20yearvet
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W231 is also my "go-to" powder, but I also like Unique. A drawback to Unique for me is that it shoots a bit too dirty.
Which powder is the best for .380 - .45 ACP auto's?
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RecoilRob
Member
231 is in the lead because it works really well in the small cases and pretty good in the larger ones too.
Plus, it meters better than the flake-types (Bullseye, Unique etc.) in the same burn rate catagory.
I keep some Unique around for 45 Colt as it is much bulkier and fills the case better than the 231 loads in the same pressur/velocity range. And, you can use Unique in shotgun loads too.
Side note: Had a couple squibs with Unique and later figured out that it was bridging in the meter. Have payed much better attention to the charges thrown since and have found a few light ones along the way. Just the way it is with the big flakes in my meter. 231 is dead spot on each and every time....that matters a lot to me.
Plus, it meters better than the flake-types (Bullseye, Unique etc.) in the same burn rate catagory.
I keep some Unique around for 45 Colt as it is much bulkier and fills the case better than the 231 loads in the same pressur/velocity range. And, you can use Unique in shotgun loads too.
Side note: Had a couple squibs with Unique and later figured out that it was bridging in the meter. Have payed much better attention to the charges thrown since and have found a few light ones along the way. Just the way it is with the big flakes in my meter. 231 is dead spot on each and every time....that matters a lot to me.
Survey facts
Asking which powder is best is like asking which gasoline is best. There is no one answer. Unless a study is done by an accredited testing labratory under rigerous conditions and strict guidelines, preferably a blind study too and in two different labs, you can get no best answer since all submitted experiences are anecdotal, and each participant believes they know which is best, because that is the powder they use and wouldn't they only use the best?
Whichever powder/load/bullet combination you use will depend largley on your shooting style, your downrange preference i.e. bullseye, action pistol, etc. And the extent you are willing to test within your given budget. Will you be using a chronograph and charting load data results? Are you going to be testing primers and bullet designs as well? What condition is your sidearm? Do you prefer a system tight blueprinted dream machine or a mil spec heritage heirloom that defended our country with honor? The variabes are endless, as is the conversation and opinions.
I hate to be glib, but just go for it. By a can of powder, a bag of bullets and have fun with it. Keep good records of your load data as well as the shooting results, but by all means do not limit yourself to the results of an informal survey. I have great results with the combinations I've chosen, but it took time and testing to satisfy myself, and if I may be honest here, I never asked anyone about a powder brand. I care not about brands, preferences or opinions, just the facts and results.
I adore and appreciate the experinces shared by reloaders, an I have profited greatly through others experiences and wisdom, but if there was a "best" you wouldn't have to ask the question.
Asking which powder is best is like asking which gasoline is best. There is no one answer. Unless a study is done by an accredited testing labratory under rigerous conditions and strict guidelines, preferably a blind study too and in two different labs, you can get no best answer since all submitted experiences are anecdotal, and each participant believes they know which is best, because that is the powder they use and wouldn't they only use the best?
Whichever powder/load/bullet combination you use will depend largley on your shooting style, your downrange preference i.e. bullseye, action pistol, etc. And the extent you are willing to test within your given budget. Will you be using a chronograph and charting load data results? Are you going to be testing primers and bullet designs as well? What condition is your sidearm? Do you prefer a system tight blueprinted dream machine or a mil spec heritage heirloom that defended our country with honor? The variabes are endless, as is the conversation and opinions.
I hate to be glib, but just go for it. By a can of powder, a bag of bullets and have fun with it. Keep good records of your load data as well as the shooting results, but by all means do not limit yourself to the results of an informal survey. I have great results with the combinations I've chosen, but it took time and testing to satisfy myself, and if I may be honest here, I never asked anyone about a powder brand. I care not about brands, preferences or opinions, just the facts and results.
I adore and appreciate the experinces shared by reloaders, an I have profited greatly through others experiences and wisdom, but if there was a "best" you wouldn't have to ask the question.
The Bushmaster
Member
Why the cheapest gasoline is best.
Not a bad post. Something like Ford, GM and Chrysler...
YoPedro...No one uses the power what I use for my .30-06 (at least not many). I use it for the reasons you stated. It works for me...
Not a bad post. Something like Ford, GM and Chrysler...YoPedro...No one uses the power what I use for my .30-06 (at least not many). I use it for the reasons you stated. It works for me...
Right, that's why we do this, it's fun. Can't we have fun anymore?
There is a best or several bests for many given uses. Asking around will get you started with components that give you a good chance of success instead of just guessing or believing advertising hype.
And did I mention it's fun.
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