Have you tried Winchester W244?

[Capybara]

I was looking for 231 but that seems to be in short supply. But my LGS had a four pounder of W244, which I have never tried so I bought it. I plan on loading .45 ACP, .45 HP (Yes, that's an obscure caliber for the U.S. but I have a few thousand cases) and .45 AutoRim for my new (to me) S&W 625-8 as well as for all of my 9mm firearms.

Anyone using it, have any data or feedback about how it's performing for your pistol loads?

 

[Seedy Character]

Graf's had W231 in stock @ 2pm

 

[Charlie98]

I’ve worked up a few loads with it for the .45ACP… I do r have me data handy at the moment. If you just want target loads, it will work well, if you want factory velocity, you will have to work up to it. I also found burn efficiency and velocity can be drastically affected by bullet seat depth.

 

[Saluki91]

I used 244 with .45acp and 9mm... After I went through a pound, I came away thinking "Meh".

CAVEAT - Operator error is a much more likely cause than powder, but... I shot tighter groups with other powders. It's not like I couldn't keep my 244 loads on paper, but my tightest groups were always with other powders. As always, YMMV.

The cases I shot with 244 were ALWAYS covered in soot.

 

[snuzzo29]

I used it in 9mm and .40s&w. I had good accurate loads in .40s&w. It won't replicate factory defense load velocity but does a good job for target shooting. Its a good target powder and I'll keep some on the shelf.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I gave W244 a try and it seems to be similar to W231 but a hair slower. I ran it in the .38 Special but haven't tried in in the 45 yet. I have A LOT of W231 so I won't be using W244 anytime soon. Accuracy in the .38 was similar to W231 and I didn't find in to be dirty.

 

[lordpaxman]

I tested 244 in those rounds I’d used 231 in. I used Hodgdon’s online data and the results were very consistent with what they published. Groups were as good or better, it meters well, burns well, low smoke and is now on the “buy” list. Good luck.

 

[wcwhitey]

I bought 2 lbs a few months ago. So far just loaded up .44 Special and light .44 Magnums. Has been good for both. Accurate and clean, meters well. Not a case filler so it takes extra care. A bird in the hand. Not sure if it is better than some, but usable. I plan on loading some .45 200 SWC and .38 158 SWC. Winchester website has loading data for most common loadings.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I tested 244 in those rounds I’d used 231 in. I used Hodgdon’s online data and the results were very consistent with what they published. Groups were as good or better, it meters well, burns well, low smoke and is now on the “buy” list. Good luck.

It would also be on my buy list but I have well over 12lbs of W231 so like I said above, I won't be buying W244 any time soon. Although, W244 might be my new 45 Colt powder when my HS-6 runs out but I will need to do further testing.