Titegroup vs W231

[mallc]

I had opportunity to crack open a new jug of powder last week and decided to try Titegroup instead of my old faithful W231. Seems to me to burn a bit cleaner and has a bit more pep than W231.

What experience have you had please?

Scott

 

[357mag357]

I really like Titegroup. I have used it to reload 9mm,38 Special and 45Acp. It is accurate and very clean. I think you will be happy with it.

 

[loadedround]

I have used both powders in both 38 and 45 target loads only, and can't say that I have noticed much difference in the two. It's just possible that Titegroup burns slightly cleaner, but I haven't shoot enough of it to be certain.

 

[germ]

I started shooting/reloading earlier this year, so take this for what it's worth.

I only load 9mm and .45acp. So far, I have reloaded about 3,000 each. I like 231 as well. Currently I'm using WST (45) and WSF (9mm) because 231 was unavailable at the time. I have worked up TG loads for various bullets.

I don't like using TG for 9mm for several reasons. First, my powder measure doesn't like to throw such light charges consistently. Second, considering that inconsistency, a fast burning powder and small volume cartridge, I'm a bit concerned about over pressure issues. With such light charges, even small variations are a lot, percentage wise. Third, it's difficult to see the small charge in the bottom of the case while in the press. After 2 squibs, I now visually confirm powder in every case. I've also added a vibrator to the powder measure, which has so far eliminated bridging and no-powder drops, but haven't tried it with 9mm/TG.

No problems with .45 at all. TG gives a sharper recoil response than WST and 231. It seems to be quite accurate once above the cream puff loads, even at 25 yards (no bench rest).

One range observation though, TG likes to throw spent powder all over my forearms and the bench. Keep a container of handy wipes, well, handy.

 

[philbo]

I've used Titegroup as my go to powder for plinking loads using plated or jacketed bullets. It meters well, burns clean, and is very economical. I do not like it for lead bullets. It burns so hot that the loads tend to produce a large volume of smoke (probably from the lube). For lead practice loads I've been using HP38/231. Less smoky than TG and not as clean in my experience with low pressure rounds, but otherwise very similar.

 

[Walkalong]

I am not a Titegroup fan. If I want to use a powder that uses miniscule charge weights, I'll use Zip, which is a better powder IMHO. Zip is very accurate in powder puff loads with lead and plated bullets.

Titegroup is a high nitro content powder, which is good for velocity, but not good for cast bullets due to the higher temp it burns at, and it tends to stick in & stain measure reservoirs.

It also has a tendency to stain brass ("The Titegroup stain") making it harder to polish back up.

I wouldn't trade 1 Lb of W-231 for 3 Lbs of Titegroup. Not even 4 Lbs.

I agree with germ as far as WST goes, good stuff, as is WSF.

 

[Swede]

I used a mid load of 231 in a 9mm P-38 and it shot real nice. Then I tried a mid load of Titegroup and it stove piped. I could have stepped the load up but it's an older pistol and I don't want to beat it up too much.
Never did tried Titegroup in an acp.

 

[45ACPUSER]

There are trade offs to powders. I have used a lot of TG mainly in the 45ACP. It does not stain but rather scorch cases, and it does polish out. CC and Iosso make quick work of that. It's low charge wt is attractive from an economic stand point, and it is cleaner burning. 231 was giving me a lot of unburnt powder. But, I have burned a lot of 231, too. I like N320 for accuracy and top the heap of clean burning powders!

Another down side with lead bullets it creates a lot more smoke then some slower burning powders.

 

[GP100man]

mallc

my results mirrors yours titegroup is cleaner & burns a little hotter.
i use the lee autodisc for handgun loading & it flows good also .

 

[Walkalong]

It does not stain but rather scorch cases, and it does polish out.

Tomato...Tomaghto.....

 

[beltfed74]

I found TiteGroup dirty at mid loadings in the 45acp behind a 200gr LSWC. Lots of unburned powder all over my forearms as well. Pretty accurate but the chrono showed some occasional 70fps spreads, Im guessing it doesnt like metering through the Redding.

More than anything, it smokes as much as my blackpowder rifles.