As the title says I am new to reloading 45 acp for my MP 45.
For quite a while I have been using Hodgdon Universal Clays Technology in my 44 mag, 357 38. As I have plenty of this powder I would like to use it in the 45 acp. Does anyone have any thoughts on using this. I have only seen one or two references to using this powder. I appreciate any input that you all may have. Thanks John

Jj, i was out shooting my .45 colt 1911 today. I bench rested because i wanted to check my sights. Surprisingly, i put one shot on top of the others at 50ft. using 5gr. Of 231, and a 185 gr. LSWC bullet. Same goes for 4gr. Bullseye. Good luck

I think you should be fine following Hodgdon's loading data. Universal is a medium-burning powder, similar to Unique, W231, AA#5, etc.

One advantage of a medium-burning powder over a fast-burning powder is that you'd likely notice an indadvertent double-charge of a medium powder overflowing the case. That's not always obvious with smaller charges of fast-burning powders like Bullseye, AA#2, Hodgdon Clays, etc. If you look at the data, you'll notice that virtually all medium-burning powders utilize greater charges by weight than the fast-burning powders.

Lou

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

I use a couple of Hodgdon Universal loads in my 1911s.

5.2gr. Hodgdon Universal
230gr. cast LRN
CCI 300 primer
C.O.L. 1.274”
Chronograph average = 750 fps.

5.5gr. Hodgdon Universal
230gr. cast LRN
CCI 300 primer
C.O.L. 1.274”
Chronograph average = 840 fps.

I don't see any problem with universal clays , i use unique alot and I think the burn rate is similar. If you pick up range brass for your .45 watch the primer pocket sizes, I found out a year or two ago that all .45 brass is not large pistol primed.

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THX , Roy

Hodgdon powder website has information for free. I was just there and did not see Universal Clays as a listed powder. There was Universal or Clays, unless I missed something.

Remember Google is your friend for started to find any reloading data.

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S&WHF 366

I believe Hodgdon has (wisely) started "de-emphasizing" the "Clays" from the name of their "Universal Clays" powder, by calling it "Universal" now.

The label on my older 1lb container says "Universal" with "Clays" underneath it, while the one I bought at a recent gun show says "Universal", with "Clays Technology" underneath it! (I'd post photos, but I'm feeling too lazy at the moment).

Hodgdon has (had?) produced three powders with the name "Clays" in the title:
1) Clays
2) International Clays
3) Universal Clays

While I like their powders, and use all three, I HATE(ed) those naming conventions because of the potential for mixup. If you substitute "Clays" for "Universal Clays" and folow the published charge data for "Universal Clays", you've set yourself up for.........KA-BOOM!

Lou

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

Universal is Universal Clays, not Clays. NEVER et that wrong. it will cost you a gun at least. Universal works fine in the 45acp, but only above midrange loads. If yo uwant light target loads, go to a slightly faster powder like W231 or my fav, WST.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I'm guessing you meant 45 ACP because I never heard of a 1911 in 45 Colt???

John,
Universal is a good choice of powder for the 45 Auto. Like said above, it's very close to Unique but it meters better and it's cleaner. You will like the results you get from what I've seen locally. I use W231 for my 45 Auto ammo so I can't recommend a load using Universal but there is plenty of data for that powder in the 45 Auto in manuals and from Hodgdon Load Data Site.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Try working up to my favorite: 6.3 gr Universal, 200gr SWC lead at 1.250. By far my most accurate 45ACP load.

Another vote for 6.3gr & a 200gr swc bullet in the 45acp. I've shot 1000's of bullets with that load/bullet combo for years.

Thanks to all for your replies. I feel much more comfortable with your input. I have long enjoyed Universal, so I will keep using it.