Fast Pistol Powder Options

[ArchAngelCD]

Haven't seen anyone mention GreenDot yet.

Green Dot does well in the .38 Special and 45 Auto but it seems to have a very narrow accuracy band. It also seems to spike pressures up near the top end of the pressure range, at least for me it has. If W231/HP-38, Zip and a few others are not available I would still go to it but only if those were unavailable.

 

[rfwobbly]

In my own experience, the Alliant "Dot series" (Red Dot, Green Dot, Blue Dot) seem to have nailed the exactly correct powder burn rates to completely satisfy the pistol shooter's every need.

The "gotcha" is that they are physically configured as large flake powders and don't meter as precisely as some of their competitor powders will. This is not an issue for shotshell reloaders that formerly constituted the bulk of reloaders, but it is an issue for serious pistol reloaders.

 

[Charlie98]

In my own experience, the Alliant "Dot series" (Red Dot, Green Dot, Blue Dot) seem to have nailed the exactly correct powder burn rates to completely satisfy the pistol shooter's every need.

The "gotcha" is that they are physically configured as large flake powders and don't meter as precisely as some of their competitor powders will. This is not an issue for shotshell reloaders that formerly constituted the bulk of reloaders, but it is an issue for serious pistol reloaders.

I tend to agree. Almost all my regular rifle powders are IMR powders, but I've always been a big Hercules (Alliant) powder guy. What I'm finding is some of the newer powders from both Alliant and others, formulated very near the 'flaky' Alliant powders I'm currently using, have me giving them a serious look... including *GASP!!!* a replacement for Unique. RedDot is off the bench, although by the time I work through the 10+# of Unique I have, who knows what there will be.

 

[lordpaxman]

I am considering using a replacement for Bullseye powder.

IMR introduced IMR Target as such a replacement. I've had pretty good success with it in .38 for lighter loads at the 120PF. I like it and it's cousin IMR Red. Target is cooler than Titegroup and is just as clean.

There are lots of good powders mentioned here depending on how far down the burn chart you want to go, but Target is the closest to Bullseye.

 

[Zendude]

I decided to try Accurate No.2 and made a batch in 9mm with 115 grain copper plated bullets after a ladder test showed 4.5 grains was a good load. This powder meters exceptionally well in my Lee Autodisk pro. After 300 rounds through my Ruger American Compact, I disassembled it for a cleaning and was amazed how clean it was. It looked like I only fired one magazine through it.
Needless to say, I am impressed.

 

[Dudedog]

AA#2 meters better than anything else I have tried,
Good stuff for what it is designed to do.