One powder for 38 SP, 9mm, 45ACP ?

hounddawg · June 22, 2020, 07:47 AM

I have not reloaded pistol in years now and have a bunch of cast bullets just sitting in the cabinet I am thinking about loading. I have a pound or so of Win 231 but doubt if I have enough

What powder could work for all three cartridges? 115- 125 gn bullets for 9mm, 158 gn for 38 SP, 230 gn for 45 ACP

PolarFBear · June 22, 2020, 08:04 AM

can't go wrong (unless you "double" charge) with W231 or it's sibling HP-38.

BJung · June 22, 2020, 08:57 AM

There are a lot of pistol powders to choose from. I recommend Bullseye and AA2. Bullseye has been around for a long time and is still popular. Bullseye pistol shooters use it still, I've read. I'm on my first pound and my groups were about 1" with my .45 at 20 yards using Darda lead bullets. The recipe is good enough for me. The classic .38 special wadcutter load is 2.7-2.8 grains of bullseye. Ken Water's book mentions bullseye for a 9mm. AA2 is my second recommendation. My pet load using a (now) discontinued Speer 115 hollow point target bullet and with this powder, my test group was 1" at 20 yards. It meters very well. I burns cleaner than most powders. And, I've read that is has a low flash. I haven't extensively tested this but I have the impression that my powder throws are more consistent that other powders. Bartlett reloading sells a 6 pound jug of a similar powder for $96/6lbs.

FITASC · June 22, 2020, 09:18 AM

Bullseye, TiteGroup, Unique, Universal, 231, Sport Pistol, Power Pistol and on and on

American Gunner 3006 · June 22, 2020, 11:38 AM

Tite Group, CFE Pistol

Hammerhead · June 22, 2020, 12:06 PM

W231.

BondoBob · June 22, 2020, 12:48 PM

I had the same question recently. I got a lot of good information here. This link was also very helpful to look up the range and latitude of loads I might use.

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

I found that 700-X and Universal provided me the widest range of loads for each cartridge I'm loading 380, 9mm, 38spl, 357, and 44.

700-X isn't the best choice for the 380 but I like the large size of the flakes for the other cartridges as I'm new to reloading.

I'm probably going to use titegroup for 380 and 700-X for everything else, or just use universal for everything going forward. This depends on availability.

hounddawg · June 22, 2020, 12:49 PM

thanks all, in retrospect this was a dumb thread.Smartest thing is just stick with W231

**44 AMP** · June 22, 2020, 01:21 PM

If limited to only one, I would choose Unique.

Not the absolute best choice for small capacity cases (9mm and under) and not the choice to get maximum performance out of big magnum cases, but it works tolerably well over the entire range of sizes. Also has the physical bulk to make a double charge obvious in a large case, and overflow a small one.

Quote:

I have a pound or so of Win 231 but doubt if I have enough

With a pound being 7000 grains, and MAX charges of 231 being under 4gr in .380, under 5gr in 9mm, and under 6gr in .45acp, that pound of powder is enough for well over 1,000 rounds, and closer to 2,000 with lighter charges.

No, you don't have enough!

SIGSHR · June 22, 2020, 01:39 PM

No dumb questions. In my reloading days Unique worked best for me.

hounddawg · June 22, 2020, 04:04 PM

@ 44 Amp when I said a pound or so I should have stated about a half pound with 4500 assorted bullets, a plastic storage container of range brass separated by cartridge in zip lock bags. Easily 2000 - 2500 of each, with probably twice that many 9mm. Back when the wife was doing pistol competition I would load 300 - 500 a week of the 9mm for her during the season. This is going to be a cold weather project so no hurry. I am just packing for a move and had forgotten how much pistol fodder I had in those bins. A few years back I loaded 1000 - 1500 of each one winter and had been using it up slowly. I don't shoot pistol much these days but it is time to replenish my stash

Average Joe · June 22, 2020, 05:05 PM

w231 will work just fine, if you got it, use it.

