W231/HP-38 vs HS-6 for 147gr 9mm

[CMV]

I try to simplify and keep minimal types of powders on hand. Other than some low volume stuff, all pistol is W231 powder.

However, for some reason, I use HS-6 for 147gr 9mm subsonic loads. Either ACME or MBC coated cast bullets. Getting ready to load some more & low on HS-6 since I buy by the pound vs 32 lbs at a time for W231. Was going to go get some today & then wondered why do I even do that? There is some reason I chose to load this one thing different than all my other pistol, but now years later, can't remember why!

It could be more of my references had data in 147gr for HS-6 than W231? Could be someone here like RC Model, BDS, JMorris, etc said it would be better and I ran with their trusted recommendation? Or maybe I used some type of reasoning to conclude HS-6 would give better performance suppressed?

No idea, but before I go get more HS-6, is there a compelling reason to use it instead of W231 for 147gr 9mm, 99% to be used suppressed?

 

[LiveLife]

In general, I consider slower burning powders better suited for high velocity full power loads that obtain accuracy towards near max/max charge due to more efficient powder burn.

And faster burning powders (I draw the fast/slower line at Unique/Universal) like W231/HP-38 are better suited for lighter target loads as they can produce accuracy at lower powder charges.

I have used HS-6 but since most of my loads are loaded from mid to high range load data, I have shifted to more moderate powders like WSF, BE-86 that can produce accuracy below near max load data while still producing higher velocities.

For 147 gr subsonic application, W231/HP-38 has been known to work well.

 

[Reeferman]

I have used HS6 for 9mm with great results. However it was with 124 grain FMJ and at the top end. I have always found HS6 not so good at lighter loads.

 

[CMV]

I'm not intending to load light. A 147gr @ max load is still subsonic. So won't necessarily be at max load squeezing out every last fps, but a moderate loading at least. Don't have my notebook here with me at work, but I think 4.8 gr HS6 is what I use for the 147gr w/ MBC bullet. I could be confusing that with the 4.8gr of W231 I use with 115gr FMJ.....my memory gets suckier by the day.....

 

[cornfused]

I also use HS6 for 147 gr. bullets in the 9mm. I chose it because it easily made minor power factor and was very accurate in my pistol (EAA Witness). It's a little dirty at the pressures I run, but no worse than W231 or HP38.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

Maybe you didn't like the sharp "crack" of 231 with the 147's? HS-6 ,to my ears, has a much more tolerable report.

Then again, if you buy it by the 32lbs worth, it must not bother you.

 

[Dudedog]

I Like CFE-P and WSF for Full power 147s. (what I use now if I am loading them)
In the last great powder shortage I was able to find some Longshot .
I can't find my notes on it but if I remember correctly Longshot worked well for Full power 147 loads.
From Hodgdon

PS Longshot tends to be loud, I don't know how it manages to be so much louder in 9mm but it does....
If you want to let 147s in 9mm be all they can be I would say try a pound of Loudshot er Longshot

 

[sparkyv]

+1 on Longshot.