Accurate Arms for 45 ACP

[Stache69]

I am not familiar with AA powder. Which of the AA powders is best for loading 45 ACP and 230gr RN bullets? or 200 gr HP bullets?

 

[NapalmMan67]

There are several that will work, "best" is a relative term. What works best for one, may not for another.

If you go to their website, you can view the load data.


http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/


.

 

[Toprudder]

I used AA#5 to work up some loads in 45, using Xtreme 200RN bullets. The standard deviations were not that great (not bad) but the accuracy was as good as anything I've tested. I was 'borrowing' some powder from a friend to try out, so I did not do as much testing as I wanted to.

It is one of those powders that if I see another pound of it at a gun show, I'm going to buy it.

I've also tried AA#7 and liked it. It gave good standard deviations through the whole charge range. It is kinda slow for 45, and takes a relatively large charge, so it is not as cost effective as other powders. I really liked it in 9mm, though, as I got some very consistent results at low charges / low velocity.

 

[Walkalong]

AA #2 for light to medium loads and AA #5 for medium to full loads.

Welcome to THR

 

[Toprudder]

I've been looking for AA#2 to try but have not seen any in almost 2 years. Didn't buy it then, been kicking myself that I didn't.

 

[Liquidring]

If you want a decent/good powder that will work with .380 to 45acp, try the Exspansion Industries pistol powder. I got a 4lb jug and like it, and it's in stock. $66.00 for 4lbs

 

[cfullgraf]

I've used Accurate #5 with 230 RN in 45 ACP. Works well for me.

I normally use 700-X in 45 ACP but Accurate #5 is a good alternate for me.

Check out Accurate's load data.

Accurate and Ramshot powders are marketed by Western Powders. Ramshot would be another alternate brand.

 

[oldreloader]

I've been looking for AA#2 to try but have not seen any in almost 2 years. Didn't buy it then, been kicking myself that I didn't.

I know that feeling!!

 

[41 Mag]

I have used #2 and 5 with good results with my cast loads. I find the #2 to run a bit like Bullseye but cleaner, and the same with #5 in comparrison with Unique.

If you find either you can't mess up buying them as they work for a LOT of other loads as well.

 

[gunlaw]

AA #2 and AA#5 both work great in 45 acp.. They meter well and are very clean burning and economical. Problem is that other than my own dwindeling supply I haven't seen any in quite some time. If you see it definitely buy some.

 

[Steve C]

Use the faster AA2 for target loads in all bullet weights. Use mid burn rate pistol powder AA5 for military ball ammo equivalent, defense or hunting level loads. Slow AA7 which has a burn rate similar to BlueDot can be used but is really too slow and offers no velocity advantage in handguns over AA5. Best application for .45 ACP using AA7 would be in a carbine or rifle length barrel.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

AA #2 for light to medium loads and AA #5 for medium to full loads.

Welcome to THR

I agree. As a note, according to Accurate AA#5 was developed around the 45 ACP so it should work very well in that cartridge and from my experience, it does.

 

[Toprudder]

Use the faster AA2 for target loads in all bullet weights. Use mid burn rate pistol powder AA5 for military ball ammo equivalent, defense or hunting level loads. Slow AA7 which has a burn rate similar to BlueDot can be used but is really too slow and offers no velocity advantage in handguns over AA5. Best application for .45 ACP using AA7 would be in a carbine or rifle length barrel.

I agree, but will add one thing about AA#7 in 45acp. I was very surprised at how well it did with reduced loads, the standard deviation was low at the low charges, and accuracy was pretty good as well. I also noticed the same behavior in 9mm. Both out of 4.5" barrels. So many powders I have tried had higher SD at the low charge levels but improved as the charges increased. This is not the case with AA#7 even in a low pressure round like 45acp. It is very position sensitive, though, at least in 357mag.

 

[ThePomel]

If you want a decent/good powder that will work with .380 to 45acp, try the Exspansion Industries pistol powder. I got a 4lb jug and like it, and it's in stock. $66.00 for 4lbs

http://www.expansion-industries.com/category-s/1847.htm
Seems very cheap, has anyone else had any experience with this powder?

 

[drband]

AA #2 for light to medium loads and AA #5 for medium to full loads.

Welcome to THR

I have used AA#2 for 380, 9, & 45 and liked the results. Walkalong is right.

 

[Toprudder]

All this talk about #2 and #5 being great is really ticking me off. I've been looking for both for a long time and have not seen either for sale. Dang it.