Versatile handgun powder for multiple cartridges

Futo Inu · October 7, 1999, 12:40 PM

I'm going to start reloading very soon, I hope, and I was wondering what powder would be the best/most versatile to buy in quantity for reloading 40s&w, .45acp, and 10mm? I want the best combination of good accuracy, but more importantly high vels for the pressures created, and application of those wants over a wide range of bullet weights with all 3 cartridges (from .40s&w with 135gr for defense to 10mm with 200gr for bowling pins). I realize that the answer would be much easier if it was just one cartridge, and the choice must of necessity be a bit of a compromise, as the characteristics of these cartridges are conducive to different best all-around powders; also, the choice would probably be much easier if 45 was eliminated from the mix. But considering all three, I was thinking of HS-6, based just on looking at reload manuals. And, would your answer change if you ALSO threw in 9x19P (which I may want to reload at some point, too)? Also, would your answer change if price was a factor? Thanks in advance.

[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited October 07, 1999).]

**Mal H** · October 7, 1999, 01:46 PM

That's a fairly wide range of requirements for just one powder to fill. I'm going to add one more factor, metering accuracy/consistency, and cast my vote for Accurate #7. For some of the loads you described, it will be the top choice especially in 10mm. For others, it is seldom less than a medium choice. And you can often find it on sale (like this month at Natchez).

10mmrules · October 7, 1999, 01:47 PM

Futo,
I reaload all three with Titegroup. it gives the best accuracy, and power also. But I also like power pistol in all three. then again I have used w231 in all of them with success. I guess titegroup is the winner.

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10MM Magnum.... tried the rest, now I got the best

Futo Inu · October 7, 1999, 02:13 PM

Ahhh, metering consistency/accuracy. Any other factors to consider? And what about Unique?

JoeHatley · October 7, 1999, 03:02 PM

Futo,
http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/

Bullseye(my favorite) works with most bullet weights in all 3 calibers.

Good Luck...

Joe

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Go NRA

WESHOOT2 · October 7, 1999, 04:33 PM

Based on your desired performance criteria, I highly recommend Alliant Power Pistol.

Burn rate demands slower powder, eliminating Bullseye, Titegroup, W231. Accurate AA7 is a decent choice, but I believe Power Pistol is the BEST choice.

Skip Unique. If you want a powder like that try Hodgdon's Universal Clays, a modern clean easy-metering alternative to Unique (and almost EXACTLY the same burn rate).

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"

October 7, 1999, 12:40 PM	#1
Futo Inu Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 1999 Location: Oklahoma City, OK, USA Posts: 3,624	I'm going to start reloading very soon, I hope, and I was wondering what powder would be the best/most versatile to buy in quantity for reloading 40s&w, .45acp, and 10mm? I want the best combination of good accuracy, but more importantly high vels for the pressures created, and application of those wants over a wide range of bullet weights with all 3 cartridges (from .40s&w with 135gr for defense to 10mm with 200gr for bowling pins). I realize that the answer would be much easier if it was just one cartridge, and the choice must of necessity be a bit of a compromise, as the characteristics of these cartridges are conducive to different best all-around powders; also, the choice would probably be much easier if 45 was eliminated from the mix. But considering all three, I was thinking of HS-6, based just on looking at reload manuals. And, would your answer change if you ALSO threw in 9x19P (which I may want to reload at some point, too)? Also, would your answer change if price was a factor? Thanks in advance. [This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited October 07, 1999).]

October 7, 1999, 01:46 PM	#2
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,955	That's a fairly wide range of requirements for just one powder to fill. I'm going to add one more factor, metering accuracy/consistency, and cast my vote for Accurate #7. For some of the loads you described, it will be the top choice especially in 10mm. For others, it is seldom less than a medium choice. And you can often find it on sale (like this month at Natchez).

October 7, 1999, 01:47 PM	#3
10mmrules Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 1999 Posts: 140	Futo, I reaload all three with Titegroup. it gives the best accuracy, and power also. But I also like power pistol in all three. then again I have used w231 in all of them with success. I guess titegroup is the winner. ------------------ 10MM Magnum.... tried the rest, now I got the best

October 7, 1999, 02:13 PM	#4
Futo Inu Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 1999 Location: Oklahoma City, OK, USA Posts: 3,624	Ahhh, metering consistency/accuracy. Any other factors to consider? And what about Unique?

October 7, 1999, 03:02 PM	#5
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	Futo, http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/ Bullseye(my favorite) works with most bullet weights in all 3 calibers. Good Luck... Joe ------------------ Go NRA

October 7, 1999, 04:33 PM	#6
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Based on your desired performance criteria, I highly recommend Alliant Power Pistol. Burn rate demands slower powder, eliminating Bullseye, Titegroup, W231. Accurate AA7 is a decent choice, but I believe Power Pistol is the BEST choice. Skip Unique. If you want a powder like that try Hodgdon's Universal Clays, a modern clean easy-metering alternative to Unique (and almost EXACTLY the same burn rate). ------------------ "All my ammo is factory ammo"