Hodgdon Clays

[giggitygiggity]

I would like to use Hodgdon Clays for .40SW and .45ACP loads. Does anyone have any experience with Clays? I would like the .40SW load to use 180gr FMJ bullets and the .45ACP to use 230gr FMJ bullets. How many grains can I expect to use for each round of .40SW and .45ACP? Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

Clays is too fast for .40, but will work for target loads in .45.

I seriously suggest you invest in a reloading manual.

 

[JDGray]

I've loaded lots of 45 target loads with clays, very accurate, but never tried it in 40S&W. Hodgdon list 3.5gr as max for 180gr XTPs, at a whimpy 847fps. Would definately be pleasant shooting

 

[stoveboltgunnut]

I use clays all the time in .38 specials to .45's. hogdon's website lists loads for it in .40S&W

 

[RidgwayCO]

I purchased Clays initially to use in .380 Auto with 95gr cast lead bullets. Unfortunately I found that Clays tends to bridge in my Lee Pro Auto Disk measure at the light weights required (2.1gr of Clays, from the .32cc cavity, which made a very nice plinking round).

I'll be using up the rest of the Clays in .44 Special loads with 200gr LRNFP bullets. This load requires enough Clays that it falls very satisfactorily from the appropriate Lee cavity.

My experience is that Clays gets pretty spikey at top loads, so approach with caution.

 

[Bruno2]

I called Hogdon to get some 38spl and 9mm load info using clays b/c I always have an 8lb can in the garage for loading 12 ga ( excellent shotgun powder by the way ) . The guy named Bill that I spoke with was reluctant to suggest using the cays . He kept mentioning tite group to load with . I finally told him that I had pounds of clays in the garage . He said well that will work (like it wasnt his go to powder) just be sure that you have a real tight crimp and it will work . I took it like that wasnt the best selection of propellants . So I went out and bought a lb of tite group .

 

[RidgwayCO]

Double post...

 

[bluetopper]

From experience, I recommend highly against using Clays in high pressure rounds like 40, 9mm,etc,.... Results will not be to your liking.

Clays works great in low pressure rounds like 38, 45, 44Spl. with wonderful accuracy and low recoil.

Powders are the least expensive component in reloading, get a few different ones.

 

[Walkalong]

From experience, I recommend highly against using Clays in high pressure rounds like 40, 9mm,etc,.

Especially for someone so obviously new to reloading and doesn't even have a load book of any kind. Tread carefully.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Is Titegroup a better choice if I want to use one type of powder to reload both .40 and .45? Thanks.

 

[schmeky]

giggity,

If you want a powder that works well in 40 and 45, for light to moderate velocities, is readily available, economical, and has quite a bit of loading data round, look at WW231.

 

[Walkalong]

Excellent advise schmeky

 

[Mags]

Also look into HP-38 if you can't find W231. When I started loading I used HP-38 for loads in 9mm up to 45 ACP. I currently like Universal Clays in lighter 45 ACP bullets and heavier 9mm bullets.

 

[dwhite]

Clays in 40

Works great. I use 3.4 grains (0.5cc Lee dipper) with a 180 grain lead bullet. Works well, burns clean, and is very accurate. This gives 2058 loads per pound. Same load should work o'kay with a jacketed slug though you might want to back it off 10% and work up.

It works well in 38 special with 158 LSWC bullets.

Hope this helps.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[ckgdrums]

I've had good luck with Hodgdon Clays in 9mm and .45 acp. Haven't had any trouble with the 9mm. Used 115 gr. JHP Berrys bullets with 3.5 gr of Clays at 1.12" OAL. Shoots fine in my wife's STI GP6. Accurate, with mild recoil.

My .45 loads are 3.9 gr. with Berry's JHP 230 gr. bullets shooting in an HK USP Compact 45. Very nice.

With that said, if you're just starting out, get a reload manual. Don't rely on ANYONE's numbers. Those factory books have the straight scoop.

 

[Galil5.56]

I like the economy, bulk, and cleanliness of Clays, but it is very unforgiving. You had better have no issues with metering (bridging) if you drop charges, especially if you are the type not to eyeball every charge.