Titegroup for .45... Is it dirty?

[Rmeju]

This is mostly for IDPA, so I'm looking for high volume, only need ~725 fps, and I don't want to have to do a lot of work to clean it up...which is part of the reason I've switched back from 200 LSWCs to 230 FJMs (Zeros)

I've been using Power pistol, as its one of the only powders that my manual lists for both .45 and 10mm FMJs (which is the other pistol caliber I shoot), but it's fairly dirty and takes more work than anything else I've ever shot to clean, so I thought about switching. It also takes about 20% more powder to get to the same velocity, which adds up at volume.

Titegroup happens to be available in large quantities near me, and it uses the least powder of those listed in my manual to meet the major power factor I need, so I thought about buying a big jug, but I'd hate to do that if its dirty!

Any thoughts on use of Titegroup based on my needs would be appreciated!

 

[rsrocket1]

Yes, Titegroup will be dirty, at least from my experience. I've only gotten Titegroup to be clean once you get close to 35,000 psi in 9 and 40 and your needs in 45 ACP will be down in the 12,000 range.

If you can find Clays or Titewad, they would be good candidates. Yes, Titewad is supposed to be only a shotgun powder, but it is really clean and works great so long as you don't ask for too much velocity out of it. Another "shotgun only" powder that would be great for you would be Alliant e3 which is about as fast as Clays. I've only used it in 40 S&W and 3.8g gave me 930 fps with a 180g lead bullet which is about as fast as I'd want to push that powder. The powder was super clean burning and it performed very well through 50 rounds. I'm saving that powder for my 3/4 oz 12 gauge target loads.

Titegroup tends to have a very narrow margin between getting enough poop to cycle the slide and going over pressure. Plus as you know, it takes up very little space so you have to be extra careful not to double charge. If you have any chance to buy a single pound, by all means try that out first before committing to 8#.

 

[MightyMO1911]

While I have limited experience with it, and have shot it under a 200gr LSWC, I've found it to be quite dirty in my 1911. The outside of the cases are black, indicating some blow black, lack of pressure. I've increased the powder charge hoping to clear that up to no avail. But again, I haven't used it under a 230 grain bullet. That would def increase the pressure sooooo.... maybe......

 

[thomas15]

Get some WST for 45acp and save your Titegroup for 9mm and 38

 

[kcofohio]

Get some WST for 45acp and save your Titegroup for 9mm and 38

+1. WST is good for 45 target shooting for lead and jacketed.

 

[JRWhit]

Quote:
Originally Posted by thomas15 View Post
Get some WST for 45acp and save your Titegroup for 9mm and 38
+1. WST is good for 45 target shooting for lead and jacketed.

+2 WST it is also been a very clean powder for me.

 

[HexHead]

If you're going to be using Titegroup with lead bullets, it's going to look like you're shooting black powder.

 

[thump_rrr]

If you're going to be using Titegroup with lead bullets, it's going to look like you're shooting black powder.

LOL

I bought some 230gr lead bullets to try when I first started reloading.
Titegroup was the only powder I had on hand at the time.
I am a member at a nice indoor club.
The first time I shot them at the club I thought they were going to use me as a target.
I shot the rest at an outdoor range.

 

[jmorris]

It's cleaner than a lot of other powders but not as clean as N320.

 

[Rule3]

Power Pistol is not dirty at all at recommended loads. If you load at the bottom end of most any powder it will be dirty. I can not see PP and 45 and 10mm in the same category. The 10mm yes but not 45 unless it is near max. PP is pretty slow for the 45.

I do not use TG but should be fine in 45ACP as is Bullseye or HP 38. They will be "dirty" at load loads.

But your brass will get dirty also when it hits the ground.

 

[Toprudder]

If you want clean, in the velocity range you are talking about, I think N-320 would probably be the cleanest.