9mm powder opinions

[iblong]

Does any one use power pistol for there 9mm loads.
Ive been mostly using 231/hp38 and it works ok,but I have to run a max load to get to minor power factor for Idpa.Unique gives me all the velocity I need and then some but doesnt meter as consistant,Im thinking about trying Power pistol.Would like some input on this powder,how does it meter,how clean,accuracy ect.I still have 5lbs unique and 5lbs of 231 but I can burn it up in the 45s.
thanks,Bob.

 

[mongoose33]

Try some WST. I'm not kidding.

I'm running 4.7gr of WST behind a 124gr Hornady XTP bullet at 1.10 OAL. That's producing around 1150 fps, and it's the softest-shooting load I have. Very soft.

I've also had success w/ WST under Missouri Bullet's Smallball 125gr. At 1.09 OAL, 4.4gr, I produced an average of 1076 fps. Also very accurate.

 

[CatsEye]

I have used Power Pistol for 9mm and .40s. It shoots very similar to Unique but burns cleaner and meters better. I have moved on to Titegroup and Solo1000 but my Power Pistol loads were always nice to shoot.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I have only one mid-range pistol powder and that's PP, 9mm loads for jacketed do very well. I use Lee dies with the powder thru expander and a dipper mostly but can say it meters better than any ball powder I use which is 2 different types)
for cast slugs I use BEye or RDot with good results.

 

[Airjunki]

I love Power Pistol. It goes a long way, burns clean and is accurate in both my jacketed and cast loads. My favorite load is using Lees 358-125-RF hard cast bullets sized to a hair under .357 I have no leading and they feed great in both my P226 and G17 with KKM match barrel. Kinda funny since the mould is actually made for 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 38 Colt New Police. Power Pistol doesn't seem to like to be light loaded though and it's a tad flashy but that doesn't bother me coz I like to have a bit of recoil to practice with to more mimic my defense loadings and I don't shoot in the dark. Sorry for wandering off topic a bit. But my point is PP is working well for me!

 

[samurai]

I just loaded up some 147 gr Gold dot with Power Pistol. They shot great.

 

[Walkalong]

WSF or N330

 

[LightningMan]

+1 for PowerPistol, really like it for my jacketed loads & meters very consistantly. For my RNL loads I stay with AA#5 and it too meters very well. FWIW I use these same two powders for my .45 acp & .380 acp loads. LM

 

[zxcvbob]

Bullseye or WSF.

 

[D. Manley]

WSF or N330

+1. Might want to add Silhouette to that list too. It'll do anything PP will minus, the "flash/bang" and meters like powdered water.

 

[iblong]

Thanks for the replys,I think I'll hold off on the pp.for now as I may at some time need to use these loads for something other than targets and dont see uneeded flash as a good thing.I will however check with my favorite local reloading shops and see how availliable there supply of #5 and WST is.
If they are able to keep a reasonably consistant supply Ill give both a try.
Thanks again,Bob.

 

[HOV]

I think PP measures out very well, I like it. Been working up some 147-gr. loads just like the other dude above.

 

[germ]

I use WSF.

 

[Patrick R]

Unique has been working well for me. I do like hearing what works well for every one else.

 

[JDGray]

Power Pistol is all I use in 9mm, 45ACP. Its only flashy inside, in bad lighting. It the most accurate powder I've found for those two calibers.

 

[shootinxd]

I have had good luck with #5 in 9mm,although i have some loaded up with power pistol,just havnt had the weather to try them out.all the clear days have been spent working on 40cal lead loads.

 

[Walkalong]

Might want to add Silhouette to that list too

One pistol powder I don't have. I guess I'll just have to break down and get some.

 

[Runningman]

Powders like Power Pistol or the even more impressive bad boy on the block Longshot are excellent powders for top end loads for the 9mm. However since you only need to make minor power factor plus a little cushion factor. You might give WSF powder a try. It has worked well for me for years in the 9mm.

The no longer made, Winchester Action Pistol powder was another good one. From what I understand Silhouette is the old WAP powder.

 

[Walkalong]

From what I understand Silhouette is the old WAP powder.

Yep. Same powder.

 

[lwknight]

A lot of folks have found WSF to be a great 9mm powder. I think its almost a perfect match. WSF works best in small capacity cases or in larger cases like 38spl with heavier bullets like 158 or more.
I'm surprised at how little load data is out on it compared to others.
Using 124 grain bullets , it takes 5.2 grains to cycle my P-95 and shoots about 1100 fps.
Good accuracy and very consistant velocities.

Warning: not a suggestion but results of an experiment following.

I have tested it to 6.6 grains and get 1300+ in a 3.5" barrel and 1400+ in a 5" barrel.
These are definately +P+ on the ragged edge loads.

 

[Walkalong]

not a suggestion

I reckon not. Max is 5.7 Grs with a 115 Gr jacketed bullet and 5.3 for a 124 Gr FMJ, according to Winchester.

If I wanted to make the 9MM scream with 124/5 Gr jacketed bullets, I would use a slower powder as well.

 

[D. Manley]

Might want to add Silhouette to that list too.

One pistol powder I don't have. I guess I'll just have to break down and get some.

I think I've got a pretty good feel for what you like Walkalong and I'll tell you what I'll do. Try Silhouette and if you don't like it, I'll take it off your hands and buy you a "Big Mac" (with or without cheese) for your trouble.

 

[Walkalong]

That's a fair deal.

 

[jerry0444]

ihave a 41 avenger also would like to know the data too

 

[GLOOB]

For all the people complaining about Unique not metering well, I have a question. Is this variation showing up on your targets, or just on your scale? I have no problem with Unique, and it's not noticeably dirtier than my other powders out of a locked breech pistol. Out of my revolvers, seems like all my powders are dirty... times 10 with cast bullets!