w231 vs hp-38
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2bfree
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That is odd, normally HP-38 is cheaper.
I have a shop going out of business and selling everything until its gone. if they went cheaper than hp-38 I was going to grab them even if it was saving a couple bucks.
glc24
Member
I'm no authority, but from everything that can be read, they are the exact same powder. As for price, I've always seen 231 a bit more. So good for you if you found it cheaper.
alexcue
Member
its the same, so just grab what's cheaper. W231 is always more expensive here, 'cause Winchester has to get a cut of the action for using their name.
Arkansas Paul
Member
Load away.
I have topped off a one pound can of HP38 with the remnants of a W231 can. No difference.
It's the same with H414 and W760.
Also H110 and W296.
Same stuff, different label.
If you're loading max loads, you may work up again because of the minor differences in lot numbers.
If you're not loading max loads, just load away.
I have topped off a one pound can of HP38 with the remnants of a W231 can. No difference.
It's the same with H414 and W760.
Also H110 and W296.
Same stuff, different label.
If you're loading max loads, you may work up again because of the minor differences in lot numbers.
If you're not loading max loads, just load away.
W231 and HP-38 have been officially the same for the last 5-10 years.
If you look at Hodgdon's current data for the two powders, the loads are the same.
There could be any number of reasons why non-Hodgdon data varies between the two powders. One reason, not all data is updated frequently so the data could be fairly old.
That said, I am in the process of finishing off a pound of W231 from the late 1990s and I am hesitant mixing it with current manufacture W231 or HP-38. Maybe I am just being safe but not a bad thing when dealing with things that go "boom".
If you look at Hodgdon's current data for the two powders, the loads are the same.
There could be any number of reasons why non-Hodgdon data varies between the two powders. One reason, not all data is updated frequently so the data could be fairly old.
That said, I am in the process of finishing off a pound of W231 from the late 1990s and I am hesitant mixing it with current manufacture W231 or HP-38. Maybe I am just being safe but not a bad thing when dealing with things that go "boom".
firewrench044
Member
HP-38 and Winchester 231
Years ago Winchester contracted Hodgdon to manufacture Win. 231
Same manufacturing plant
Both manufactured at the same time ( same powder )
Same containers
Different label ( the only difference besides the price )
Winchester cost more because you are paying for the Winchester name
I load for 2 IDPA shooters ( thousands of rounds per year ) and myself
I purchase which ever is on sale ( or less expensive )
( just purchased 2 8lb jugs HP-38 for $97.00 per jug, going out of business sale (the last 2 ))
Years ago Winchester contracted Hodgdon to manufacture Win. 231
Same manufacturing plant
Both manufactured at the same time ( same powder )
Same containers
Different label ( the only difference besides the price )
Winchester cost more because you are paying for the Winchester name
I load for 2 IDPA shooters ( thousands of rounds per year ) and myself
I purchase which ever is on sale ( or less expensive )
( just purchased 2 8lb jugs HP-38 for $97.00 per jug, going out of business sale (the last 2 ))
carbine85
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meesterdon
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Yes HP38 = W231
H110 = W296
Load loads of both.
H110 = W296
Load loads of both.
Jim Watson
Member
Old manuals will show different load data. I think that is because when Winchester was still handling their own distribution, you could get into lot variations of powder off the same production line. That isn't going to happen now because Hodgdon is distributing both, so they are filling cans out of the same bulk container and applying the label they have current orders for.
Arkansas Paul
Member
I said I had mixed them, and I have.
HOWEVER, I probably wouldn't with powders made 20 years apart. I would definitely go ahead and err on the side of caution in that instance.
HOWARD J
Member
I picked up some HP-38 the other day
$3 less than 231.
Not many places sell powder in my area.
One of them burned me the other day for H322@ $35
$3 less than 231.
Not many places sell powder in my area.
One of them burned me the other day for H322@ $35
ArchAngelCD
Member.
W231 and HP-38 are the same exact powder and always have been. This has been verified multiple times by contacting Hodgdon and St. Marks Powder.
A pound of powder is 7000 grains. If you have 40gr or 50gr of either label left in a bottle there is no reason you can't safely add it to a new bottle. This is how I feel but I would never advise anyone to do what I do. I can only say what I would do.
A pound of powder is 7000 grains. If you have 40gr or 50gr of either label left in a bottle there is no reason you can't safely add it to a new bottle. This is how I feel but I would never advise anyone to do what I do. I can only say what I would do.
LiveLife
Member
Before 2006, published load data for W231 and HP-38 were different but same afterwards - https://www.hodgdon.com/history.html
BTW, here's THR thread on same/comparable powders - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-different-labels.797388/page-5#post-10286533
JimKirk
Member
You have that backwards ....Olin made W231 at what is now called St. Marks Powder in Crawfordville, FL .... Hodgdon bought the same powder and bottled/canned it as HP-38 .... as far as I know Hodgdon has never made any smokeless powder ... even until today .... they either own or license several powder names/brands .... but still buys powders from the actual makers .... which are many different folks ....
ArchAngelCD
Member.
You are correct, Hodgdon is a distributor not a manufacturer. I think Bruce Hodgdon started his business buying surplus 4831 and selling it to the public.
Reefinmike
Member
I'm pretty sure it was here on THR, somewhere around 6 months ago someone put up pictures of both powders with identical lot numbers as well as the same small distinct print defect on the lot number text. Hodgdon literally just switches labels halfway through dispensing a batch.
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