Out of 231

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MoreIsLess

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I have been loading 230gr 45ACP FMJ/RN using 5.2 gr of Win 231. I just ran out of 231 and they don't have any more at the LGS. Can someone recommend something comparable to 231 and a load to go with it. I have some Bullseye but I think it's kind of dirty and I will probably keep it for .38 DEWC loading. Would prefer something that is no flaky and produces acurrate metering.
 
I use sr-4756, 7.5 gr behind a 230. That powder is often left behind on the shelves after all the others are gone, if it is carried in your store to start with.

btw, do not mistake it for sr-4759. that is for 45/70s and 454 rifles...

remember, my loads, my guns, work up to them and be safe. Back them up with a look in your cookbook...

i guess it is a flake, but meters very well through my thrower for being such.
 
I use sr-4756, 7.5 gr behind a 230. That powder is often left behind on the shelves after all the others are gone, if it is carried in your store to start with.

Exactly why I bought some. What velocity does that load give you?
 
At work, so I'll let you know when i get back to my info. Been a while since I chronied it, but I think I it gives me around 960 with cast RN sized to 452 out of my Remington R-1911.
 
As has been mentioned, HP-38 is the same. I'd recommend you try WST if it's available in your store.

From Winchester's load data:
230 GR. LRN Winchester WST .452" 1.200" 4.0gr (min) 776 14,300 CUP 4.3gr (MAX) 812 16,400 CUP
 
There is no way I would use another powder than W231/HP-38 for my .38 Special or .45 Auto ammo. IMO it's the best powder for the job. If it were me I would find some instead of changing powders.
 
I thought that Zip was also HP38/231?
That has been rumored but not confirmed by anyone in "the know" from what I've read. The fact both are made in the St. Marks plant, both are fine ball powders and both use very similar charge weights does lend itself to them being the same.
 
ArchAngelCD, have you tried AA #5 before? Back during the Great Shortage I could sometimes find a pound or two of it on a shelf when the W231 and HP-38 were long gone.
 
That has been rumored but not confirmed by anyone in "the know" from what I've read. The fact both are made in the St. Marks plant, both are fine ball powders and both use very similar charge weights does lend itself to them being the same.
Hodgdon says they are the same & i would put them in the "know" group.

I'm surprised you think Bullseye is dirty in 45ACP unless your running the charge to low.
 
I have been loading 230gr 45ACP FMJ/RN using 5.2 gr of Win 231. I just ran out of 231 and they don't have any more at the LGS. Can someone recommend something comparable to 231 and a load to go with it. I have some Bullseye but I think it's kind of dirty and I will probably keep it for .38 DEWC loading. Would prefer something that is no flaky and produces acurrate metering.

If you can not find HP-38, maybe give AA#2 a try.
 
How about buying a large jug or two of 231 since you seem to like it? The hazmat, spread over 16 pounds is cheaper than sales tax, and if you order from Graf's or similar, the shipping is free
 
Green Dot is pretty much interchangeable with Titegroup but doesn't have that problem. (from my testing, International Clays *is* interchangeable with TG, but only in low pressure cartridges, and YMMV.)

When the local gun store is out of everything else, there will probably be one dusty pound of Green Dot on the back of the shelf.
 
What's wrong with Bullseye. Only the original 45 ACP powder??

If you don't like that try some Win Auto Comp.
 
BullfrogKen said:
Titegroup is pretty horrible on cast bullets. It runs hot, and makes a huge amount of smoke with lead bullets as a result.

OP stated he is using FMJ.
 
ArchAngelCD, have you tried AA #5 before? Back during the Great Shortage I could sometimes find a pound or two of it on a shelf when the W231 and HP-38 were long gone.
Yes, I have used AA#5 but not a lot. I tried it in the .45 Auto, .45 Colt and to duplicate Speer 135gr .38 Special +P ammo.

I like it in 2 of the 3 calibers I tried it in but wasn't able to find an accurate load for the .45 colt. Since I'm happy with HS-6 and W231 in the 45 Colt I didn't go any further with AA#5.
 
I agree with ordering it. I got 16 pounds of hp38 and 20k primers from Wideners and the price was cheaper than I could get it in the stores shipped to my door. Plus gas is 415 a gallon and I dont really have a local gun place so saving myself a 100 mile trip makes it a lot more economical to have it shipped. I like HP38/Win231, but I dont know if I like it anymore than Unique. I've also never had this metering problem, and Unique was clean for me
 
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