Dead-Nuts-Zero · June 22, 2020, 11:19 PM

I have used Win 231 in .380, 9mm & 38's exclusively for a few years & it seems to make reloading a little easier when I don't have to change powders. I buy it in 4 & 8 lb. jugs when the price is right. I'm also working up a 231 load for 44 mag.

Can't help you with 45's as I don't load them, but I know of others who use 231 & are happy with it.

markr6754 · June 22, 2020, 11:47 PM

Although most will quickly point out that it’s the same powder (and it is), I’d recommend picking up HP-38. I’ve used it in every caliber I load 380ACP, 9mm, 38spl, 40 S&W, 45ACP with great results...but it’s usually cheaper than W231...even though it’s the same powder in the jug!

kmw1954 · June 23, 2020, 09:51 AM

I have my pistol powders now narrowed down to three; AA#2, HP-38 and Ramshot Silhouette.

The Ramshot powder has replaced the AA#5 as it develops about the same load while using almost a full 1.0gr less powder. Also because we do a lot of indoor shooting and the Ramshot is flash suppressed and is much less smoky.

I use all three in 380, 9mm, 45acp and soon 38Spl. with many different weight bullets and both plated and cast.

BJung · June 23, 2020, 02:36 PM

Can someone tell me why these two powders are so popular? I think other powders are as capable or more so. To me, whenever someone asks for a powder, these two come up just like as if someone asks for a pistol and Glock is mentioned.

Average Joe · June 23, 2020, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burbank_jung

Can someone tell me why these two powders are so popular? I think other powders are as capable or more so. To me, whenever someone asks for a powder, these two come up just like as if someone asks for a pistol and Glock is mentioned.

Well it's like this: It's popular because everybody uses it, and everybody uses it because its popular.... Kinda like the Glocks, same deal.

mikejonestkd · June 23, 2020, 05:47 PM

Win 231/ HP-38 is popular because it is versatile- you can pretty much find data for most handgun cartridges.
IMO it is best when used in the 10th -90th percentile for velocity ranges for cartridges. very light powder puff loads ( the bottom 10% ) might be served with more task specific powders, and the fastest loads ( the top 10%) also are better accomplished with different task specific powders.
But, for almost everything in between you can do well with win 231/ HP-38

Stroker468 · June 24, 2020, 09:08 PM

Like 44 AMP, I use Unique...and for the same reasons.

zxcvbob · June 24, 2020, 09:18 PM

Bullseye will work great in all of those. You have 231 already, so start with that, it's appropriate for all of them.

I would not use Titegroup with cast bullets. It's probably fine with plated or jacketed bullets, especially in the 9mm and .45 ACP. I still wouldn't use it in the .38 Special because it's too hard to see in the bottom of those tall cases.

Unique is a good choice too. Or Green Dot for lighter loads.

FITASC · June 24, 2020, 09:30 PM

I disagree about Titegroup; I use it in 38 all the time; 3.8 and it works great...................

BJung · June 24, 2020, 11:27 PM

I have a personal problem with Unique.

It is very versatile and I tried it once. What I personally can't stand about it is that throwing it in my RCBS thrower is like trying to cycle corn flakes. I resorted to finishing my loads off with the trickler to make loads with a consistent MV. I haven't tested this but, despite the crushed corn flake pieces, by just using the thrower, is the MV consistent?

Stroker468 · June 25, 2020, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burbank_jung

I have a personal problem with Unique.

It is very versatile and I tried it once. What I personally can't stand about it is that throwing it in my RCBS thrower is like trying to cycle corn flakes. I resorted to finishing my loads off with the trickler to make loads with a consistent MV. I haven't tested this but, despite the crushed corn flake pieces, by just using the thrower, is the MV consistent?

That certainly isn’t a personal thing...and a good point to bring up.

