Unburned Powder in a .45ACP question

[Plainmark]

:banghead: I bought a new Para Ordnance 14-45 LDA and started the ritual of finding out what it likes to eat and spit out. I have found it LOVES AA#2 for 185 gr JHPs, Bulls Eye for LRN 230 gr., and Hogdon Universal for all FMJ (works great with Golden Sabers (230 gr version).

Question: I tried 3 loads for each bullet weight, type and intent of use. 5.2 gr of Universal seems to leave a bunch of unburned material in the chamber. HOWEVER , the 6.2 gr of Universal in same brnd case, primer, and tumbled brass leaves NO unburned material. Is Universal not supposed to be used for light loads?

Plain

 

[HSMITH]

Universal is a good 45 powder in midrange and stronger loads. As with just about all mid-speed powders for 45 it will not be clean in light loads.

If you want a dead clean powder for light loads in 45 pick up some Clays, plain Clays. It shoots as soft as any powder out there and is ULTRA clean even in light loads.

 

[loadedround]

HSMITH is correct regarding Universal burning clean in 45ACP loads. I have found that WW231 also burns cleanly in light to mid-range loads also. Suggest you give that a try also.

 

[Plainmark]

HSMITH you are right!

I bought some CLAYS (could not locate any 231) and it does burn cleanly. I also discovered by accident that AA#2 in tiny doses is quite clean.. no.. very clean.. and it lives up to its name ACCURATE. Clays does so well with 230 gr LRN that I may just keep shooting that for practice. Cheap and plenty of time to untrain myself from old habits.

Plain

 

[ATAShooter]

I initially was loading with Red Dot, and noticed some unburnt flakes, Changed to Bullseye and got rid of it.

 

[Murphster]

Plainmark: What load of Clays are you using? I shoot a lot of 230 grain LRN and may give it a try (currently using Unique).

 

[Plainmark]

Clays....

Murph.. I use exactly what Hogden said on their site
http://www.hodgdon.com/data/pistol/45acp.php

230 gr = 4.0 gr Clays

I'm REALLY happy with it.

Plain

 

[Murphster]

Got it. Thanks.