Powder recommendations ?

gunstock

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Thanks to everyone who advised me on reloading equipment. I am now set up with a Lee turret press and an assortment of new dies.

What would you recommend as a powder I could use for .38 SP, .357 Mag, .44 Sp, .44 Mag, 9 mm, .40 SW and .45 ACP. I would like to load light loads for bullseye shooting and would prefer a one powder does all if possible. If not possible I would still like to hear what you recommend. So far, the best advice I have received has been from this site.

Thanks again,

Gunstock
 
There are probably several powders that would work for you.

I would use Win231 ( Note HP38 is the same powder ). Is is a ball powder & I find it measures well especially on lighter loads. It is fairly inexpensive & I have found it is easy to find in gun stores .
The only one in your list I have not loaded with 231 is 44 Magnum & that is because I sold mine many years ago.
Other than that I would use 231 for all the others.
 
As noted above W231 works well in all of the calibers you are listing. You may also want to consider Titegroup which is slightly less expensive and uses lesser quantities per charge. It also works well in all of the calibers mentioned.
Cheers
dB
 
Which powders are cleanest?

Thanks for the replies. In my reading I sometimes see mentioned that a powder is a dirtier burning powder. Are there any particular powders that are known to be cleaner or dirtier than others in the calibres I am interested in, 9 mm, .40 SW, .45 ACP, .38 SP, .357 MAG, .44 SP and .44 MAG.
If it is a dirtier powder does it mean more frequent cleaning of the gun and/ or more difficult cleaning.

Thanks for your advice.
 
Clean burning powder

None cleaner than the W231, recommended above. I have used it in a Ruger 44 mag. I had a really accurate load that got 1000 fps in a 7½ inch barrel. That was about maximum for 231 in the 44 mag.
 
Hitzy

I have a lb. of HS 6 in the cupboard. Do you have any fourite loadings you use regularily in 9MM. Looking at a load for IDPA PF 125.

As to the question I would use Win 231 in all but the .44spl and the magnums. It will work but I think Win 296 and 2400 will work better. I guess it depends on what youare going to load for and what type of bullets you are going to use, Lead, Jacketed or lead Gas Checked.

Take Care

Bob
 
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I realize you are hoping for a one powder does all solution but to get the most out of each cartridge you will be using diff powders. To explain I will use win231 as reference point in 45auto & 38spcl it is a bit slow & dirty try bullseye or 700X, 357mag & 44mag it is too fast while it will burn clean the pressure will climb to fast to get max velocities at safe pressures win296 would be a better choice to get top performance. On to cleaning if it is difficult you are doing something wrong, you will have to clean more frequently if your loads are burning dirty as the gun will cease to function properly when it gets dirty enough.
 
For clean, Universal Clays is about the best. For other reasons (cost, easy flowing, low ejecta from your revolver's cylinder gap), Titegroup would work for you.

The faster powders mentioned here aren't the best for your 44's. AA #9 is clean burning, and great in 44Mag and the like.
 
A lot of powders will fit your criteria... I would sugest visiting manufacturers websites and see what's available for yourself.

I myself like Power pistol and will likely stick with it after trying a bunch of different powders...
 
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