Is W231 a ball powder?

[hornadylnl]

Is W231 a ball powder? I'm getting ready to start a run of 40 S&W and planned to use Accurate #5 but I haven't been able to buy it locally for awhile. I like how Accurate #5 meters and was wondering how W231 compares to the Accurate. I also load 45 acp and I know a lot of people use W231 for both. I'll be loading my free Hornady 180 gr. xtp/hp's Thanks in advance.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes.
The balls are rolled nearly flat but it still meters very well.

 

[ReloaderFred]

As Mr. Watson says, Winchester 231 is a ball powder, but it's run through a roller system that flattens them out. It isn't a flake powder, if that's what you're asking. It meters very well, but it's not as fine in texture as the Accurate series pistol powders.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[hornadylnl]

Thanks for the info. Now I need to check the local Sportsmans Warehouse and see if they have 231 in stock. Thanks again.

 

[Jim Watson]

HP38 is off the same production line with little (not zero) difference in loads; if you have trouble finding 231.

 

[Walkalong]

Winchester suppossedly pioneered "Ball Powder" which Jim and Fred have properly explained is a "flattened" ball powder. Most ball powders are. AA# 2 is an exception. It is little round balls.

 

[Grump]

Ball(r) is the Winchester trademark name. Those of us who notice call all others, and the whole class, "spherical".

BTW, the AA2230 I just got is all the same size balls/spheres!! Never seen anything so consistent in size, over several brands.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As said above, if you can't find W231 you can use HP-38 instead. I use both and really don't see and difference. I guess that's because Hodgdon bought Winchester's Powder division along with IMR. In the past the numbers for W231 and HP-38 were slightly different but if you look at current data the numbers are exactly the same.