Best Handgun Reload Powder

[shenecke]

I am currently using Alliant Bullseye powder to reload 9mm, .38, .357 & .40 s&w. Seems to be very smokie for a smokeless powder. Any recommendations for something less smokie, cleaner?

[ARFrog]

VV N320 and N330 are very clean - both in the handgun and on the press - and should cover most of your needs.

I have been using the N330 in 9mm for a couple of years and really like it. In fact, the UPS person just left me a care package of some today

EDIT: it is a little more expensive, but I feel it is worth it.

[Ned Ryerson]

I read the thread title and was going to suggest Bullseye for a time-tested all-around pistol powder, but since you’ve already tried that, I’ll suggest Win 231/HP-38 as a second choice, and TiteGroup as a third. Unique gets an honorable mention.

[Inkman]

Used BE when i started for 9, 40 and 45. Switched full time to VV N320 as BE was too smoky for USPSA (we'd shoot thru barrels a lot back then), then switched again to Sport Pistol which was virtually identical to N320 for loads and cleanliness. Plus it was 1/2 the price of VV back when i switched.

Stayed with SP to this day although it's not quite as cheap as it used to be, but what is these days.

[hambam105]

Often times the smoke comes from the lube. Especially that hard crayon type lube wax. And, this same lube is often
mistaken as being lead and not just unburnt crud.

Try comparing a fmj bullet of same weight & design to a cast bullet with identical powder charge and assembly practices.
Video the event or have someone else do the shooting so you can see the comparison difference from another angle.

Smoke and flash is one thing outdoors in broad daylight. Indoors, with poor lighting and poor ventilation, it's a real
educational experience if you're paying attention.

[rhodesengr]

I don't know if its more or less smokey but I use mostly AA #5. I have used it in 357mag, 38 spl, 9mm and 45ACP. Its not really for hot loads like full power 357mag where I use H110 or hot 45ACP where I use Silhouette but it seems to be a very versatile "everyday" target load powder. Its very available. Maybe give it a try.

[Sailormilan2]

I don't know if its more or less smokey but I use mostly AA #5. I have used it in 357mag, 38 spl, 9mm and 45ACP. Its not really for hot loads like full power 357mag where I use H110 or hot 45ACP where I use Silhouette but it seems to be a very versatile "everyday" target load powder. Its very available. Maybe give it a try.

Agreed. Unique used to be my go to powder. But it's bulky, doesn't meter well, and a rather dirty powder. But, very useful in quite a few calibers. I now use AA#5. Similar in burn rate to Unique, but smaller grained so it meters better, and more constant. Seems cleaner.

[Elgatodeacero]

Power Pistol is a good choice for full power loads, but you will trade smoke for muzzle flash!

.357 really requires Win296, Alliant 2400, or something similar.

[slayer61]

If Bullseye worked well enough, but smokey, consider BE-86. I'm a fan & used it in 9mm, 10mm, 357 Sig etc

[edgerly779]

win wst good powder. Meters well for me.

[rsrocket1]

If you can find BE-86, it is a very good versatile powder for normal medium speed loads. I have gone through about 14 pounds of it since it came out but its been non-existent out here in TX since moving here in 2020. I settled on W231/HP-38 as my all around powder for handguns. It?s a ball powder so it flows like water and meters very well and it burns very clean.

I enjoyed Bullseye after buying a 4 pound jug in 2010 but it left my hands black when shooting my SS Ruger Service Six and after a couple hundred rounds that stainless gun looked like a blued gun although cleanup was no big deal.

[golfish]

Another vote for BE-86...

[Beelzy]

Unique. It meters ok with me and I like the sooty cases. Makes it easier to see which cases are mine when I'm policing my brass.

[JagerDog]

My understanding is BE-86 is Unique with a flash suppressant.

While not optimal for different cartridges, it will obtain very functional performance for a great many.

[Dirtlaw]

I read the thread title and was going to suggest Bullseye for a time-tested all-around pistol powder, but since you?ve already tried that, I?ll suggest Win 231/HP-38 as a second choice, and TiteGroup as a third. Unique gets an honorable mention.

Good choices from what I have seen.