Question about loading .45 ACP and powder

[Lucky Scott]

Been reloading for years for my 1911. Currently using 700X powder and 230 gr. ball ammo. I'm starting to wonder if this powder is more dirty than other powders? When I clean my guns they have a lot of residue. Of course, it matters how many rounds, and I'm sure some of that comes from the gun oil.
But are some powders more "dirty" than other powders and if so what is a cleaner powder for loading .45 ACP?

[kcheung2]

Yes some have more soot than others. I don’t use it but I hear Unique is very dirty. I only use silhouette & Power Pistol For .45 & of those two then PP is the dirtier one.

[Divernhunter]

I use 700X and Win231/HP-38 for my 9mm and 45ACP loads.

[croue]

[Raiderh20boy]

WIN231 and HP38 is all I use for 38Spl,380,9mm AND 45ACP
LOT EASIER FOR ME than 4-5 different powders.
Everyone has their own ideas.

[pennstater]

Give Universal a try. Clean. Or Clays. Ultra clean.

[DueceMcGurk]

My FS 1911 shoots 200 gr ACME RN coated behind 4 gr of Titegroup with no soot on the brass and complete chamber seal. Have shot 1,000s of these in competition and plinking. Also good with 230gr ACME.

Soot is generally related to light loads and powder burn rate. Can sometimes be mitigated with heavier charge (more velocity and recoil).

[McGuiver]

I have tried Alliant e3 with good results and extremely clean. No commercial load data available.


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[J-cat]

Accuracy trumps cleanliness. I like Bullseye.

[GeeBee49]

When I was handloading W231 was the only powder I used for 45 ACP. I used 230 gr ball either jacketed or hard lead (Surefire).

[Fatcat]

[pennstater]

Clays. It's an accurate powder, is super clean and soft shooting for targets or plinking. I've used it with 200gr XTP's and 230gr LRN. Works.

[sirgrumps]

I have used 700-X, WST, AA#2, WSL, 800-X, Bullseye, WW452, W472, AA#5 and 231/HP-38.

I just keep going back to 231 for the most consistent results.
Yes, it’s a little more temperature sensitive than WST, but 231 seems to be useful in a wider variety to cartridges, so that what I use.

I haven’t tried any of the newer powders as I don’t have access to a chronograph anymore.
I just doesn’t seem to be worth the effort anymore to try and develop new loads.

If 231 gets discontinued, I’ll be forced, but considering that Bullseye is still being made, I see no point in changing.

[GeeBee49]

Other than 45 ACP I regularly used W231 for 45 Colt, 41 and 44 magnum.

[XDJYo]