Titegroup alternative

PoFF

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Quebec
Well, I've finally reaching the bottom of the 8 pounds of Hogdgon Titegroup that I bought last year.

I've been loading it all in .45ACP, which was a really good match for the needs I had at the time I loaded full loads, but now my needs have slightly changed since I started IPSC.

You see, with titegroup, it's all or nothing, playing with a few tenths of a grain and you go from full velocity to a minor PF velocity. So, I began shopping for a powder that would offer more 'flexibility' for 45ACP, and that will go through a Dillon power measure easily. The cleaner burning would be the better, since I have very little brass versus a high volume of reloading/shooting, so the less time in the tumbler is the better.

Any help on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
 
I like Win 231 or HP38. They have been around for years and do the Job. I also like Hodgdon Universal, it is clean. They all meter in the dillion.. Hodgdon Calys is great with 230 also.
 
Try Longshot or HS6, they work well for me.
With longshot, you can push a 200g jacketed close to 1000fps, HS6 is close to 950fps.
For 230g fmj, longshot will hit 900fps, and HS6 over 800fps.
 
Anyone has some data for loading Longshot, I've went through my two books and didn't find this powder listed for 45ACP. I'll be using 200 grains and 230 grains FMJ.

And many thanks to you all, now I have more choices than I hoped for...

Also, does anyone has firsthand experience with RamShot Enforcer powder? The data I found shows extreme velocities for 45ACP for very low operating pressures...
 
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I use a Dillon 550. win 231 flows great through Powder Measure. Try 5.3 gr under 200 gr LSWC. Load makes major in IPSC/IDPA and is accurate and clean.

Stay Safe

Bob
 
PoFF said:
Anyone has some data for loading Longshot, I've went through my two books and didn't find this powder listed for 45ACP. I'll be using 200 grains and 230 grains FMJ.

And many thanks to you all, now I have more choices than I hoped for...

Also, does anyone has firsthand experience with RamShot Enforcer powder? The data I found shows extreme velocities for 45ACP for very low operating pressures...

From Hodgdon's basic manual:
185g jacketed max load 8.2g/1044fps/17,000cup
200g jacketed max load 7.8g/1013fps/16,900cup
230g jacketed max load 6.8g/908fps//17,200cup
I wouldn't reduce it any more than 5% for starting load as it's a fairly slow powder for this size of bore. From personal experience 10% reduced loads left cases black and lots of unburnt powder.
 
I've had lots of success with straight Hodgon Clays. 4.3-4.5 grains under a 200 grains of lead makes 180 power factor in my HK USP. I find Clays to be economical, clean burning and accurate, a lot of .45 IPSC guys here in Manitoba use it exclusively.
 
Well, I gave Longshot a shot (pun intended :)). Outstanding performance. The most accurate load in my Para seems to be 6.1 grains pushing a 230 grains bullet... but this powder is REALLY dirty! After blasting 400 rounds, I couldn't even use my FO sight because it was covered with carbon, the first 1.5" of the slide from the muzzle was black (stainless gun) and I had my arms covered with ashes.

I guess I'll have to trade Velocity for Cleaningness on this one. Good thing I only bought 1 pound. I've read that Clays is one of the cleanest widely available powders around, but from my reloading manual, it doesn't even make Major even with max load. Any other suggestions? I'm looking at a muzzle velocity of at least 800 fps with 230 grains, not too close of maximum load, with little smoke (This would scratch W231 from the list) and as clean as possible (that scratches Longshot from the list).

IMR 700X, I've been told, is quite an accurate powder in this caliber, but I have no other information about it's carasteristics.
 
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Seeing as you've tried Longshot and 231 doesn't seem to fit the bill give HS-6 a try. It is clean burning and a well metering powder, I have used it .45GAP loads and although I found the velocities to be a little lower than I wanted, it did burn clean and consistantly. I've used it in 9mm and .40S&W with good results so it should have some potential in .45ACP. Max load in the latest Hornady manual suggests 8.7gr. for 900fps with a 230 JHP or FMJ so you should be able to reach your mark. 8.0gr. should hit 800fps for your needs.
 
In .45 ACP , I load bullseye. 4.5 gr under a 200 SWC is a great target load. Increase to 5.0 gr and you easily make major. It work great under 230 gr FMj also. This power is fast burning and cycle any gun.
 
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