I recorded some good velocities with small ESs and SDs with Power Pistol in 38 Spl +P. I’ve also gotten comparable velocities and accuracy using Western AA5 with the 158 gr LSWCHP and duplicated the velocity of the Federal 38G “FBI load” using this powder (AA5)...I might add without the bark of my standard +P 158 gr LSWCHP load using Power Pistol; without giving up any statistical difference in velocity either. I’m retiring Power Pistol in my J frame at this point...took me some time to convince myself but AA5 is a good +P substitute powder as long as you push it a bit within Speer’s 38 Spl+P reloading data range.

I do still like using Power Pistol in 38-44 loadings using Handloader Magazine data (Oct 2016) and the 170 gr SWC Lyman 358429 in my Ruger Blackhawk...great accuracy with plenty of power for a fun range load.

You have discovered the true purpose of powders in the high end of medium burn rate powders. Choose these powders for full power loads and heavier bullets to achieve factory and +P velocities without exceeding max pressures.

How was the performance in your J-Frame?

Smiles,

Lots of medium burn rate powders do well in the 38 special case
with heavy loads , over the slower burning powders.

Lots of loaders do not try a "Push" these powders for fear of high pressures
but with a chrony, I can get the fps and compare it to what a full load does, with other powders.

PP and CFE are kissing cousins like Univeral and Unique, you just need to know how much your weapon can swallow.

I have yet to buy PP, with all the powders that I have but some people really like it for 38 +P loads.

Have fun.

...scrap the AA5...too much unburned powder and my 5.6 grs Power Pistol with 158 gr SWC/SWCHP is more accurate with a “bark” and velocity similar to Remington’s 38 Spl +P 158 gr LHP.

...but all this experimenting is fun...I worked hard enough for the free time!

And the fact that Power Pistol barks loud and gives people the feeling that they are at max while there is still room for more.That's where a chrono is very useful.

Power pistol is by far my favorite, so much so I grabbed 4lbs of it recently.... I like it alot

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This is the way....

Power Pistol is my general go-to for non-magnum pistol loads. Blue Dot is up there, too.

Yes, chronographing is key...my 5.6 grs 158 gr SWC 38 Spl +P Power Pistol load chronographs statistically similar to Remington’s FBI load.

Power pistol has proven almost universally accurate in a wide range of revolver cartridges for me. Good 25 yard bench rested groups especially in 44 special and cast 150 grain 357 magnums. Often midrange loads perform great with pp.

Generally speaking, with any powder, the closer it is to its maximum charge, the more uniformly it ignites. This will lead to more consistent velocities and less unburned powder residue.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Power Pistol is Awesome in 10 MM Auto loads

Never cared for PP, the blast is just ridiculous. I bought a # of be86, supposed to be pp without all the blast. For most medium burn rate uses, I like WSF or Ramshot Sil.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I have used power pistol for many years and do not notice increased blast? I mostly use hearing protectors but occasionally use it on the farms without protection.

I have never tried Power Pistol so I can't say whether it's great or not . I did buy a couple of pounds of BE-86 and liked it . But ---- for me WSF is my most common used powder . When I couldn't get Unique for 7 yrs I went looking and found WSF and never looked back . Regards Paul

Never tried PP, but from what I have read, it possesses no advantages over any of the other faster handgun/shotgun propellants.

AA#5 is undisputed as the best propellant for maximum performance in the .38 Super, and that is the only one I use in that caliber.

They say that P Pistol ~ BE-86 & Sil. are very close to one another............

as well as Universal ~ WSF & Unique.

I have BE-86, Universal and Unique but have yet to buy the others.

I generally don't load full loads any more, so any powder that goes "Bang" will make this camper happy.

On a different note;
I did load some "Fac Dup" 115 FMJ, 124 JHP and 147 PRN to see how they did in a family members new M&P 9 Shield on 6/30/2020.
She was also a happy camper finally "Breaking the ice" on her first shots with the pistol.
All ejected and lots of holes in the targets.

Then you are already near deaf or dont shoot a lot, but inside or near a hard surface, blast is fierce, even in modest 9mm loads. Yes I wear good hearing pro.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Ok I'll dispute that aa#5 is the best choice for max loads in 38super. I would think aa#7 would give you higher vel with lower pressures.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

When I was working up a 9x19 NATO load using 124 grain FMJ bullets, I first tried the recommended AA#5. It worked pretty well, but seemed to be right at max pressure. AA#7 got me the same velocity, but with less pressure signs. AA#7 worked better than AA#5 for my 147 grain loads.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA