Favorite .45 powder

[Sub-Moa]

Can't find anything for pistol powder right now. I was lucky enough to snag an 8# jug of green dot so that's my new go to for the next 9,000 rounds.

[rugerkp]

Clays- 230gr- 5.1

[Dutch Henry]

For 20+ years, Winchester 231 has been my choice for .45 acp, .45 Colt, .38 Special and 9mm. It meters well and provides good accuracy.

[CAL.BAR]

HP-38 or W231. However, neither is available ANYWHERE in the COUNTRY at present. At least I couldn't find a single pound for sale ANYWHERE!

[ChrisC]

Been using Clays for about 18 years and have never had a single issue with it.

[orangeusa]

I've shot HP-38 (I have a crapload of it), and W231 (almost same as HP-38, same load weights) and Titegroup.

HP-38/W231 had more soot on the shells. All did fine (230 gn Xtreme) target shooting..

QUESTION:
I also loaded some 200gn lead RNFP with HP-38 and they didn't have any soot at all! I loaded them with 5gn... ( And yes, I checked 2 reloading books, still not sure - it's not a big concern... )
I also shot Federal (stock) and there was no smoke out the barrel or soot on the shells.....


WHY ?
.

[MR_X]

So far I really like Longshot on the high side with a light bullet (185gr LSWC with 7.2gr of powder). Very accurate and low recoil in my 1911 but my USC-45 loves it.

I'm experimenting with IMR PB and Trail Boss (I would use it specifically for competition). Got me some Titegroup so going to experiment with this eventually.

[Just.a.guy]

I just started loading a couple weeks ago, I've been loading .45 with Longshot. I don't know how it compares to other powders, but its the only one I could find so I bought it. So far it seems to work just fine. I put 6.2 grains under a 230gr lead round nose.

[Noonanda]

230 Gr Extreme Plated Bullet
4.7 Gr Bullseye

[ireload]

Win 231 and Unique.

[orangeusa]

Win 231 and Unique.

I like your screen name, a lot..

[CalTeacher]

Clays- 230gr- 5.1

You may want to double check that data. You're well over max, and Clays isn't the powder you want to do that with.

For those who want a substitute for non-existent Clays, look for Alliant e3 and Clay Dot.

[MR_X]

I just started loading a couple weeks ago, I've been loading .45 with Longshot. I don't know how it compares to other powders, but its the only one I could find so I bought it. So far it seems to work just fine. I put 6.2 grains under a 230gr lead round nose.

Get you a lighter bullet and put the recommended load of powder for it. The accuracy is addicting. You'll get some nice flames out of it.

[Southpaw45]

W231 or WST is what I like. Or right now is anything you can get your hands on..

[stilly]

HP-38 and because I got 8 lbs, 800-X

But Unique is good and so is blue dot...