Hodgdon HP 38 for 45 ACP

[nulfisin]

A little confusion here. I rely on the Lyman Manual and always have. However, the suggested grains for my 230 grain loads (JHP and FMJ) don't quite gibe with the data on Hodgdon's Web site. Lyman is about 10 % higher on both ends. Lyman's manual uses the "231" designation, but that is the same powder as Hodgdon HP 38.

Question: What weight do you all use? Right now, I'm topping out at 5.6 grains and usually use less. Thanks.

 

[Mags]

Well for 230 grain plated I use 4.4 grains with COL of 1.245, I use 4.2 grains of HP-38 with jacketed bullets seated to 1.22, these loads are pretty accurate. I also use 4.9 grains of HP-38 with 230 grain Hornady XTPs with a COL of 1.22. I have never chonographed my loads so I do not know how fast they are moving.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My favorite .45 Auto load is a 230gr LRN or FMJ bullet over 5.5gr W231/HP-38. That load is not over SAAMI limits and is a very clean and accurate load. My OAL is usually between 1.250" and 1.270". The lead bullets I'm using right now are working with a 1.250" COAL.

 

[joneb]

Lyman is about 10 % higher on both ends.

Are the bullets and the COAL the same ? Even if they are the testing equipment probably isn't.

 

[paralaska]

One of my most accurate 45 ACP loads is a 230 gr plated RN over 5.4 gr of W231. OAL is 1.26. 1" at 25 yds.

 

[Steve C]

Hodgdon always listed loads using less HP38 than Winchester did using W231 with identical bullets weights. Most every manual that lists both powders under the same bullet uses less HP38 usually a 1/10 grain or two. The powders are very close though I have a hard time believing they're identical in burn rate though they're a blend of the same base powder. There must be some difference otherwise why the disparity in data?

When Hodgdon took over marketing the Winchester powders they simply assigned W231 the same data as HP38. since HP38 was always the lessor charge the data remained "safe" to use though IMO it is a disservice to reloaders. My recommendation has always been when using manuals to use HP38 data for HP38 and W231 data for W231 even though there's overlap in the mid range.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Thank you Steve C...

 

[KAB55]

My .45 Auto load is a 230gr Montana Gold FMJ bullet over 5.5gr W231/HP-38. My OAL is 1.250".

 

[RainDodger]

For 20+ years, I've loaded 5.6 grains of W231 under a 230 grain FMJ RN. Accurate, no pressure signs, etc. It's over max by some manuals, but under max in others. I worked up to it gradually and it works great in every 1911 I've had. I run a longer OAL because it works great in my Springfield: 1.273" with Montana Gold booooolits.