Clean burning powder - 45ACP

NorthernPF

NorthernPF

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Ramore, Ontario
Hey guys!
I used to reload some 45acp a few years ago and used Win231. I found it to be pretty dirty. Is there any powders that burn cleaner or would 231 be my best bet?

Thanks
 
I don't load .45 ACP, but for my revolver loads I switched from 231 to WST. It is much cleaner. Hodgdon lists WST loads for the 45.

Auggie D.
 
W231 isn't dirty if you step up your loads a bit. If W231 is run on the weak side, it does in fact seem to be a little dirty. Increasing your charges even just a bit often makes a big difference. I load my .45 on the high end of W231 and find my loads completely safe and very clean.
 
I just tested a few loads last week using WST. Originally bought the powder for my .40S&W, but figured I might as well see how it runs in all the calibers I load. Incidentally it actually works pretty well in 9mm too, although it's a pretty high loft powder.

For 45ACP: 4.8gr WST with a 230gr Plated RN @1.260" produced mild/moderate recoil with excellent accuracy and clean burn in my G41.

Bullseye is my favorite powder for range loads in 45ACP. Recoil wise, I really like 4.4gr behind a 230gr @ 1.260", but it tends to get kind of messy. 4.8 gr does the job better, but a with a tad more snap.

As has been mentioned, W231 should burn clean, but you might have to go a bit higer in the load range. In my 9mm anyway, I found that going from 4.1 to 4.4gr W231 cleaned things up noticably. Luckilly 4.4gr is still a nice soft load.
 
I've used W231 and I'm going to check on load level and cleanliness as it may help. Has anyone used CFE Pistol? I'm wondering if switching would be a good idea.
 
I use titegroup for my 45 acp loads, not sure how it stacks up to other powders in the cleanliness department though. I generally use 5.4 grains with a 200 grain cast or plated bullet.
Kristian
 
Tightgroup, mostly because it's cheap, or was. But I do have some loads of similar power done with 231 and I do find it dirtier



I find Power Pistol leaves little residue, but I only use that in 10mm and 38Super, and those are loaded pretty warm - might be the contributing factor more than the powder
 
saskcop said:
W231 isn't dirty if you step up your loads a bit. If W231 is run on the weak side, it does in fact seem to be a little dirty. Increasing your charges even just a bit often makes a big difference.
Click to expand...

I have found the same in multiple pistol calibres with 231.

Weak(er) loads leave unburned powder which is the 'dirty' part the OP is seeing.

I'm running 5.3 of 231 with 230gr Plated RN in 45ACP - not bad at all.
 
I like Unique. It’s cleaner that black powder �� and works great with 230 grain bullets and healthy loads. I have always had a desire to try unique with heavy bullet loads in the .45 acp.
 
I was told that W231 uses coal dust as an anti-static coating. That is what the end of my gun looked like every time I shot it. VV and others a cellulose based anti static and that is what makes the difference.

Can't confirm or deny this but it added up to me.
 
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