My charges of Unique, through my Hornady throwers, do vary by up to .2 grains to the low side, but rarely on the higher side. I don’t load close to max charges, so this isn’t a problem for me. I’m more concerned about OAL. I think a .2 grain short/long charge isn’t a safety issue based on my mid level loading. If I were a more serious shooter, I would likely be more concerned.

But, I do agree with Burbank regarding the inconsistent throws.

Average Joe · June 27, 2020, 10:24 AM

I love Unique, but as stated above, it meters like corn flakes.... I use only ball powders now.

BJung · June 27, 2020, 01:16 PM

Since we're on the topic of bad powders, I like AA5 for its versatility but every time I used it, it would leave a film of black sticky soot on my revolver. How about you guys?

June 22, 2020, 07:47 AM	#1
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	One powder for 38 SP, 9mm, 45ACP ? I have not reloaded pistol in years now and have a bunch of cast bullets just sitting in the cabinet I am thinking about loading. I have a pound or so of Win 231 but doubt if I have enough What powder could work for all three cartridges? 115- 125 gn bullets for 9mm, 158 gn for 38 SP, 230 gn for 45 ACP __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

June 22, 2020, 08:57 AM	#3
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	Recommendation There are a lot of pistol powders to choose from. I recommend Bullseye and AA2. Bullseye has been around for a long time and is still popular. Bullseye pistol shooters use it still, I've read. I'm on my first pound and my groups were about 1" with my .45 at 20 yards using Darda lead bullets. The recipe is good enough for me. The classic .38 special wadcutter load is 2.7-2.8 grains of bullseye. Ken Water's book mentions bullseye for a 9mm. AA2 is my second recommendation. My pet load using a (now) discontinued Speer 115 hollow point target bullet and with this powder, my test group was 1" at 20 yards. It meters very well. I burns cleaner than most powders. And, I've read that is has a low flash. I haven't extensively tested this but I have the impression that my powder throws are more consistent that other powders. Bartlett reloading sells a 6 pound jug of a similar powder for $96/6lbs.

June 22, 2020, 09:18 AM	#4
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	Bullseye, TiteGroup, Unique, Universal, 231, Sport Pistol, Power Pistol and on and on __________________ "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

June 22, 2020, 12:48 PM	#7
BondoBob Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2020 Posts: 163	I had the same question recently. I got a lot of good information here. This link was also very helpful to look up the range and latitude of loads I might use. https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol I found that 700-X and Universal provided me the widest range of loads for each cartridge I'm loading 380, 9mm, 38spl, 357, and 44. 700-X isn't the best choice for the 380 but I like the large size of the flakes for the other cartridges as I'm new to reloading. I'm probably going to use titegroup for 380 and 700-X for everything else, or just use universal for everything going forward. This depends on availability. Last edited by BondoBob; June 22, 2020 at 01:11 PM.

June 22, 2020, 12:49 PM	#8
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	thanks all, in retrospect this was a dumb thread.Smartest thing is just stick with W231 __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

June 22, 2020, 08:04 AM	#2
PolarFBear Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2015 Location: NE Tennessee, a "Free State" Posts: 478	can't go wrong (unless you "double" charge) with W231 or it's sibling HP-38.

June 22, 2020, 11:38 AM	#5
American Gunner 3006 Junior Member Join Date: June 22, 2020 Posts: 2	Tite Group, CFE Pistol

June 22, 2020, 12:06 PM	#6
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	W231.

June 22, 2020, 01:39 PM	#10
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	No dumb questions. In my reloading days Unique worked best for me.

June 22, 2020, 04:04 PM	#11
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	@ 44 Amp when I said a pound or so I should have stated about a half pound with 4500 assorted bullets, a plastic storage container of range brass separated by cartridge in zip lock bags. Easily 2000 - 2500 of each, with probably twice that many 9mm. Back when the wife was doing pistol competition I would load 300 - 500 a week of the 9mm for her during the season. This is going to be a cold weather project so no hurry. I am just packing for a move and had forgotten how much pistol fodder I had in those bins. A few years back I loaded 1000 - 1500 of each one winter and had been using it up slowly. I don't shoot pistol much these days but it is time to replenish my stash __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

June 22, 2020, 05:05 PM	#12
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	w231 will work just fine, if you got it, use it.

