long time lurker, first time poster, first question!

[Steve in KC]

I'm getting into reloading and have my 'gear' list, however, now I'm down to the brass tacks...which powder to buy.

Here's my situation...

I'll be reloading .45acp AND hopefully 30-30win (I picked up the die set from craigslist for $6!!!)

When I've been reviewing manufacture load recipies, the only powder that is compatible between the two is IMR Trailboss - it does NOT have the velociy I'm looking for.

My specs are:
.45 ACP - 230gr LRN
.308 (30-30win) in either 160 GR. CAST LFN OR 160 GR. HDY FTX

Note, I'm NOT into cowboy action shooting, which is what Trailboss is designed for, thus the low velocities.

I'm hoping for about 875-925 ft/s on the .45acp and 1900-2000 f/s on the 30-30.

Thanks for all of your help!

Anyone have a powder outside of the Hogdon/IMR/Winchester family that will suit my needs

 

[Nowhere Man]

Why are you trying to limit yourself to one powder? Pick a powder for each load and try it. Buy a small quantity first, just to make sure it does what you want.

If you like it, buy in larger quantities to save money.



Dave

 

[RippinSVT]

Agreed. You really can't depend on one powder for those two calibers. Grab some Bullseye or 231 and then a rifle powder of your choice. It's an extra $20, big deal. If powders were that universal, we'd all have a bunch of cans of the same thing. Unfortunately, it isn't safe nor beneficial to do that. Powder is the cheapest thing in reloading.

 

[Steve in KC]

because I'm on a budget and $20/lb adds up rather quick. I've scaled back my ' must have's' on my gear list to accommodate a powder purchase.

I'm not trying to 'limit' my self, just want to start off with a powder for both rounds where I can get a reasonable velocity.

 

[Walkalong]

Those two calibers are simply too different for one powder to work for both. You need a pistol powder and a rifle powder.

 

[kimbernut]

45ACP/30-30 Win

Absolutely need two separate powders. As mentioned above W-231, Bullseye, Titegroup, AA#5, or several others for 45ACP.
For 30-30 Win I have used H322, IMR4895, RL-15, IMR 4064, WC846 all worked very well. They are two totally different loads and demand different powders to be effective and efficient. Steve, if it means waiting a little longer to do both cartridges get the one you'll shoot most first and wait on the other. Please do not even think of experimenting with any of the above for both. As a reminder at our gunclub there is an AR-15 in pieces on a table for everyone to see. The shooter had two powders on his bench at some point( never have but one powder out at a time) and loaded 5.56 nato with pistol powder in error. The rifle literally came apart. It is amazing that the shooter was not permanently injured or worse.

 

[rcmodel]

One of the very few powders that could concevibly work for both is Alliant Unique.

It is a great choice for the .45 ACP, and will net you about 1,550 FPS with the 160 grain cast bullet in the 30-30.

If you want to shoot the Hornady FTX jacketed bullet, you will be forced to use a powder more suitable for rifle calibers such as IMR-3031 or WW-748.

There is no powder suitable or safe for both .45 ACP lead and 30-30 jacketed bullet loads.

rc

 

[gdcpony]

I think I used no more than 6gr of powder in my 45ACP loads. So that means I was getting over 1000rds per pound. It will last a while if you use it only for the pistol unless you shoot competition.
If you use IMR 8208 XBR, you will be at your velocity goal, and use 30gr or less of powder and get 230+ rounds out of it. Many shooters will not go through that much in that caliber if not competing.
It would help to know what you plan to do with these. If you plan to hunt and just practice for that then the powder will last a long time. If you shoot every weekend and go through thousands of rounds a month then load the Trailboss for practice and the others (at least in the rifle) for hunting. You can save a ton by doing that. Also cut back to a minimum load will add up for plinking rounds. Just a couple ideas. You are not the only budget conscience one out there.

 

[Steve in KC]

thanks everybody.

I'll just concentrate on the 45acp for now.

I've decided on this recipe for a Taurus PT 24 / 7 Pro Compact .45acp:
CCI primers
6.1 gr Winchester Autocomp
230gr LRN Missouri Bullet

This starter recipe should net me 832 ft/s, with mid range pressure at 13,700 CUP

and no wisecracks about Taurus or polymer frame pistols either!

 

[rfwobbly]

Another option might be to buy the required TWO powders from Accurate Powders. They package their powders in 3/4 lb containers for roughly $14-18 each. That way you could get your 2 powders optimized for each load and still not spend a lot.

Check out their free loading data HERE !!

 

[LiveLife]

I've decided on this recipe for a Taurus PT 24 / 7 Pro Compact .45acp
... and no wisecracks about Taurus or polymer frame pistols either!

I have a Taurus PT145 Pro - The more I shoot it, the more I like it.

Eats 200gr SWC and 230gr LRN all day long and asks for seconds. I haven't been able to get it to jam regardless of the load

 

[The Bushmaster]

W-231 or WSF for the .45 ACP and W-748 for the .30-30 and jacketed bullets...

 

[Steve in KC]

I love mine too! I might have to get one of the new 800 series in 9mm and the 22lr conversion kit for it!

 

[Steve in KC]

well, I settled on good ol' redot. I just finished loading my first 50 on the single stage lee press.

Missouri Bullets: 230gr LRN
CCI 300 primers
5 grains of Red Dot
PMC once fired brass

I have another 100 to do before a trip to the range this weekend. I'll be sure to give a range report!

 

[LiveLife]

Missouri Bullets: 230gr LRN
5 grains of Red Dot

I use 4gr - 4.5gr of Red Dot for 230gr LRN in my PT145Pro. I got leading in barrel at higher charges.

Try loading different powder charges to determine the best accuracy/performance comparison.

Let us know how it goes!