High volume pistol powder

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I'm looking for a high volume pistol powder. My press is a Dillon Square Deal.

I only load for 44 mag (240 grain plated bullets), 45 ACP (200 grain plated), and 357 mag (158 grain plated).

Only my loads are only midrange. No intentional barrel busters for me. Strictly plinking.

I have always used Unique. But in order to make a visual inspection it's necessary for me to pull the case, etc., to make sure there's powder in the case.

So I'd like to find a powder which takes up more case capacity, is reliable for the above purposes, and would allow me to visually ensure there's powder in the case during the reloading sequence.

Thanx in advance.

 

[41 Redhawk]

I have never used it but you might look at Trail Boss. It is supposed to be very bulky

 

[The Bushmaster]

I think the word "Fluffy" was used to describe Trail Boss.

 

[Steve C]

There really isn’t any good high bulk powder that works for both the magnums and the .45 ACP. Trail Bos powder is great for low velocity lead bullet loads say under 1000 fps in the .44 mag and .357mag. I like it for target loads in the .41 mag with 210gr LSWC’s. You don’t find any data for it in the .45 ACP and nothing for jacketed bullets.
For the .45 ACP a load of Unique has about the most bulk of any powder suitable for medium velocity loads. If you’re using 6.0grs or so behind your 200gr bullet you should be able to see if there’s powder in the case.

For the .44 mag and .357 mag I’d suggest 2400. It can be downloaded to a modest level, say 12.o - 13.0grs in the .357mag with a 158gr bullet will run at around 1,100 - 1,200 fps, you can go lower. Use a standard primer in the .357 mag. I don’t happen to load .44 mag but you can find mild data for 2400 in it as well as .44 spl loads.

 

[JoeG52]

Stick with Unique and use a mirror to do the visual check on the loads.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Now that's an idea. Get a mechanics mirror from an auto parts store. Your loading bench should be well lit, too.

 

[fulloflead]

Hogdon Lil'Gun!

Hogdon Lil'Gun is a very high-volume powder and it's like MAGIC in magnum loads - ESPECIALLY .357 Magnum.

Unfortunately, I don't think it'd be any good for .45ACP which is a totally different animal than the magnum revolver cartridges.

Check out some load data on Hodgon Lil'Gun (Especially this month's Handloader magazine which has two sections of .357 Mag loads) and look at the pressure data while you're at it, and you'll see why Lil'Gun may be worth it for your Magnum loads - even if it means buying a seperate powder for .45ACP.

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[LAH]

Winchester 231 will work. As for checking powder charges you might also try leaving the locator pin out of the bullet seating station. I do this and check one out of 50 or so on the scale.

 

[fulloflead]

Hornady makes a powder-check die that works well in that position.

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