June 22, 2020, 11:19 PM	#13
Dead-Nuts-Zero Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2004 Posts: 579	I have used Win 231 in .380, 9mm & 38's exclusively for a few years & it seems to make reloading a little easier when I don't have to change powders. I buy it in 4 & 8 lb. jugs when the price is right. I'm also working up a 231 load for 44 mag. Can't help you with 45's as I don't load them, but I know of others who use 231 & are happy with it. __________________ . . BANG------------ >>> !

June 22, 2020, 11:47 PM	#14
markr6754 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2018 Location: Centerville, OH Posts: 347	Although most will quickly point out that it’s the same powder (and it is), I’d recommend picking up HP-38. I’ve used it in every caliber I load 380ACP, 9mm, 38spl, 40 S&W, 45ACP with great results...but it’s usually cheaper than W231...even though it’s the same powder in the jug! __________________ “Draw me not without reason, sheath me not without honor.”

June 23, 2020, 09:51 AM	#15
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	I have my pistol powders now narrowed down to three; AA#2, HP-38 and Ramshot Silhouette. The Ramshot powder has replaced the AA#5 as it develops about the same load while using almost a full 1.0gr less powder. Also because we do a lot of indoor shooting and the Ramshot is flash suppressed and is much less smoky. I use all three in 380, 9mm, 45acp and soon 38Spl. with many different weight bullets and both plated and cast.

June 23, 2020, 02:36 PM	#16
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	W231 and HP38 Can someone tell me why these two powders are so popular? I think other powders are as capable or more so. To me, whenever someone asks for a powder, these two come up just like as if someone asks for a pistol and Glock is mentioned.

June 23, 2020, 05:47 PM	#18
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,717	Win 231/ HP-38 is popular because it is versatile- you can pretty much find data for most handgun cartridges. IMO it is best when used in the 10th -90th percentile for velocity ranges for cartridges. very light powder puff loads ( the bottom 10% ) might be served with more task specific powders, and the fastest loads ( the top 10%) also are better accomplished with different task specific powders. But, for almost everything in between you can do well with win 231/ HP-38 __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

June 24, 2020, 09:08 PM	#19
Stroker468 Junior Member Join Date: June 17, 2020 Posts: 12	Like 44 AMP, I use Unique...and for the same reasons. __________________ Load in peace.

June 24, 2020, 09:18 PM	#20
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	Bullseye will work great in all of those. You have 231 already, so start with that, it's appropriate for all of them. I would not use Titegroup with cast bullets. It's probably fine with plated or jacketed bullets, especially in the 9mm and .45 ACP. I still wouldn't use it in the .38 Special because it's too hard to see in the bottom of those tall cases. Unique is a good choice too. Or Green Dot for lighter loads. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

June 24, 2020, 09:30 PM	#21
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	I disagree about Titegroup; I use it in 38 all the time; 3.8 and it works great................... __________________ "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

June 24, 2020, 11:27 PM	#22
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	Personal Problem I have a personal problem with Unique. It is very versatile and I tried it once. What I personally can't stand about it is that throwing it in my RCBS thrower is like trying to cycle corn flakes. I resorted to finishing my loads off with the trickler to make loads with a consistent MV. I haven't tested this but, despite the crushed corn flake pieces, by just using the thrower, is the MV consistent? Last edited by BJung; June 24, 2020 at 11:29 PM. Reason: grammar

June 27, 2020, 10:24 AM	#24
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	I love Unique, but as stated above, it meters like corn flakes.... I use only ball powders now.

June 27, 2020, 01:16 PM	#25
BJung Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2019 Posts: 773	Another personal gripe Since we're on the topic of bad powders, I like AA5 for its versatility but every time I used it, it would leave a film of black sticky soot on my revolver. How about you guys?