Best all around powder

[dholla]

What is your opinion on the best all around powder for multiple handgun calibers for target shooting. No crazy hot loads, just basic paper load?

Seems that Titegroup and 231 seem to wear a lot of hats. I do not have years of experience and have not tried every powder, so I am curious what others have used.

[stand125]

I was going to recommend those two. I like that w231 fills more of the case that Titegroup, but a lb of Titegroup can load a lot of ammo.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

me uses 231 for 357, 38sp, 45acp, 40, and 9mmmm

[vmwerks]

W231 and Bullseye work for .38 /.357 .40 and .45 for me, light to medium loads.

[XDRoX]

me uses 231 for 357, 38sp, 45acp, 40, and 9mmmm

I use WST for 357, 38spl, 45acp, 40 and 9mm.

And I'll even one up you
45acp, 40, and 9mm even take the same charge. So I don't even have to change the drop

[level 10]

w 231 works pretty well

[Bt Doctur]

231, Unique, Bullseye, Herco

[bruceflinch]

231 & Unique

[joelogic]

I am having really good luck with 700x for minor loads. 231 seems to favor major.

[sirgrumps]

I knew the guys who used to run Western Ammo and they used 231 for all of their pistol loads.

[Fishslayer]

Most loaders have what's called a "powder trinity" ie a trio of powders to fill the great majority of needs.

A fast & medium powder for target/lighter loads and a slow powder for heavy bullet/high velocity magnum loads.

W231/HP38 (same powder) and Unique are two of the popular medium burn rate pistol powders. They're good for target loads and will work in magnums but you will give up a bit in maximum velocity, especially with heavier bullets.

Titegroup is a fast powder, right next to Bullseye on the Hodgedon burn rate chart. I don't use it myself because there is way more data available for Bullseye, Bullseye is readily available in my area and Titegroup is said to be a bit twitchy, especially when pushing maximum loads.

I load for .38/.357, 9mm and .45ACP and use Bullseye, W231 and 2400. IMO you really need 3 powders to get the most out of all of them.

Here's the burn rate chart.

http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

If I had to chose one powder for target loads only it would be Bullseye.

[cjskalka]

I thought that powder was titegroup until I started using Unique...

[Excaliburr]

Really depends on the kind of handguns you have. I like Hogdon Clays for my 38's, .357 Magnum and 9mm. Meters nice, clean burning and accurate. Plus it is cost effective. Just my .02.

[ireload]

My primary is Unique and seconday is W231

[SixPointEight]

Unique has been my go to powder. 231 I keep hearing good things about also.