Will be attending a night shooting seminar later this winter.
Hoping to load a batch of low flash 9mm.

Candidate powders on hand are:

VV N310
VV N320
VV N330
CFE Pistol
AutoComp
BE-86
Universal
231
Unique
Blue Dot
Green Dot
Bullseye

Problem is, I have no place to test after dark. My club doesn't allow it.

So, I'll have to rely on other's experience/suggestions.

Anyone?

thanks.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Low flash to me would make me think as little powder as possible.
Maybe Clays or Red Dot?

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Where we go one, we go all

I've never approached reloading from a flash standpoint, but I would gather that the fastest powder that will get the velocity you want would be the first consideration. Then I would look into newer formulations.

One of my first tries would be the BE86. I hear that the Vhitavuori Powders are good in regard to flash.

I think Unique would be the last to try.

What velocity and bullet combo are you 'shooting' for?

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Will likely load 147 grain to ~950 FPS.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Never thought I would use it but have a book somewhere that was a photo book of muzzle flashes of various powders. I'll look for it to see if some of the powders listed are in the book.
FWIW the lowest flash powder was SOLO 1000. that much I remember.

I believe BE-86 and CFE pistol both include agents to help reduce flash

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it just needs more voltage

Scratch Unique, Universal and Blue Dot..................

Have not tested CFE as yet.

Have fun.

I like CFE Pistol and use it in short barrels because of the low flash and cleanup is easier. I shoot mostly revolvers so the flash from the gap and muzzle can be pretty bright. CFE Pistol calms it right down.

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Foster Positivity.

Ramshot Silhouette and HS-6 are pretty low flash.

BE-86 has flash suppressant in the mix. It should be a decent choice. I just bought a pound last week-end, but I haven't loaded anything yet.

Chubbs

No idea. I generally close my eyes...

Supposedly BE86 has a flash suppressant. I recently tried out my first loads with it & it seemed OK. No massive fireball I noticed with light loads in a 4" 629.

Of the ones you listed, & I've used, I'd say CFE-P. I was surprised how little flash it had, even in full loads.

If you were asking about a larger caliber cartridge I'd say to use I4227. It's so slow even in my 500 Mag it's got way less flash than anything else I use in it.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

H110........

Just kidding. I think CFE Pistol takes the cake followed by BE-86 thanks to the evolution that has gone into the new propellants. After those I'd say Clays, and as mentioned above I think it's just because the charges are so small.

Thanks everyone.
Will start with CFE Pistol.
It is also, by the way, my new favorite for mid-range 44 Magnum loads I use for bowling pins.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Groo here
Accurate arms is known for low flash.
I for one would want the highest flash powder for school.
You need to learn how to handle and use the flash and school is the best place,
As an "old" 357mag shooter, I don't worry about flash like
you young pups.
Learned how to use it long ago.

The power of the flash is strong, young padawan.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

If the powder does not burn before it reaches the end of the barrel there will be flash.
The very fast powders can burn 100% before the end of the barrel with either flake or ball type powders in pistols.

I have not noticed too much flash from my medium flake and ball powders but I usually am done shooting before the sun goes down.

Would like to know how the CFE turns out since it works in my 9mm's.