Precision Delta 185 gr JHP .45 ACP

Maybe not the best answer to your OAL question but I would suggest the OAL that chambers freely into your gun and lets it fall out without an issue. Do what is known as the plunk test.

No answer for the powder part.

mls said:

Also, I noticed in the Lyman 49th that Win 231 goes from 4.4 gr to 6.1 and HP38 goes fro 3.5 to 5.8...I thought they were the same. I use win 231.

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Lyman has been doing reloading manuals forever and unless they have a reason to retest a caliber and powder they don't. They reprint the data from previous manuals so the numbers are different. Look on the Hodgdon Load Data Site and you will see identical load data, pressures, and velocities for that powder. (W231/HP-38)

I tried some of the 185 gr jhp from Precision Delta today. I loaded a few, starting with 4.5 W231 and col 1.19 and worked up to 5.1 gr 231.

The 5.1 gr wasn't enough to cycle reliably. It looks like with a col of 1.19 there is the same amount of bullet in the case as the PD 230 gr fmj rn seated at 1.255. I will load 5.3 gr and 5.5 gr next. I believe the 5.5 gr will be the ticket for me.

The obligatory start low and work up, what works for my gun may not work for yours and I accept no liability

I load Nosler 185gr JHPs with 6.2gr of W-231 with CCI 300 and a COL of 1.195"
I have browsed older data that suggests that HP-38 is a faster powder, I don't know I have always used W-231.

Once again, years ago, HP-38 and WW-231 WERE different powders.

Today, and for the last few years, Hodgdon powder company fills the cans out of the same bulk shipping container from St. Marks powder company, and the two powders are identical.

Maybe even at times, from the same bulk lot shipment.

rc

years ago, HP-38 and WW-231 WERE different powders.

Today, and for the last few years, Hodgdon powder company fills the cans out of the same bulk shipping container from St. Marks powder company, and the two powders are identical.

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So is W231 hp-38 or is HP-38 W-231 ?
If I owned a powder company and I changed the powder I would give it a new name or at least call it new and improved # 1,2,3............

HP-38 is W231.

Hodgdon is licensed to sell W231 as HP-38 - http://www.hodgdon.com/history.html

In March 2006, Hodgdon Powder Company and Winchester® Ammunition announced that Winchester® branded reloading powders would be licensed to Hodgdon. Winchester smokeless propellants, the choice of loading professionals, are available to the handloader to duplicate the factory performance of loads from handgun to rifle and shotgun.

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