Powders, Accuracy, thoughts/opinions?

[cundiff5535]

Hi Calguns, lots of loading questions the last week! I am looking for powder thoughts on the following:

45acp,38super, and 9mm

i want the most accurate, best shooting, cleanest power out there! I have typically used Winchester 231, Bullseye, Titegroup, Universal, Unique, and CFE Pistol. I have a bunch of 231, Unique, and CFE left, but recently shot some Winchester Super Target and was pretty amazed by it in my 45.

i have read VV is too notch stuff, but have little experience with it in pistol.

i know there are some a few newer powders out there, just looking for thoughts and help on powders for shooting 50 yard hardball/accuracy style shooting.

All thoughts and help appreciated!

[Pablo5959]

Looks like you have what you need right there.
BE 86 works for me too.

[Capybara]

The funny thing is that powders themselves are not accurate or inaccurate, it's the caliber they are loaded for, how the gun likes the particular powder in a certain load. VV is great powder but IMHO, it doesn't do anything that much less expensive powders can do but I don't shoot matches either. All of the powders you listed are good ones, they are all really popular too. You might give HP-38 a try, we load quite a few thousand rounds a years with it in various calibers and receive good feedback from our reloading students about how they love it. We also use a lot of Bullseye, good stuff too.

[cundiff5535]

The funny thing is that powders themselves are not accurate or inaccurate, it's the caliber they are loaded for, how the gun likes the particular powder in a certain load. VV is great powder but IMHO, it doesn't do anything that much less expensive powders can do but I don't shoot matches either. All of the powders you listed are good ones, they are all really popular too. You might give HP-38 a try, we load quite a few thousand rounds a years with it in various calibers and receive good feedback from our reloading students about how they love it. We also use a lot of Bullseye, good stuff too.

Win231 and hp38 are the same... I have both, and like both A LOT

[cundiff5535]

To add to that, I shoot 1911's and a Sig p210... I know the pistols are all dead accurate and better than I am. Just looking for a good place to start!!

[scotty99]

For soft shooting, really clean .45 loads, Clays is hard to beat. Much cleaner than 231. It's too fast for 9mm though. I use Titegroup mostly in 9mm, and it is reasonably clean as well. Tried International Clays in 9mm but couldn't get past the funky smell when shooting it.


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[___M|9||___]

Try N310
185gr (not hard ball i know)
3.8-4.5
Crimp @ .470
OAL 1.25
if you dont hit your target at 50 yrds then you need to look for a better shooter.

[rm1911]

Be happy if you can find something that'll work for each. Lots of overlap. Don't think there's really any significant difference really. If your guns are that accurate and your that good a shooter, only then will you be able to notice. And you've already worked up loads for it. Since I not even close to good enough to tell, I'm a middle of the road guy when it comes to velocity. I don't like to push it.

[noylj]

If you wanted a clean powder, you should have bought PB while it was available.
Following the crowd means you miss what they don't discover.
Accuracy is how I rate powders.
In my .45 Autos, they are: 231/HP38, Bullseye, AA2, Red Dot
.38 Super: Silhouette, AA7
9x19: Power Pistol, Silhouette
Those have been the most accurate powders in multiple guns in each cartridge.

[tonyjr]

I stick w Hodgdon H110 for my mag
Went from 38 to HS6 and now CFE pistol .
I prefer a ball type powder .
Flake can pack down or get air spaces - neither good for consistant shots .
Log type can break , splinter and create dust in case .

[pennstater]

scotty99 is right on the money with "Clays" for the .45acp. What a great powder! Clean, accurate and easy shooting. If you can find some, buy and try. You're going to really like it. A lot.