Anyone use HP-38 in there handguns, I've never used it before but I just got 8#'s for $100. Couldn't pass it up.

Yes, I use quite a bit of it in the 38 Special and mid range 357 loads using 158 grain cast bullets. It is broadly similar to Winchester 231 and you should also get good performance in mid range 41, 44 loads. I also use it in the 45 ACP with good results.

There is a lot of load data for the powder so you should have no problems finding a recipe for your cartridge. 8 pounds will last you a long time.

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Keep your powder dry.

HP-38 and W231 aren't just similar. They are identical.

...I hope you kissed the person who "gave" it to you...one would be lucky to get a 8# jug for $400 these days...

231/HP38 can be used in most any handgun round from .25 ACP to the big Magnums. Any good loading manual will have loads for almost every caliber...

Bob

I just paid 240.00 plus tax for 8lbs in 1lb jugs. Shot some of the 45acp rounds today with it and love it.

It’s all I use for handgun ammo. Never a possibility of mixing powders.

HP-38 (AKA W231) is my primary powder for .38 Special, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Yeah, I kind of like it.

Oh and consider me envious that you got 8# for $100.00. Congratulations!

Use it in my 9mm and I love it !

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This is the way....

Keep your loads in mid-range or higher in the load data or it can get sooty. Other than that, good stuff. The only pistol powder I use.

You got a GREAT deal!

I never could get it to work as well as Bullseye or Green Dot but I have several pounds & I'm not getting tid of it!

Lots of people swear by it. I'm surprised you could even FIND such a popular powder.

There are a lot of people that would love to find that powder but
it seems to be hiding form a lot of us.

You got one heck of a deal on that eight pounds of powder.
Be glad that you have one of the great powders of all time, to work with.

Enjoy

It is an excellent and very versatile powder. YOu got a heck of a deal on it/.

Sounds like 1985 prices?

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Goal Life Member
Traveling Man

You hit the jackpot with that buy. I found an 8# jug online around 3 months ago, and it was up around $180. I felt lucky then. It's a great pick up. I use it a lot, and the more I use it, the more I like it for multiple calibers.

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What could possibly go wrong?

HP38/W231 is a great handgun powder. It works well in 9x19mm, 38 Special, 44 Special, and 45 ACP. It is also suitable for the 357-44 Magnum when making reduced power loads.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I was hoping to use it for .327 federal magnum as I have ran out of 800-X but I'm not finding any loading data. But have plenty of other calibers it will work for, as you guys have pointed out it seems to be a very versatile powder.

It's my go to for 148gr wadcutters.

It's not my favorite, but it's a decent powder for 9mm, 40s&w and 44 special if you're in a pinch.

Use 231 data. It’s the same powder.

I use it for 9mm, .380 and .38 spl. and 32-20 . Great powder!

I have seen proven loads listed for 231/HP38 in 32 H&R with 100 gr bullets. I haven’t personally done it yet, but I am very hopeful that I will be able to use slightly increased charges of it for my own 327s. Please keep us informed and I’ll do the same, or if you wish we can exchange PMs.

Meanwhile, anyone wants to load 9mm, 38 Spl, or 45 ACP, you are golden with a supply of this powder!

Froggie

8 lbs of HP-38 for that price in these drought conditions is crazy lucky. Great powder with broad application. Enjoy it!

$12.50 a pound ... that's one of those " Too Good To Pass Up " deals .
HP38 and W231 , two peas in a pod ...
I load several different handgun calibers , 32 acp to 41 mag/spcl all with lots of cast lead bullets . Lots of loading data available , during a previous powder shortage HP38 filled in for Bullseye , Red Dot and Unique , which disappeared for a while . Did a great job and I now keep a good supply on hand ... I Like It !!!
At $12.50 a pound I would Love It ! Good score .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Must have got that 8# jug from an Estate sale, as the price you paid is pre panic buying and pre pandemic buying by many years.

Not exactly. I was thinking the same thing until today. This is more a note to myself, so that hopefully I will remember it - When you get to 38 Special or above, yup, they are pert near indistinguishable, but in smaller calibers like 32 S&W Long at least in the Hornaday 2003 manual, what would be a normal load for one might be a ways above max for the other. I reckon it is that you are dealing with so many tenths of a grain, and that makes a difference. Example with a 90 lead SWC - 1.9 grains of HP-38 is at max, but 2.5 grains of Win 231 is at max. In other words 2.5 grains of HP-38 would be way, way, way above a maximum load.

Always learning something new in reloading. And, always double check your manuals - assume nothing.

nbedford, did you get those two charge suggestions for 32s from the same loading manual? I find there are some manuals that are way more conservative and others more "enthusiastic" with their listings. There is an awful lot of evidence out there that HP 38 and W 231 are literally the same powder from the same lots, sold in two different packages.

Froggie

I use HP 38 in 9mm loads. Works great for me.

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"Your other right........."