Universal, W231, or HP38. You can load pretty much everything from .25 ACP to .500 S&W with them. Might not be the best powder, but it would be very serviceable. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

September 20, 2011, 08:09 PM	#6
gman3 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Posts: 408	I also use and like Universal for 38 spl.

September 20, 2011, 08:53 PM	#7
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	Give a look at AA5. Works in all of the ones listed for plinkers to medium loads. It's a ball powder that meters like water and is exceptionally clean burning. Works fabulous in the 45ACP.

September 20, 2011, 09:45 PM	#8
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	I use Unique in about 95% of my handgun loads... I've experimented with different ones (in fact, just this week with W231 in the .38SPC... still couldn't beat Unique in my Model 10) but I've never found anything better. I load for the tiny .380 to big loads in the .41 Magnum and .45 Colt. For Magnum level stuff I turn to W296.

September 20, 2011, 11:16 PM	#10
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	^^^^That would have to be a rifle. I'm using 1 grain more out of a Python and getting just over 1300'ps.

September 21, 2011, 09:51 AM	#12
snowdog650 Member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Posts: 74	Power Pistol for my 9mm, 40 S&W, and 38 Special. 2400 for my 357 MAG.

September 21, 2011, 10:52 AM	#13
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	1,730 FPS -- out of what, a rifle? That's screaming for a 158 grain bullet from a .357 Magnum. That's like 200 FPS more than most anyone else could expect. What gives? Yes a rifle (22" barrel). Henry .38/.357, I should have made that clear. My bad. I did not mean to be misleading.

September 21, 2011, 01:41 PM	#16
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	My recipe came out of the book. The Winchester reload data available online.

September 21, 2011, 02:01 PM	#17
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Universal, Unique and Bullseye are all good for 9mm and 38, somewhat OK for 357 (there are better choices). I do not reload 380, but I do reload 32SWL and have reloaded 32ACP and also used Universal and Unique for them, so I suspect it should do well for 380

September 21, 2011, 06:51 PM	#18
jimhu Junior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Posts: 1	9mm Luger - 4gr Bullseye, 115gr LRN clocked at 1080fps 9mm Luger - 3gr Bullseye, 147gr LTC clocked at 850fps both multiplies to about 125PF

September 22, 2011, 11:43 AM	#19
sourdough44 Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2007 Location: WI Posts: 621	Universal & maybe some Titegroup & your all set.

September 24, 2011, 06:42 AM	#21
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	I have to agree with Mike, Win 231 for everything except 357 there I use 2400 powder. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

September 24, 2011, 09:57 AM	#22
Crankylove Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Location: 8B ID Posts: 1,753	W231/HP38, Bullseye, IMR 4227, Trailboss, and Tightgroup for .38's. W296, H110, IMR 4227, AA#7 for .357's __________________ The answer to 1984 is 1776

September 24, 2011, 12:56 PM	#23
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	I like H110... but it is what my dad uses so it is what I have access too with out spending money. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

September 25, 2011, 06:30 PM	#24
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I like H110 in 38 sp and 357 mag. I did LIL'GUN for years, but it does not smell as good. I like Power Pistol in 380 and 9mm. __________________ 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 25, 2011, 06:58 PM	#25
YARDDOG(1) Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: GATOR COUNTRY HA HA HA! Posts: 721	Unique & H110, Though Unique would do in all ; ) Y/D __________________ There's a GATOR in the bushes & She's Callin my name >Molly Hatchett<