Powder selection help needed!

[bushrod2]

I reload for 44 mag. and 45 Colt. I load both at velocities between 900-1000 fps.I've been using Unique but it's dirty and smoky. What would be a good substitute, something that meters WELL, is not as case position sensitive. For the 44 I cast 200gr. for plinking and 300 gr, for bowling pins. The 45 I cast 255gr. soft lead for bowling pins. I've never used Universal Clays but heard it was good. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[redneck2]

I use Universal Clays...most excellent. Fluffy so it fills the cases a little more.

AA#5 would also be another choice. Exceptional metering

I'm sure there are others. I friggin' HATE Unique

 

[dwhite]

+1 for Universal Clays. Meters great. Lots cleaner than Unique.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[Rotting]

Might I suggest VV N-340? THAT is some clean burning powder. I've loaded quite a bit of 44 mag with it. I love it.

 

[kludge]

Universal, No.5 or No.7 depending on Ruger or not Ruger.

 

[highlander 5]

I use Universal Clays for my lighter loads in 44 mag,45 Colt and 9mm Luger.

 

[Walkalong]

Might I suggest VV N-340? THAT is some clean burning powder.

Yep. Very good stuff. N320 is as well, and may be a better choice for those velocities in .44 Mag and .45 Colt, but the N340 will do it.

As posted already, AA #5 and Universal are good ones to try. I would add True Blue & WSF to those "medium" speed powders. For fast powders, W-231, American Select, Red Dot, & 700X are worth a try.

 

[Steve C]

I've been using Unique but it's dirty and smoky.

If you are shooting lead bullets I think you will find that a change in powder gives you little to no improvement. Most of the dirt and smoke is from bullet lube and not the powder. A change in bullet lube or use of a copper plated bullet will make the most improvement.

 

[dagger dog]

2400 will work in both, there is not lot of published data on 2400 with .45 Colt but if you google .45 Colt + P loads, you will see that there is quite a bit of data for 2400 and 45 Colt.

John Linebaughs site at www.customsixguns.com has the article,The .45 Colt- Dissolving the Myth,Discovering the Potential, it is a real eye opener into .45 Colt high pressure loads for Ruger revolvers. The .44 Magnum data is available through most loading manuals.

 

[JLCook]

you may try Ramshot True blue

 

[1SOW]

n320, expensive but clean, shoots great

 

[ljnowell]

I personally would prefer 2400 for that. It would load great, at standard pressure, in 45 colt to get that velocity. It would also be fine for 44mag.

 

[JoelSteinbach]

Try Hogdon Tite Group, It works well with most caliber - Lead combinations meters well, pretty clean burning and as per Hogdon works well without filling the case.

 

[Ala Dan]

I Like This Powder Very Much~!

Another call for Universal; better known as Universal Clay's.