Best .45ACP Powder

[giggitygiggity]

What is the best powder for a 230gr .45ACP load? I need it to be able to function in a semi-auto pistol and be sufficient for practice ammo.

 

[jfh]

best for what kind of practice?

For power, AA#5

For target, W231.

Jim H.

 

[schmeky]

You left out Bullseye, probably the most popular and prevalent 45 ACP powder, even in 2009.

 

[Walkalong]

erased. I just read one of your responses in another thread.

 

[Maj Dad]

Old Standards

I have a closet full of pistol powders, and the ones I turn to when I am not conducting in-depth and exhaustive ballistic research at the range are Bullseye (5.3 gr under a 230 FMJ/JHP) and Unique (6.2 - 6.5 under the same slug). 231 is a close 3rd, and after that there are all kinds of suitable powders, many of which are surely as good as my favorites in the experience of others. I would recommend those 2 to a new shooter to get started before taking wing and breaking the surly bonds of earth...
My 2 cents
Maj Dad

 

[HK G3]

Giggity,

I'll refer you to the thread I started a few days ago with basically the same topic. Lots of good advice was contained within.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=472428

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I didn't vote the poll as the powders I've used weren't a possible selection.
I've used BullsEye with good results both cast and jacketed, but better groups and cleaner with cast is Red Dot.
better groups and lower pressure at same fps for jacketed is Power pistol but no good at all for cast.

 

[Galil5.56]

Have used all you mention aside from WST and close to a dozen more not listed, and finding a "fastish" to moderate speed burning curve propellant that won't work is harder than one that will. Finding at least a decent .45 Auto load is easy, and .45 Auto in my experience is a very easy going, non-fussy caliber that is a joy to reload.

I will say however, I always seem to fall back on Bullseye, WW231, Solo 1000, Red Dot, Unique, AA#5, and Power Pistol depending on what I want done with various components. For reliable general purpose cast bullet loads, Bullseye and WW231 are very hard to beat in my experience with regard to economy, consistency (velocity and metering), accuracy, and availability/lots of proven data. Good luck, and enjoy loading this great round.

 

[schmeky]

For reliable general purpose cast bullet loads, Bullseye and WW231 are very hard to beat in my experience with regard to economy, consistency (velocity and metering), accuracy, and availability/lots of proven data.

Very well said and very true. I have found Bullseye and 231 to also produce the lowest amount of muzzle smoke with grease groove cast bullets. Here's 231 out of my CZ-97 @ 25 yards as accuracy proof:

 

[Mags]

I voted HP 38, I see alot of posts for W231 it is close enough to the same thing. Clays suck compared to Universal but maybe you can't find it.

 

[Noveldoc]

Happy with Titegroup. Burns very clean and accurate. Use 4.5 gr. in my 45 autos and they cycle fine.

Tom

 

[Sport45]

I voted HP 38, I see alot of posts for W231 it is close enough to the same thing.

HP-38 and W231 are the same thing. And a very good powder for .45acp.

I use Universal or Unique more than anything else these days for all my handgun loadings.

 

[DR505]

I use a lot of Unique and universal, as well as W231.

 

[Floppy_D]

You need a manual. It seems like a quarter of your posts are searches for load data. Use some published data, record your reuslts, and then get creative. Don't let us take all of the fun out of it for you by doing all of the work.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Man Floppy you hit the nail on the head!

This guy needs to spend less time on keyboard and more time reading via search results and consult full size reloading manuals.

 

[lgbloader]

He also needs to learn some manners.

check this thread out:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=473381

LGB

 

[freakshow10mm]

Lead: WSF
Jacketed: #5