Most versatile powder for .45 ACP ?

Slowbalt

Slowbalt

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Hey all,
Finally seriously taking up reloading, as I can't stand the cost and avail. of commercial ammo. But as funds are tight, I don't want to buy ( and most of all ship ) many brands of powders. So what's doing a good job in your .45 ACP loadings?
 
Bullseye. Mind you, I only shoot 230 grain cast bullets. 4.5 grains with either a flat point or round nosed 230 grain cast bullet is a nice target load that shoots well out of my Colt. Work up a load for your pistol.
Forget jacketed bullets of any kind. They're too expensive.
When you buy the dies, get a carbide sizer set(it's only the sizer die, but it'll eliminate the lubing) and you'll only want a taper crimp die too.
Both cartridge OAL and case lengths are important. Fortunately, pistol cartridges don't stretch much. So you won't be trimming much.
Bullseye has been the standard .38 Special target load powder for eons. 2.5 to 2.8 with a 148 grain cast or swaged WC bullet.
 
TG and 231 will both work for 9MM and .45 ACP. Some people say that 231 is dirty but it meters well with my Lee powder drop so I am going to try both and see what I like with 200 and 230Gr Plated Xtremes.
 
I think that the powders already mentioned are all good choices. I use 231 because I still have lots of it. It meters well & is fairly economical to use ( Note HP38 is the same powder ). I do find it it a little smokey at times.

I would suggest looking at what other calibers you may want to reload in the future & stick with a powder that will do them all.
 
I've been using Winchester 231 for a long time. Sure it could be cleaner but until I find a powder that leaves the brass as clean as Win NT factory ammo I think I will stick with it. There are others that I would like to try like Vihtavuori N310 but W231 is much cheaper (OK, lower cost).


Fudd
 
Slowbalt said:
funds are tight
Click to expand...


That answers your question - titegroup. Cost per pound is low, and you use very little, so your pennies per charge will be as low as you can get.

You can price titegroup by sending an email to Higginson Powders (for their price list), then figure the number of grains from an online loading source (http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp) - try several powders like this, you'll likely find titegroup to be the cheapest. And it's relatively clean, flows well, and is accurate.
 
I used Win 231 for years and it is hard to beat it, it is also one of the cheapest powders to buy right now, especially in an 8 pound keg. WSS has 8 lb kegs of 231 for $169.99, well in theory anyway, if it is in stock.
 
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