Opinions on the best general use pistol powder?

[Mark in GA]

Given the following criteria what would you guys say is the best general use pistol powder for standard/medium loads in the most common rounds(9mm, 38/357, 40 S&W, 44 Mag, and 45 ACP? It is a given that no one powder will do everything in all calibers.

1. Reasonable case fill to reduce the double charge risk.
2. Reasonable economy in many calibers (grs. per round).
3. Usable with jacketed, plated, and cast bullet loads.
4. Functions well through measures for progressive loaders.
5. Burns fairly cleanly.
6. Produces reasonable accuracy.

I have some thoughts, but was curious what others had experienced.

Thanks,
Mark in GA

 

[Rule3]

I pondered this same question myself and researched my manuals and what kind of shooting I do. I went high up on the Mountain and consulted with the wise one there also.

I bought 8lbs of HP 38 or W 231 works for everything for me. No it is not the barn burning magnum like H110 but I do not shoot those often.

Bullseye is another good one and I am sure others will have their favorites.

 

[ray45]

Unique....Unique...Unique... Throw in a little 2400 and you are good to go.

 

[novalty]

Other powder I see with a lot of mentioned uses a Unique and Clays or International Clays. Just getting into reloading myself, so not sure to validity of that.

 

[Mark in GA]

I was kind of thinking HP38/W231 myself. Unique has so many applications and I like its bulk, I just wish it metered better. Universal is similiar, but it seems that most folks can't quite get the accuracy like Unique or 231.

Mark in GA

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I bet no one says Unique!

Actually, with those cartridges (and adding 44SP, 45Colt, 10mm... and probably a few others) I can't seem to get along with out at least WSF, WW296 and more recently Power Pistol.

I still keep Blue Dot and 2400 around for a few things though. Old habits just die hard.

And yeah, I still have Unique too...it really is a good all purpose powder if for no other reason that soooooo much load data is out there for using it!

 

[jubela#4]

I use Unique for standard/medium loads with cast bullets in 41,44 and 45 Colt with great results. I load the 41 and 44 in magnum cases and it works well as it is kind of a bulky powder.
2400 is a great powder for 357 as well.

Bullseye is what I use for 45 ACP. I load on a Dillon Square Deal and have had no metering issues at all.

 

[Rule3]

I was kind of thinking HP38/W231 myself. Unique has so many applications and I like its bulk, I just wish it metered better. Universal is similiar, but it seems that most folks can't quite get the accuracy like Unique or 231.

Mark in GA

Unique is fine but I agree that it does not meter as well but I only have the low rent Red equipment

I have been trying out the Win Auto Comp. It meters great but I really do not see much difference between it and HP 38 . Plus it requires a little more per load so will not be as cost effective.
I am finding i use more and more Bullseye lately

But again, if I could only have one pistol powder it would be the HP 38/W 231.
.

 

[max]

I could do 99% of my loadings with Unique or 231. As it is, I use 231 for 9mm, 38sp and 45acp. I use Unique for 41, 44 and 45 Colt. However, I could go either way if need be.

 

[Snowbandit]

I've used Unique for everything from 380 Auto to 44 Magnum. It's one powder that truly does everything reasonably well.

 

[Hansli]

Red Dot's cheaper cousin Promo. Loads by weight (not volume) as Red Dot in .38, lower velocity .357, 9mm, 45 auto, 45 Colt and 12 gauge. I have other stuff on hand but at $80/8# it is my go to for everyday loads.

 

[gregintenn]

1. Reasonable case fill to reduce the double charge risk.
2. Reasonable economy in many calibers (grs. per round).

You're sort of condricting yourself here. Bullseye would be about as economical as any, but to fill up a case, you'll need to use more powder. I've used a lot of Unique, and am currently using a lot of Bullseye.

 

[66TAS]

Trailboss meets all your requirements also. I like it, Unique, 231/HP38, Bullseye, Clays, Universal Clays. Although, Clays usually requires a small charge and could easily be double charged. Trailboss is virtually impossible to double charge and is good for lower powered target type loads.

