Powder Choice

[diveRN]

My standard range recipe is 6.0 to 6.5gr Unique with Winchester or CCI LPP pushing a bulk 230gr FMJ bullet, crimped to OAL 1.270. I've loaded several thousands of these and this is a consistent load.

I like Unique. It's forgiving in that it's not a fast burning powder, but it's still versatile enough to load .45acp, .40s&w, and .38spl. I've even loaded 16ga and 20ga shotshells with it. Worked just fine.

It tends to burn dirty compared to others and because it's disc-shaped, it tends to be somewhat finicky out of the Lee Precision Perfect Powder Measure. Definitely requires frequent assessment with this measure. I just bought 10lbs at $21.00/lb.

It meets my range needs just fine. I also reload with 231 and like it fine too. My experience is that Unique is a lot cheaper.

[cindynles]

W231 with CCI #300 Large Pistol Primers. My main load is a 230gr Bear Creek LRN over 5.0gr of W231 set a 1.25" OAL (feeds well in my 1911 and makes Major power factor with ease).

I prefer W231 because it meters well in my press and throws a very consistent charge.

[Lead Waster]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned "Clays" (not international clays, but just clays) as a popular .45 load.

I use both Clays and Win231. Since my Clays is basically used up, then I'm all for win 231.

I'd like to try Bullseye sometime though, since it's the "classic" .45 ACP powder for some reason.

[micro911]

I use Winchester 231 powder with Federal match primers.

[shooterbill]

Bullseye is my go to powder. Winchester primers mostly.