Winchester AutoComp (296?)

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Is anyone using this powder for 45acp? How well does it meter? Is it
clean burning? Is it useful for any other rounds (other than for semi-auto)?
I'll be loading dardas 200gr lswc for my M&P. Thanks! aj b
 
You have this "(296?)" in your title. If you're asking if AutoComp is anything like W296 the answer is no way!

This is from the Winchester Site:
"AUTOCOMP is extremely fine in the 38 Super, 9mm, 45 ACP and 40 S&W race guns. It’s just the perfect burning speed to feed the compensators with a higher volume of gas. With AUTOCOMP competitors get off faster shots with minimal muzzle flash, it’s a winner."

From everything I've read it's a very clean burning powder and works extremely well is semi-autos. Some reloaders are already testing it out for revolver rounds like the .38 Special and are reporting good results but nothing that would push them to change from their current powder choices. When I get around to it I might give it a try for the .45 Auto but I'm happy with W231 for that caliber so it might take me a while.

Please let us know your results if you give it a try...
 
Your question is a little confusing, but Archangel gave you an excellent reply. I would like to add that 296 is much too slow of a powder to load in a 45 ACP pistol and should be reserved for heavy loads in magnum revolvers only. If you could find a load for 296 for your 45 ACP, it would surely destroy your pistol in a few rounds. :confused:
 
By its nature, AutoComp isn't going to be the best choice for 200 Gr lead SWC's in .45. It is designed for much higher pressure loads using comps.

You want something faster. Anywhere from pretty fast to medium speed powders.

Target loads and 200 Gr lead: AA #2, WST, W-231, Competition, N310, N320, Solo 1000, 700X, etc

Faster stuff with 200 Gr lead: Unique, AA #5, Universal, WSF, N340, etc

I am sure AutoComp will make it go bang, and if you try it do give us a range report. :)
 
When you go to the hogdon site and click on winchester products, place the cursor on autocomp and 296 shows up. Put the cursor on wst and wst shows up, thus the confusion.
Also didn't know if the gun "had" to be comp'd to use the powder. aj b
 
It doesn't have to be comped, it's just designed to work well with a comp.
 
And at comp gun pressures.

Which you will not be loading 200 grain lead SWC too.

Wrong powder for what you want to do.

Follow Walkalong's advice and use one of the more suitable powders he listed.

rc
 
IMO the Winchester powder you want to use with a 200gr LSWC in the .45 Auto is W231. You will get very good results with that combination. I use W231 almost exclusively but I do use AA#5 at times. (mostly with jacketed bullets @ higher velocities)
 
Auto Comp refers to semi automatics that are used in competition usually with a compensator. Basically the auto pistol cartridges used in combat games loaded to heavy loads is what the target application is. Think fast loads for 9mm, 38 Super, 40 S&W, etc. Auto Comp is also dynamite in the .380 ACP.
 
I think it should be a real good powder in .45 ACP too.

Just not with 200 grain LSWC target loads.

rc
 
I have tried AutoComp and need to get rid of it. I went to almost a double charge and it still is barely going at rated speed. 3/4 full 1 Lb bottle for sale cheep for anyone that wants to pick it up. At rated loads I had clocked my 45 acp at 185 fps. I could almost see the slug going the 25 yds to the target.
 
I have been using Auto Comp and am very pleased with it. I was not happy with the low end loads, but in 38 special, I use 4.9 grs with the 158gr. Hornady XTP for 865 f.p.s. and get very tight groups with my snub nose model 85 Tauras. In 45 acp, I use 6.6 grs. of Auto Comp with a Montana Gold 230 jhp for 871 fps out of a Springfield Mil-Spec. All holes touch in both guns. If you are having bad results, you may need to add more powder or look at your other components.
 
By its nature, AutoComp isn't going to be the best choice for 200 Gr lead SWC's in .45. It is designed for much higher pressure loads using comps.
Click to expand...

My experience has been a little different. I tested AutoComp with 200SWCs in four different Government models (not comped) last summer. The lowest recommended charge makes power factor in all four with SDs hovering right around 10. No cycling issues, seems to be a little cleaner than Clays and, using a timer, my split time between shots hasn't changed. Accuracy is as good or better than Clays (which is very good).

I haven't tried it in other chamberings, but I read an article within the past year (Handloader, maybe) and the author got respectable results in a wide range of cartridges.
 
YMMV. I heard lots of folks rave about Universal Clays so I bought a keg. gave away about 7.9 lbs.
 
Excellent ain't the word for it as far as velocity goes.....I chrono'ed loads near max with Zero 165 JHP's and got a solid 1170 fps average.


TR
 
To each their own. What's wrong with a 165 Gr JHP at 1175 to 1200 FPS that shoots superbly?

If you are wanting to hot rod it, your right, other powders will out do Universal, but if you want a .40 powder that burns clean with 155 to 180 gr bullets with light to heavy loads, and is very accurate, Universal is an excellent choice.

Has anybody seen a burn rate chart with Auto Comp on it?
 
Well thanks for that liberty.......you missed my point.

It's an outstanding powder in 40 for full performance loads.


WSF is still better in the accuracy department with about a 25-30 fps loss in max velocity.

TR
 
I went to almost a double charge and it still is barely going at rated speed. 3/4 full 1 Lb bottle for sale cheep for anyone that wants to pick it up. At rated loads I had clocked my 45 acp at 185 fps. I could almost see the slug going the 25 yds to the target.
Click to expand...

Interesting.

Has anybody seen a burn rate chart with Auto Comp on it?
Click to expand...

Have not, but I'm guessing its in the N340, WSF range.
 
Hodgdon states that AUTOCOMP is close to HS-6.

Both AUTO COMP and HS-6 are produced out of the St. Marks FL. plant which is now owned by General Dynamics.

TR
 
Well maybe I got a bad batch. Loaded at book and got 185 fps in 45 acp something is wrong. Almost double charge and still below what book says for 1/2 that much powder. Expensive powder for fertilizer. May keep for mouse loads in the 45.
 
How did you get the gun to cycle on a load at 185 fps?

Did the report and recoil match that feeble velocity or is there a Chrono anomaly at play here?

TR
 
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