I wanted to try this powder in my .44 Mag;didn't like the result but that's another story.
After reading a few posts here from some of you guys,I decided to try it in .38Spl+P.Wow!Great results.
Thanks guys!You saved aprox 2# of Powder Pistol from being turned into some lawn fertilizer!And shooting it is a lot more entertaining than watching my lawn grow!
Qc

I don't know what you didn't like about Power Pistol in your 44. What was the problem you had with it?

Smokeless propellant will not break down into fertilizer, so it is a good thing you were able to use it in your 38 loads.

If you want a power pistol in a non magnum, use Power Pistol.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Like I said,that's another story so,here goes:
I had just gotten possession of a 8 3/8'' 629-1 and wanted it for medium loads.The goal was 215gr at around 1200fps,Since I shoot only cast bullets(my own),I thought it was an easy to reach goal.
Didn't turn out as planned;lots of problems resulting in lots of frustration.Since I have 2 other .44 Mags,it was easy to figure out that PP wasn't a good mate for my S&W.My 2 other .44 liked it but I don't have any intention in shooting mild loads in them.Thought I was stucked with the powder(as far as the gun is concerned,I've reached my goal just fine with good old Unique).From that,my pleasure to find that it performs superbly in my model 13 under a 158gr SWC.Can't wait to set the chrono up for it.
Qc

Power Pistol 38 Spl +P and 158 gr swc is my favorite all round loading. I use 5.6 grs Power Pistol with 158 gr swc, such load approximates factory 38 Spl + 158 gr LHP velocities.

For those interested , I just tried BE-86 in my 29 , 6" barrel shooting the real " Keith " HG 503 swc . Alliant shows a max charge with a 240 gr cast bullet of 11.8 grs . I backed it down about 10% to an even 10 grs . It seemed accurate , had plenty of " punch " and shot clean . I will reload some more rounds using the same load . The more I use BE-86 , the more I like it . Next app will be in my 41 mag . I'm not saying it will replace my over all favorite powder , WSF . Just having some fun with a different powder .
BTW : I did also load some 357 sig cartridges with BE-86 and it performed very well . I'm not much of a semi auto guy but I do have a 357 sig , I can load it down like a 9mm or load it heavier and get real 357 sig performance , a " 2-1 pkg" . Regards, Paul

I experienced decent results using 11.4gr BE86 under a cast 240 which consistently made 1200fps+ out of a 6.5" 629.

Power Pistol is enjoyable for practice with 240's at 8.5 - 9gr which kept the load subsonic, but had a nice fireball for effect. Fairly accurate too.
Makes you feel like you are doing more than you really are.

Agree that Power Pistol is perfect for the 38 Special +P.
6.3 grains under a 160 grain LRN gave me 955 FPS with a SD of 9.
First time out with load in my 67-3 managed to win my club's Hunter pistol match. Blasts those little rams at 100 yards.

It's also great in 44 Special pin loads and in 357 Sig.

If I was trying to do what the OP wants, I'd stick with good old 2400. It's hard to beat in 44 Magnums.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

+1
Agreed that 2400 is still king, but it was veeery hard for some of us to find for awhile there.

During the previous 8 yr. administration , I only found 2 one pound bottles of 2400 . I was constantly on the search , internet , gun stores etc.

Medium speed powders work great in the .38 Special +P as you discovered. Power Pistol, AA#5, HS-6, True Blue and a few others all produce great results.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I was convinced that Unique would always be my go to powder for the .38 Special, .44 Special and .45 Colt loads. Then along came Power Pistol!

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Stay safe people!

I'm not surprised you like Unique in this application. My personal favorite is Herco, a little less smoke in my opinion.

I know Herco is another old timer(altough not as old as Unique)that performs pretty good.Ought to give it a try one of these days!
Qc