favorite 9mm&38spl powder?

[Axis II]

I want to try something other then HP-38 and see if it helps with accuracy in 9mm & 38spl.

What powder do you guys like for these 2 calibers?

I shoot 124gr in 9mm and 125gr in 38spl snub nose.

 

[The Bushmaster]

W-231

 

[Axis II]

W-231

isn't that the same as HP-38?

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I don’t do 38 special

But for 9 mm I’ve used Win 231/HP 38 and recently tried BE86 because So many people raved about it.

I really like it. I think it’s not as snappy as Win 231/HP 38 and accuracy seems good.

 

[dgod]

Trailboss, 700X work well. Trailboss results in a full case which has benefits, 700X sometimes has issues metering (Static) But it shoots well.

W-231 has the same properties as HP-38, and in some circles is referred to as the same thing.

Good Luck

 

[Axis II]

I don’t do 38 special

But for 9 mm I’ve used Win 231/HP 38 and recently tried BE86 because So many people raved about it.

I really like it. I think it’s not as snappy as Win 231/HP 38 and accuracy seems good.

I think that's my issue is its really snappy and hard to get back on target quick.

 

[hdbiker]

I've used Bullseye in cast target loads with great results in .38 special

 

[HexHead]

WSF

 

[Ironicaintit]

I use Bullseye for pussycat loads in 38 spcl, and Unique for anything in 9mm Luger.
I'm not old, but I am old school when it comes to powders.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

3.8 gr of Red Dot under a 124gr 9mm is my load

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use W231/HP-38 for the .38 Special and 9mm target loads.

If you are looking for a different power or two try AA#2 or ZIP instead of HP-38.

For hotter 9mm loads I use AA#5 or Longshot.

 

[CZ9shooter]

WST for both of those calibers. If we are talking about low powdered cast bullet loads anyway.

For zippier jacketed ammunition I like PowerPistol. Especially in 9mm, but it performs well enough in 38+p too.

My most accurate 9mm loads are 124gr XTPs with a heavy dose of PowerPistol.

 

[Sunray]

"...Bullseye in cast target loads..." Yep. Works well using cast 9mm bullets too. Never bothered working up my 9mm load for accuracy. My Inglis BHP isn't up to it.
A trigger job and not expecting target accuracy out of a very short barrel(snub nosed) will help too.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I think that's my issue is its really snappy and hard to get back on target quick.

Yea
Look up the threads on using 124 gr RMR bullets and BE86
At first I thought it was a lot of hype but the combo works great.

I recommend RMR but Jake only gives us a discount no referral fee so I won’t ;-)
Actually I rave about them so I guess the discount and great products at a good price is enough!

 

[hdwhit]

HP-38 and Hi-Skor 800-X.

In my opinion, 800-X is a highly under-rated powder. It is a powder with large flakes of irregular size and shape so it is very hard to get consistent charges through a volumetric powder measure. I throw each charge light and then trickle up to the desired weight. I load in batches of 50 or 100 cartridges, so I can tolerate such a slow process.

I'm also in the process of working up loads for both using Bullseye which (along with its "replacement" Sport Pistol) is, I think, one of the most versatile pistol powders going. For everything I shoot (25 ACP, 9mm, 38 Spl, 45 ACP), there's a Bullseye loading for it.

 

[Walkalong]

Full power loads? Light loads? Makes a difference.

 

[murf]

for accuracy try bullseye.

luck,

murf

 

[LiveLife]

While W231/HP-38 is flexible powder I use for reference loads, Bullseye, Red Dot/Promo, WST, Titegroup, BE-86 have produced accurate at 15 yard to very accurate 2" at 25 yard loads for me.


Load development and comparison accuracy testing for Berry's 124 gr HBRN-TP with W231/HP-38, Bullseye, Titegroup at 15 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ow-base-rn-for-9mm.581070/page-3#post-7266869

Reference load Winchester 115 gr with 4.8 gr W231/HP-38

Load development and accuracy testing for Berry's regular plated 124 gr RN with Titegroup at 25 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...e-pistol-reloaders.746062/page-2#post-9382933

Load development and accuracy testing for RMR thick plated (Hardcore Match) 124 gr RN with WST and BE-86 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ick-plated-bullets.761471/page-5#post-9655361

 

[someguy2800]

4 grains of 700x with 125 berrys bullets in both. Target HP in 9mm and FP in 38 special. Fantastic accuracy in both.

 

[LiveLife]

Comparison 25 yard 10 shot group testing with scoped 17" Just Right Carbine and bipod with 115 gr Hornady HAP, RMR 115 gr FMJ and Zero 115 gr FMJ - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ng-at-25-50-yards.808446/page-3#post-10359711

Adjustable vs fixed stock comparison

Load development and 25 yard testing with RMR 115 gr FMJ and 4.8 gr W231/HP-38 at 1.130" compared to 3.9/4.1 gr Vectan Ba9.5 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ectan-ba-9-5-ba-9.817796/page-2#post-10519646

Load development and 25 yard testing with RMR 115 gr FMJ/115 gr HCM/124 gr HCM bullets and IMR Target (Notice the dramatic shrinking of groups with just .2 gr powder charge difference) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-and-vectan-ba-9-5-ba-9.817796/#post-10508215

1.155" compared to 1.130" OAL

Load development and 25 yard testing of Alliant's new Sport Pistol definitely showing promise of very accurate load - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/new-alliant-sport-pistol.816514/page-5#post-10598431

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Unique

 

[Tcruse]

TiteGroup and CFE-Pistol seem to be just as good.

 

[MSgtEgress]

AA#5 for target loads. AA#7 for full power loads

 

[Alliant Reloading]

Think BE-86.

 

[LiveLife]

Think BE-86.

+1. BE-86 has produced more accurate loads than my 9mm and 40S&W reference loads.

And let's not forget Sport Pistol - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/new-alliant-sport-pistol.816514/page-5#post-10598431