Hodgdon International Clays powder

[Tamitch]

Can Hodgdon International Clays powder be used as a pistol powder? I reload 44 Mag, 45 ACP, 45 AR, 380 Auto.

 

[sexybeast]

Probably not! It was designed to be a shotgun powder. I came across some a few years ago and could not find any information for metalic cartridges. Contacted Hodgdon and they simply replied that it was not designed for metalic cartridge loading. [whatever that means] No reason given. Many other shotgun powders work fine in pistol cartridges so go figure.
You may be able to make it work but as far as info goes you may be on your own.
Someone else may have more info.

 

[Rico567]

They list International as a 20 ga. powder, so it's going to be similar in burning rate to the old Herco, WSF, and 540. Their data doesn't list it for pistol, but that doesn't mean you can't use it. What little I've read doesn't really recommend it for pistol. If you can find some data, I'd definitely start at the bottom end of the range.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I believe Clays International is strictly a shotgun powder and isn't recommended for any handgun. I find a lot of it on the shelves at LGS and that probably why.

I would contact Hodgdon about it before even thinking about using it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Interantional Clays is the middle speed shotgun powder from the 3 powder Clays line. Until recently Hodgdon strongly recommended against using it for any pistol applications but recently a small amount of data has been developed. I for one would not use that powder for pistol applications even though Hodgdon seems to have changed their mind on it's usage. (sorry, not what you wanted to hear)

 

[Comrade Mike]

What costs more? Fingers or a pound of powder?

I'd pass it on to a shotgun loader.

 

[Tamitch]

I've desided to trade the can of International for a can of titegroup. I know that is a pistol powder.

Tamitch