 

[Erich]

Unique was my first powder, and I send blessings back on the old guys who recommended it to me 25 years ago or so. My brother is just getting into reloading (wanting a powder for .38/.357 and 9x19): last week I told him Unique would be the stand-by answer, but that Power Pistol might be the better answer (meters better and is cleaner-burning than Unique but certainly is flashier - other than that, they're both wünderpowders) for a beginner. I told him that he'd do fine with either and that I'd never choose to be without either powder - I use them all the time in a variety of handgun calibers.

So . . . that's my answer.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Unique.

Unique even gives the most powerful and safe handload for the .25 ACP. I would have thought Bulls-Eye would have covered that chore, but nope, its Unique.

And, while not the premium powder for use in .44 Magnum, Unique can place .44 bullets firmly into the Magnum category and do it accurately.

For full power loads in the "ACP" cartridges (.25, .32, .380, .45) and the 9mm, Unique has been tops for me.

Unique is really fine for stoking up cast lead 158 grain bullets into the "+P" category in the .38 Special without a lot of fuss or high pressure signs.

Unique's metering qualities never bothered me for a moment because I love its goodness and see its sterling worth.

The only thing that Unique doesn't do well in my view is operate at minimum charge weights and pressures. It'll kick the bullet out the end of the barrel but is sooty and complains about it by showing high velocity variations over a chronograph.

I enjoy regular use of other powders and love experimenting with powders unfamiliar to me but it is nice to have an old faithful propellant to reach for when one wishes to just kick back and be comfortable and confident in the results.

 

[Beemer-mark]

Unique is fine but I agree that it does not meter as well.

A number of people have stated Unique does not meter well. They have me worried. I use Unique in a RCBS powder measure for 38/357/45 colt and some rifle cartridges and have never had a problem. Never have to make an adjustment once set, and I check every 10 throws.

I use a Dillion Square D for 45 acp and I never check after the inital setting. Haven't had anything blow up yet but should I be worried?

 

[gregintenn]

Unique always metered fine for me.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Unique.
Unique's metering qualities never bothered me for a moment because I love its goodness and see its sterling worth.

Actually, it meters pretty well through Bryan's pepper shaker. I KNOW he uses it on his Post Toasties! That's how much he likes it!

Been loading for quite a while, used Bullseye from the start. Never got involved in the Unique fad, until lately. I am using it exclusively in my light to medium 45 Colt loads. That is the only place I found a use for it. Just me though.


I have started several folks reloading. I almost always ask the calibers they are going to load. If they are all straight walled pistol cases, HP-38/W231 gets the nod. Even the high pressure 40S&W. I tell them to make sure they use lighter bullets or not hotrod heavier ones if they are shooting through an unsupported chamber.

I have found in life that there is no "one size fits all", reloading is no exception.

For handguns, 3 powders would be my suggestion. Bullseye for those super light target loads, HP-38/W231 or SR4756 for those heavy standard to +P type of loads and 2400, AA#9, H110/W296 for those truly magnum babies. I do use Lil' Gun in the 44Mag, just not in handguns.


If you choose three powders in the burn rates mentioned above, you will be good to go for a long time.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Given the OP's parameter's, in my opinion it would have to be 231.

As far as what is the best single all around powder for handguns would be there's only one choice when all is said and done- UNIQUE!

I was slow to switch over to any other powder other than H-110/296 early in my loading career, since I wanted to shoot full power loads only, and my first few handguns were .44 mags.

Once I bought my first .45 auto a few years later though, I needed something better suited to that caliber. Back then there were no where near as many wonder powders as there are today, and Unique was always at the top of everyone's recommendations for the .45. I bought a pound to try, and have never looked back. I'd sure like to have back all the Unique I've burned up over the years. I wouldn't need to buy another pound of powder for the rest of my life. It's just that good! I can use it efficiently and effectively in everything from my .38's to my .475 Linebaugh.

bmcgilvray pretty much nailed why with his post IMO.

 

[Marksman]

I have tried most of the powders mentioned in this thread, having been a handloader for over 35 yrs.. My two powders that I have used for the past 10 yrs. or so are Bullseye and Unique. Unique has been around for more than 100 yrs. and has stood the test of time. It has been used by nearly all the handlaoders and shooters of note over that period of time. I have tried HP-38 and liked it, I found it to be slightly more accurate than its ballistic twin W231 in my guns. For heavy .44 Magnum loads which I seldom shoot anymore, I use 2400 with lead bullets and W296 with jacketed.