If you had only one powder ?

[chris in va]

Universal. Smaller flakes and cleaner than Unique.

 

[jim243]

Win 231 or H38 same powder.

Jim

 

[beatledog7]

Bullseye, then W231.

 

[Slasher]

231

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[RandyP]

In fact I DO only have one powder - Win 231/HP-38 - I use it for the 4 different calibers I presently reload.

 

[bigdogpete]

unique

 

[b money]

unique. As someone else stated I am just starting to get into the perfect ammo not just any ammo. so my experience with numerous powders is somewhat limited but so far unique has performed great in every caliber I've loaded

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For me it would be W231 (HP-38). It's the only handgun powder I buy 8 lbs at a time.

Unique has been around for a lot longer so many will tell you Unique and they wouldn't be wrong. Universal is the Hodgdon clone for Unique and will work just as well but it meters better and it's cleaner burning.

Back in the Elmer Keith days the original "Powder Trinity" was Bullseye, Unique and 2400 and you can load any handgun caliber very well with those 3 powders and some rifle calibers too.

My "Powder Trinity" is a little different. Instead of using Hercules powders I like Winchester powders. W231 (HP-38), W540 (HS-6) and W296 (H110) are the 3 powders I use most and I can load any handgun caliber very well with those 3.

IMO, W231(HP-38), AA#5, Unique, Universal and probably True Blue can all fill the "only 1 powder" slot quite well. I'm sure a similar burn rate VihtaVuori powder will also fill the bill, I just don't know enough about their powders to name it. (yes I could use the chart but I don't like making recommendations without first hand knowledge)

 

[oldreloader]

I use HP38,Bullseye, and AA#5 either one would work.

 

[918v]

Bullseye... cuz it has other uses.

 

[joneb]

For my needs a minimum of two or three powders are required for my handguns.
Trying the one size fits all approach would leave me with crappy reloads. I reload to shoot ammunition I enjoy to shoot, at less cost and better accuracy than most factory ammo.

I once had a fly/spin cast fishing rod, it did both poorly.

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

Unique for last 30+ years

 

[elano]

Bullseye. I actually used some in 357 at around 6.5 grains with a 158g lswc. They were no slouch!!! They felt hotter than the equivalent unique and cleaner burning IMO. Not quite as hot as 7.5g unique with 158g jacketed but close, I would call it a medium or moderate magnum load. Also use it in 9mm and 38.

 

[floydster]

Bullseye first, 231 second.

Smokeyloads

 

[dragon813gt]

Won't do it because one is a magnum. I use W231 for all my pistol loads except magnums. For that I use H110. I can't shoot powder puff loads out of magnums


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[squarles67]

W231 / HP-38 if I could have only one

 

[The Bushmaster]

I don't have to pick just one powder in this day and age and I don't. But...If I must...W-231.

HP-38 and W-231 are NOT the same. Many of my load manuals prove it.

 

[USSR]

Definitely Unique, although I have a .45ACP instead of a 9mm, and don't know how Unique performs in a 9mm.

Don

 

[Certaindeaf]

Easy, Red Dot.

 

[dragon813gt]

HP-38 and W-231 are NOT the same. Many of my load manuals prove it.

Your manuals are most likely old. The older data is indeed different. W231/HP-38 have been the same for years. They come from the same hopper in the same manufacturing plant. The only difference is the labeling. You pay a premium for the Winchester name. The powder manufacturer has addressed this issue already.




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[The Bushmaster]

Lyman's 48th Edition is old?

 

[James2]

Lyman's 49th come out in 2008. I don't know when the 48th came out.

Yes, with each edition things change. I don't know if that means the powders change or if it is testing or liability issues that bring about the changes. I suspect the later. In any event, we probably would be wise to use current data. I know manuals are expensive and I don't buy a new one that often, but look for data online from bullet and powder manufacturers.

 

[David E]

HP-38 and W-231 are NOT the same.

Except that they are.

 

[Kyle M.]

Your manuals are most likely old. The older data is indeed different. W231/HP-38 have been the same for years. They come from the same hopper in the same manufacturing plant. The only difference is the labeling. You pay a premium for the Winchester name. The powder manufacturer has addressed this issue already.




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Actually I pay exactly the same every 1lb. container of powder in my lgs regardless of what it is is $21.99, 4lb. containers are $59.99, and 8lb. containers are $119.99. I'm guessing that they get a price break because they order so much I'll bet they have 10 containers of each size of each powder on the shelves at all times, and who knowd how much they've got in the back.

 

[918v]

Except that they are.

Looking at all the data, 231 and 231 are not the same.