I need another versitile handgun powder.

[JNewell]

My pistol inventory right now is three and it works OK -- not great but no disappointments. They are 296, 231 and Unique.

 

[Spelo]

HS-6 was mentioned earlier, but has anyone tried HS-7? I have been using Unique with good results but it doesn’t meter well for me and I've been thinking about switching. Looking at the data, 7 shows higher velocities than 6 in everything from 9mm to 45 auto. Do you guys have any thoughts?

 

[Sam Adams]

fulloflead

Thanks for the load info. I have about 200 cases that are polished, sized and belled - the next step is putting some powder and bullets in them, which I hope to do this weekend.

 

[HankB]

296 and H110 are virtually the same powder. (Some say it IS the same powder, but loading data usually shows slight differences.)

I don't like Unique - it's dirty, and the grains are JUST the right size to gum up my Uniflow measure. But a powder with a very similar burning rate is SR-4756. Data isn't interchangeable, but I've found that what Unique will do, SR-4756 will do better.

 

[Sam Adams]

Fulloflead

My 45ACP load with Win 231 for a 230gr bullet is 4.5gr. You can bump that to 4.7 or 4.9 if you like it warmer, but I get my best groups with 4.5

Are you sure about that? My Sierra manual shows that 230 gr. FMJs or HPs should be loaded with between 4.9 and 5.7 grains of 231.

 

[cottontoptexan]

45 ACP Data

Sam Adams,
I wanted to let you know what i have been loading for many years in the 45 ACP.
230 Grain Hard Cast or Jacketed Montana Gold
5.8 Grains of WW231
WW Large Pistl Primers.
O.A.L 1.255 inches Taper Crimp Die from Lee or us a factory
crimp die. This is important since the case headspaces on the
front and not on the back.

I have also used the same powder charge with 200 gr. Round Nose Semi Wad
Curtters from Red Line . (cast bullets) with no problems .

NOTE: Some of your newer Reloading Manuals the charges are less than the older publications.
The 200 Grain Cast Redline Bullets with 5.8 grains of WW231 i Chronographed at 850 FeetPerSecond. Curt

 

[fulloflead]

I don't have time to look right now, but I THINK it was the Winchester manual. It works for me with my Kimber. It sounds really light from what you're saying, but it cycles the action just great and shoots good. You might try it or try those other loads.

 

[Sam Adams]

Fulloflead - Well, what happens in a semi-auto if the load is too light? It just doesn't cycle, right? IF that is the fact, then I have nothing except a few seconds lost trying to unjam my gun to lose. I seriously doubt that the 4.5 grain load would be so light as to not get the bullet out of the barrel, so I'm not worried about that.

cottontoptexan - thanks for the information. I'll certainly be giving your load a try.

 

[fulloflead]

Sam Adams,
You'll have trouble getting your gun to run right far before you get a bullet stuck in a barrel. I think you'll be fine. Report back.

Everyone,
I just got 3 new reloading manuals in the mail so I'm going to pour over the load data for your suggestions for a few days and see what I end up with. Thanks.

 

[Smythe77]

I get along well with Green Dot in 38Spl, 9mm, & especially 45ACP though also feel at home with Unique, to even HP-38 on said loads. Yes even with old Winchester 452AA (believe it is now called Winchester WST) for both 38Spl & 45s only do not use it in my 9X19 as I read that it(452AA that is), in American Handgunner some 10 or 12 yrs ago, was really to fine a powder for 9mm & write just had this feeling. I agree that the 452AA is probably the smallest stuff I have ever seen.

 

[rugerman]

I use H110 for my mag loads (. 357, 41, 44 and some hot 45 Long colt) Unique for middle range stuff and bullseye for the small stuff. rugerman

 

[Bob Thompson]

I agree with all posts and will add one note. While working to achieve max. velocities with .45 Super, I got to where I encountered case bulge with most conventional powders in an autoloader. I found 50 or so fps faster using Power Pistol without excessive pressure or case bulge. I think is has something to do with "burn rate" and ejection start cycle. Most velocities in the manuals with this powder show lower pressure for the same bullet and powder weight. I like this powder for max. autoloader cartridges.

 

[fulloflead]

I've thought of going 45 Super. Just out of curiosity, are you exclusively using 45 Super brass? Lead or Jacketed bullets? Who did your conversion, or did you just add a heavier recoil spring to a quality 1911?

 

[Bob Thompson]

Full, yes I use Starline .45 Super brass exclusively. It is headstamped .45 Super. I understand it has a thicker web at the base. I don't have a great deal of rounds through it but I use an HK USP 45 for .45 Super unmodified. HK says its OK but change out the recoil spring about every 3000 rounds. I've not had any problems at all but only about 100 rounds of .45 Super through it so far. Mostly .45 ACP. I like to load a 185 g. Sierra jacketed flat point, which has an exposed lead front and full jacket. I reach 1300 fps with no problems using Power Pistol. This is a great powder for just this purpose and very versital for other applications.

 

[fulloflead]

Thanks.