kount_zero, redneck2 kinda has a point. If powders were stocked by suppliers based on popularity and recommendations alone, they'd probably only stock 5 handgun powders: Bullseye, W231, Unique, W296 and H110. That's what I grew up with in handloading. Luckily, a good many powders have dual application for handgun and shotgun. I can't say that I've loaded as long or longer than anyone else, but I can say that I have been using a sound engineering approach in how I view and select powders, as well, and as long as anyone. In case anyone should question that, I also have the credentials to reinforce it, particularly in analyzing pressure. You are asking the right questions. Data sheets and pressure curve analysis used to be much more available. Last time I saw any "real" statistical data was from Ramshot.
The pressure rating of the cartridge is always a relevant issue, and lower pressure cartridges like the .45 ACP are typically more forgiving in regard to powder selection than higher pressure cartridges like say the 10mm.
Unique is very popular for very good reason. There are very few handgun cartridges you won't find a powder charge for using Unique. It is, after all, over 100 years old. Nearly the same condition exists for W-231. Performance will be what seperates them from better choices.
AA#5 was originally formulated for the .45 ACP, it meters extremely well and its bulk density is .950 grams per cubic centimeter. Most powder companies won't even list bulk density. It also serves very well as a general use type powder.
There are two ball powders (from Belgium) that are relatively new that are very comparable to 231 and Unique, but I believe better choices in both cases. Ramshot ZIP is very much like 231, but cleaner. If you have any doubt about its accuracy potential, pick up the latest Sierra manual. Better yet, call the ballisticians at Sierra and ask them what they think about ZIP. ZIP will get you to standard factory load level velocity with all weights in .45 ACP and will provide match grade accuracy in target loads. Something that can't always be done with 231.
Ramshot True Blue can be loaded in every application that you would use Unique for. In their earlier manuals, Ramshot showed Standard Deviation for every True Blue load, in every caliber it was loaded in. Why? To illustrate the uniformity potential of the powder. It yielded single digit standard deviation, in one load or another and most all of them in every single cartridge data was shown for: .380 up to .454 Casull. Nothing smaller was ever listed. It is slightly slower than Unique. Bulk density is .935 grams/cc so it meters exceptionally. I have used it in .45 ACP to get 230 gr. loads to over 850 FPS and with standard loads for 185s and up to +P level loads to replicate the Remington 185 gr. +P Golden Saber factory load. It is one of the best choices for .40 S&W and is used by many IPSC open competitors that load 9mm to Major Power Factor (see Brian Enos' Forum). It is the powder that FN Herstal uses to load the 5.7mm. Some guys don't see that as relevant, but try it with Unique. Then consider which is likely to be the better choice for a single powder inventory when you want to include .38 Special, or magnum revolver cartridges.
You have to be circumspect when you ask for powder recommendations. Some people will recommend powders because that's all they've used, or had recommended to them by others who haven't used anything else, either! Some will be detractors with zero or little experience with the powder you're considering. They didn't think of it before you did, so therefore, it's not a good choice. And that's why I'm piping in here. Continue to ask those questions. Try to obtain all of the statistical information you can get. More often than not, you'll be very pleased with the selection you make when you do your own homework and select the best powder available that covers all of the necessary requirements.
One final Q&A. Do the Belgians know anything about gunpowder? It may not be a relevant question, either. But I can tell you this, when the late Dr. Bull was selecting very complex powders for his SuperGun project. You know the one where he demonstrated the ability to use advanced artillery weapons to shoot down ballistic missiles and other targets at ranges up to 10,000 miles. Yeah, the Belgians made those powders. I don't know this for sure, but I suspect that these are the same Belgians that are supplying several powders to Western Powder Co. to sell as Ramshot: ZIP, True Blue, Enforcer, X-Terminator, TAC, Big Game, Hunter and Magnum. Competition and Silhouette are made by Primex. No, I'm not their salesman, but when you ask the right questions, even to yourself, you'll get the answers!
