What is a clean powder for 45 ACP?

[Gatehouse]

Don't care about max velocity, just that it goes BANG...

Looking for powder that works well and is easy to clean up.

 

[handofzeus]

I use TITEGROUP just because I can use the same light load for .38+P as .45 (3.5grs.) It is a bit snappy but it works fine for me and it seems quite clean too.

 

[kman300]

I like N320. Great powder. Very clean.

 

[blaser.306]

Red dot , Clays, 700-x

 

[shatthatkilledelvis]

700-x and winchester WST

 

[CeeZer]

In general, the higher the pressure the cleaner power burns. Some powders will burn cleaner that others, mind you. Faster burning powders will create higher pressure.

Win 231 or faster powder will do. VihtaVuori is well known to be very clean, but it's almost 2x the price.

If shooting lead or FMJ (with lead exposed) - stay away from TiteGroup - higher than 'average' burning temps = melting lead = leading of the barrel, smoke etc.

 

[cansoldier45]

Clays wins.

CS45

 

[Metman2]

For lead 200gr SWC I've tested different weights of different powders:

4.5-5.2 gr Titegroup
4.5-5.3 gr Win 231 or HP38
5.0 gr Unique
3.5-4.5 gr Trail Boss

They all burn pretty cleanly; there's a little leading at the higher end, though. My "best" results (most accurate, cleanest, easier on the nerves ) is with the lower powder weights. I found that a lighter recoil spring was required when shooting the 3.5gr Trail Boss load.
In the end, after many 100's of tests, I'm sticking with the Win 231, as it's cheap and it's good for my other handgun cartridges.

 

[buckbrush]

231 for me, or HP-38

 

[A-zone]

Titegroup is super-clean.
231 works OK but is dirtier.

 

[graydog]

I have used Win 231 for years with no problems. I see no need to try others at this stage of my life.

Graydog

 

[dallasm]

Clays is the cleanest I shoot. HP-38/W231 close second.

 

[MaDgamEr]

WSF, WST and 231... In order of personal preference for 45ACP.

For 40S&W, WSF only with my cast 180's... Pure magic.

 

[The Breeze]

Vv n310

 

[X-man]

I guess I'm the odd man out, as I prefer Bullseye for the. 45ACP.

 

[saskcop]

I use pretty much just W231. I am not sure if it is the cleanest out there, but it seems to work well enough. I have used other stuff that was brutally dirty like the old Unique.

 

[jawsman]

I love Bullseye too but agreed that it's not the cleanest. WST works very well for me and is pretty clean. Longshot is not bad either, but only at the top end of the power range.

Later....