W231 Powder experiences

[Kappy]

I was using it exclusively for .40S&W. Switched to Bullseye for a while... now I'm back to 231. I still use the Bullseye in my .45ACP, but 231 works well in that as well.

[korny351]

I've been using Win 231/Hp-38 for 38/357, 9mm and 45 ACP. Good versatile powder. Note: Hodgdon HP-38 is the same powder as Win 231 and is normally priced cheaper by a couple of bucks a pound. At least in my area.

[What Just Happened?]

Originally Posted by dmaverick

Works good in 9mm and .45 ACP. The only thing I don't like about it is that is very dirty.

I've found it pretty clean when used with complete metal jacketed bullets or plated. But yeah, with lead bullets... Someone needs to call the fire department cuz' it smokes.

[WoodrowShootist]

Used to be all I'd use. But got tired of the sootiness of it and it burns inefficiently. Lots of unburnt powder out the bore. Its the only powder I have that flashes out of my comps haaha. If you're running longer barrel then its better. It tends to like higher pressures but even then its still dirty.

And I know this has been argued before but I actually have an email from hodgdon to back up that hp38 is identical to 231. So buy hp38 and have a few bucks saved for bullets.

[echang72]

even though im new to reloading.. i have nothing but good results with win 231

[M27]

I have done test loads with 231, but have yet to find a recipe with it that I have liked enough to "take to production"

[boomer135]

right on the money for the exact application!

Originally Posted by AlliedArmory

4.3gr under a MG 124gr JHP works well.

[Single_Shot]

I used the follow load for my 9mm rounds 4.3 gr. of W231 in my 115 gr. RN Rainer bullets and was getting 950 fps. Then I started working my loads up and found that 5.1 gr. was coming out at 1100 fps and 5.3 gr. were 1150 fps. on the chrony.

Has anyone else found this to be the same results?

Primer: WSP
Powder: W231
Bullets: 115gr Raniner RN

[Horton Fenty]

I've used W231/HP-38 in 45 ACP and 45 Colt.

It's a fine powder for lots of different cartridges, if I had 10 seconds to grab powder off a shelf it's one I'd snag. Better powders for specific things can be found though. For example with 45 Colt it's a little fast and doesn't take up enough space as I'd like. With 45 ACP there are cleaner powders that shoot softer with better chrony numbers.

[Paul_R]

Great all around powder. I use it for .38 & .45 and reduced loads in 45-70 with lead bullets. Accurate, clean burning, and meters like a champ in a progressive reloader.

[opos]

I've used a lot of 231/HP38 in 38 specials (and other calibers) and really like it...I load it under a 125 grain Remington jacketed bullet in 38 specials with good results..won't quote the grains used...read the book. I don't load many full house 357 magnum but I'd rather use a different powder for magnum loads. Also I don't like it in big cases like the 45 Colt even though it's listed a lot of places..it doesn't fill the cases enough and I don't like the possibility of double charging a big case.

[damndave]

4.3gr under a MG 124gr JHP is a great 9mm load.

[El Toro]

What is a safe load for 9mm using W231, 124gr plated Xtreme, and Federal no. 200 Magnum pistol primers? I also have Unique as an option.

Im not lubing and my OCL is 1.167

Ive read a bunch of threads regarding using MSPP and most say to backoff a little and youre safe. Im just not sure if the MSPP are too hot for the W231. Dont want a squib or worse.

[sirgrumps]

I have been using ww231 for my .45ACP, 9mm, .38 special for the last 25 years.

I have tried many other powders, but based on cost and consistency, 231 is my favorite.

[El Toro]

Have you loaded 9mm with mag primers? Im looking for a decent safe load.

Thx

[350skylark]

Originally Posted by ns3v3n

This is my load exactly for Barry's plated 230 grain bullets. Very pleasent to shoot and accurate!

same for me! i really like that powder, i also used it for a 44 spl. load and it worked out pretty well.

[biogenic]

Great powder. Works great with 9mm, 45, 38spcl and 40... Need to try it in 44spcl

[knucklehead0202]

this is encouraging, i haven't begun to load for my pistols yet(.38, .357, .45) but i've purchased some 231 in anticipation thinking it'd be a good choice across the board. apparently i was right. only reload rifle right now being that pistol stuff is still reasonable, but i am saving brass, glad to know this is a good powder. thanks for all the input folks....

[___M|9||___]

W231 is good, 4lbs is about$75 but titegroup is cheaper 4lbs is $65 but i use W231 for 9mm and 45 acp both with good results.

[bootcamp]

I prefer W231/HP38 over bullseye and unique. It meters better, it smokes less and seems to be more accurate than bullseye or unique. Bullseye is good, but some manuals' starting loads are hot to begin with so you have to be careful.

This all applies to .40, .45 and 9mm.

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I've used HP38 for 38 Special, 9, 40, and 45 and really like it. It's my preferred pistol powder while i'm also trying out HS6, Titegroup, Clays, WST, WSF, Bullse and, Unique. For 45, WST and Clays are very soft. I'll develop more loads as time permits, but HP38 is my main powder.

[Bill Steele]

Originally Posted by bootcamp

I prefer W231/HP38 over bullseye and unique. It meters better, it smokes less and seems to be more accurate than bullseye or unique. Bullseye is good, but some manuals' starting loads are hot to begin with so you have to be careful.

This all applies to .40, .45 and 9mm.

I have had almost the exact opposite experience with Bullseye versus W231, at least when it comes to accuracy. I find Bullseye more accurate in most loads over W231.

As far as metering better, I would agree it meters much better than Unique, but Bullseye drops just as consistently for me as W231.

All in all, I am pretty much splitting hairs with these observations as the differences are not big with most pistol loads in any case, at least that has been my experience.