Quantity powder choices

[Briggs]

Gentlemen:

I am looking for suggestions for powders to cover a wide range of pistol calibers and a couple rifle calibers.

Specifically in pistol: 9mm, .38, .357, .40, .45ACP, .45LC.

Rifles: .45-70, and .223.

I have been out of reloading for many years, we used to use Unique and Bullseye for .45ACP back then.

I can go with 4 pistol powders, but I would like to keep the rifle powders to just two.

I shoot far more pistol than rifle, ipsc and idpa are where my primary interests lie. It has gotten ridiculously expensive to buy factory stuff, as you all know.

I am planning a bulk purchase for Monday and would be interested in your opinions.


Briggs

 

[Walkalong]

W231, AA# 2, AA# 5, Universal Clays, True Blue, AA# 9

 

[Luggernut]

So far I like 231 for .45 ACP and Power Pistol for 9mm and .40S&W.

 

[glockgod]

I've had good results with IMR4198 in both 45-70 and .223. Use a good crimp on the 45-70 loads. Have got excellent accuracy with 69 HPBT Match in .223 with 4198

 

[Snapping Twig]

This is old school, but pistol with those calibers, I'd run with W231 and 2400.
Unique has a place there as well and I didn't choose Bullseye 'cause it runs dirty for me.

As a bonus, Unique and 2400 are listed in the Lyman's 46th edition Reloading Handbook for the 45/70.

IMR 3031 and 4198 look good as well for both the .223 and the 45/70.

So, you can use 231 for target loads as a fast pistol powder, Unique and 2400 for your larger or more powerful pistol rounds AND the 45/70.

You can use IMR 3031 and 4198 for both the .223 and the 45/70.

 

[Briggs]

Good stuff, guys.

Which powder for what caliber and why is really useful.

I am not familiar at all with some of these powders, I guess things change in 30 years.

Snapping Twig: I agree, Unique does have a place there, nice so see some things don't change.

Thank you all for taking the time to give your opinions, your answers are giving me more to look at before I place my order.


Briggs

 

[jhansman]

Briggs, don't overlook Hodgdon's Titegroup, especially for .38spl & .357mag. You won't get zombie killer loads from it, but if you're any kind of shot, you'll hit what you aim at. Great all around pistol powder.

 

[Briggs]

jhansman, I have read alot of good stuff about Titegroup, on this board and others. It's definitely on the list.

Besides the calibers you mentioned, the .40 guys seem to love it.

 

[jhansman]

Titegroup has the advantage of not being 'position sensitive' in bigger cases, so minimum loads in .357, .44, etc. still get an even burn. Should work for all your handguns.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

W231/HP-38 for .38 Sp, .45 ACP and light 9mm
HS-6 or WSF for 38 Super, 9mm and 40 S&W
Longshot for .357 Sig and 40 S&W
H1110/W296 for .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum (use Magnum primers)

H335 is a great powder for .223

 

[The Bushmaster]

9mmX19, .38 Special, short barreled .357 magnum and .45 ACP===W-231
.357 magnum long barreled===W-296 and 2400
.30-30 winchester===W-748
.30-06 Springfield===H4831SC