Thoughts on Hodgdon Universal

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Looking for input on Hodgdon's Universal (Clay's) for pistol loads? How clean is it? How does it stack up to W231, the regualr Clay's or HP38? It seems to be a good "all-round" powder as it covers all my bases: 38/357, 9mm, 44S/M and 45ACP.

Thanks, in advance.

[rsrocket1]

Universal is Hodgdon's competition to Alliant's Unique. It's supposed to flow better and being that it's based on Clays technology, burns completely even at less than optimal pressure. I use a lot of Clays in shotgun loads and love it. Universal is slower than Clays so it is better suited for medium velocity loads in the calibers you shoot. Clays is quite a bit faster and is better suited for low velocity/low recoil loads. I personally use Unique for the calibers you list (except I shoot 40 S&W and not 44S/M), but if cost were no object, I would use Universal in an instant.

The reason I use Clays in shotshells instead of Red Dot/Promo is because of its cleanliness. I shoot a Remington 1100 and like to keep the gas ports clean when shooting 100-150 shots in a day.

[Low Light]

Thanks Rocket! In all the commotion I didn't realize that this is more expensive than something like Unique (just getting started in reloading). I soon realized this is why it was the only thing on the shelf at Grafs and Powder Valley. Funny thing is it's now out of stock at Graf's and will be, more than likely, at Powder Valley, I'm guessing. Even "more expensive" is cheaper when talking about reloading and the only things available.

Oh well, I hope this lasts me long enough to be able to try Unique someday.