Powder Recommendation for 38 Special & 44-40

[Foto Joe]

I've been reloading using Universal for 38 Spl, 9mm & 44-40. My original reasoning for this was that the only load data I had was in the Lee die set for 38 Spl and the only powder that I could get my hands on that matched the bullets I was using was Universal.

Some say they use Universal for 38 with great success, some don't. My experience is that until I cranked down on the crimp just a little more than I was at the beginning, I was getting unburned powder. I've pretty much cured that problem on 38 but the 44-40 is another story. Given that 44-40 brass is a LOT more unforgiving than 38, I don't want to put any more crimp on than I'm already using.

My question is what is a good powder for what I refer to as "Low Pressure" rounds such as these. The Universal works great in 9x19 rounds so I won't be changing that, but the 38 & 44-40's I'd like to find a powder that doesn't leave behind unburned residue.

Be gentle with me, most of my reloading is with Black Powder so these new fangled propellents are confusing to me.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Trailboss. No questions on it.

I use it for my 44/40's exclusively. You can't overfill it and not notice and it is very clean burning if loaded to its max. Works great in 38 special.

 

[Foto Joe]

There's one vote for Trailboss and even the reason why. Is the load data available online??

If not, who's book to I have to buy for the data?

 

[MATT .45-70]

I have been having the same problems with using clays universal in my .38 special loads. I am only using 4.1 grains of powder, a pretty low pressure load. However due to a shortage of the bullets I was using I had to switch from a 158 grain LRN to a 125 grain semi wad cutter. I immediately noticed less unburnt powder, I then started seating bullets a little deeper and my unburnt powder problem is 95 percent gone. I was susrprised, I guess since im seating just a liitle deeper I am getting higher pressure in my cases.

 

[Hondo 60]

all the powder manufacturers have data online.

never loaded for 44/40, but I do load 38 Spl.
I use Titegroup. - very low charge weight so it's economical.
& clean burning too

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Sounds like a good job for Unique.

 

[Foto Joe]

Sounds like a good job for Unique.

I used Unique 30+ years ago to load 45 Colt with a "Whack-a-Load", I don't remember a thing about it. Why Unique, give me the reasons so I can make an informed mistake.

 

[justashooter in pa]

AA#2 is good for low end to mid range loads in either, works well in powder feeders, and is clean burning. would be good in 9X19 as well.

 

[oldgold]

Another vote for Trail Boss.

www.hodgdon.com

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of W231/HP-38 and it will load very well in both calibers you are asking about.

Load data for all Hodgdon/ Winchester/ IMR powders is available online at the Hodgdon Load Data Site. That includes W231/HP-38 and Trail Boss.

 

[RugerBob]

I used to use Unique. Now only in 45LC loads.
+ 1 for trail boss for the 38. Mine are stainless and the unique was dirtier then I preferred. Trail Boss info on there web site was very helpful.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Trailboss has an awful ammonia type smell that reminds me of CS Gas. I had nightmares of going through Marine Corp gas chamber training on my first time using it. I had to stop using it, it even made people next to me cough when they would get a smell of it.

w231/hp38 is my go to powder for 38 special. Loads light and clean and measures very well in any of my powder measures.

 

[Huckelberry75]

Unique was reformulated a while back and burns much cleaner now. It is also a very efficient and versatile powder for most pistol calibers.

 

[Foto Joe]

It seems as though Trail Boss is getting the majority of the recommendations. As far as the smell is concerned, I use Ballistol for cleaning and lubrication. If I can tolerate that smell, I can probably get past the smell of Trail Boss.

You can't overfill it and not notice and it is very clean burning if loaded to its max. Works great in 38 special.

After looking at the load data for Trail Boss, I note that the charge weight in 38 Special is I believe around the 4.0gr mark. I use 4.3gr of Universal and that amount doesn't even take it up to the half way mark of the brass. Is Trail Boss a real "Fluffy" powder? If not the quote from Post #2 doesn't make sense.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Yes it is really that fluffy. Note the weight on a can. I think it is like 8 onz in a 1 lb normal jug.

That is the whole point of the stuff. It is fluffy.

I load beyond book max but what ever you do, don't compress the stuff. If you break the "donuts" it gets very erratic.