Which of these powders would you suggest for .45ACP?

CanuckShooter

CanuckShooter

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Which of these powders would you guys recommend using in a 1911, using a mild to standard load, behind cast 200gr SWC bullets? Keep in mind... I am a newbie, and this will be my first run of .45ACP so I don't need a top of the line powder.

- Bullseye (is this stuff expensive? I can't find any prices for it)
- Titegroup
- Clays

I am really just looking for a powder that is affordable, not overly finnicky, and reliable with decent accuracy (I'm just an average shot, not a world class shooter :D). I always hear people raving about Titegroup, so my gut instinct is to go with that one. Just wanted to double check though.

Thanks
 
Most people in my club use bullseye for 9mm, .45, .38's etc. Just easier to have one powder for everything. Bullseye is cheap.

If you are just loading .45's, w231 is probably the most popular powder for them. W231 is fairly cheap as well. Most powders are about the same, with VV charging the most.

Titegroup is also a good choice for a wide range of calibers, but haven't loaded with it.
 
I've loaded a bunch of 45 with 5.0gr of Titegroup topped with 200gr BDX copper plated...we'll see how it does!
 
Clays is going to be the cleanest burning of the bunch. Bullseye and Clays both have similar burning speeds and Titegroup is slower. Titegroup will give you more flexibility for heavier loads.

However, since you are going to use cast bullets, then how clean burning the powder doesn't really matter. The lube from the bullets will create a lot of smoke/soot.

One recommendation I make for people new to reloading is to use Trail Boss for their first pistol powder. It is designed as a specially bulky powder designed for light loads, and a double charge will be MUCH more visible than with Bullseye, Clays or Titegroup.

It is a couple dollars a pound more expensive than other powders but will give you an added level of comfort for your first couple thousand rounds. One pound will load around 1400 rounds, about the same as you will get from Titegroup.
 
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another vote for Titegroup. As for versatility, I have used it in everything from 9mm to 45LC inclusive. Works well in all calibers. Some powders may perfom a bit better but few are as versatile as Titegroup or W231 for that matter.
Regards
dB
 
I have been using Clays and Titegroup with good success in 45 ACP. Given how little powder you actually use, the cost of powder is generally the smallest component in any build. Primers a close second, with bullets the most expensive component - unless you cast your own from scrap lead. I really do not consider the cost of different powders as a factor in my relaods.
 
I use PROMO for both 9mm and .45 ACP. It is relatively clean burning and costs about $100 for 8 pounds. 4.3gr under a 230gr plated bullet makes major in my TRP.
 
I have used both WSF and WST in my 45 with a 200gr SWC cast bullet. Either work fine for a nice soft load or to make major.
 
Titegroup was the only powder I tried in .45 and it works well but it's dirty. Like your right hand/wrist/arm need a wash after practice. I don't think the pressure is high enough in .45 to burn everything. It's a great powder for .40 though.
 
I liked win231 and bullseye.

Thing about bullseye though is that my reloading guide says the start and the do not exceed load is always the same - is there a reason for that?
 
Clays will fire the cleanest of the bunch with the least build-up in the action. Also found it to be just about the best for recoil control in IPSC. Just my .02.

Haven't loaded 45 for a couple years, but the max load I used with a 200 grain semi-wad cutter was around 4.2 grains.

For a minor load, you can vary it somewhat lower without any issues.

The other powders you mentioned will do fine as well if they are available locally.
 
i just started loading 9mm and im using titegroup seemed preety easy to load with for the first try:)....all rounds worked just fine:)....
 
...' Haven't 'loaded 45 ACP for ages! The W231 "seems" a little cleaner ( less smoke and soot ) than my other old favorite, "Bullseye" . Both are very versatile powders, with PERHAPS, Bullseye having been around a little longer, there's PERHAPS, more old load data around for it. ...... Either one will serve you well ! .... David K
 
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