Are Winchester WST and W231 Same?

[Wildcat66]

Looking at backordering some pistol powder.

Want to give Winchester powder a try and lots of guys are using WST as the name of this powder.

Site I am backordering from is listing it as W231.

I think they are the same but just want to make sure.
No returns on gunpowder !!

Nick
West Virginia

 

[Yorkie Man]

They are not the same powder, however Hodgon's HP38 is the same as 231. What are you going to load with this powder?

Mike

 

[OKFC05]

Not the same.
Winchester Shotgun Powders

WST is more like the old 452AA shotgun powder.

 

[OKFC05]

NOT THE SAME

 

[Moonman]

W231 and WST ARE NOT the same.

W231 IS A GOOD Powder.

WST is a good Powder too.

HP38 and W231 ARE THE SAME powder.

 

[505Gibbs]

Winchester Super Trap has uses in revolvers and some pistol applications - I believe the 45 ACP is one of them but , as noted, they are not the same.

 

[Harrison]

W231 and WST are definitely not the same powder. Both are favorites for cast bullet loads in 45acp and both are useful in 38spec and 9mm. 231 is probably more flexible than WST. WST tends to be slightly cleaner burning than 231.

 

[flintsghost]

Not the same.
Winchester Shotgun Powders

WST is more like the old 452AA shotgun powder.

It is not exactly like 452AA which I still have a small stock of for special use.

 

[retired_diver]

like the others stated, NOT the same. WST lists in the burn rate table @#18, w231 @29th.

 

[125JHP]

Like others said, WST is a faster powder than W231.
Since you seem new to this game, get the 231, There are many many more published loads for it.
You won't find much for WST as Winchester pulled the listings long ago but they are still around in the older data.

 

[webfarmer]

I like WST for .45 ACP with 230 grain FMJ bullets. Good stuff! Actually switched from 231 to WST as it is cleaner burning. Both are stellar in my book though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No, not the same but HP-38 is identical to W231 so if you find that powder you will have what you want... I always buy the one that cost the least at the time.

*EDIT*
Duplicate thread that should be combined I guess...
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/349960-winchester-wst-w231-same.html

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No, W231 and WST are not the same but HP-38 is identical to W231 so if you find that powder you will have what you want...

 

[Wildcat66]

Thanks for the reply's guys.

The internet and forums like these are so helpful that I tend to access them before my reloading manuals. Which to be honest I could have easily done.

I reload for 38 spl, 357 mag, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP.

Have used Bullseye and Unique for longer than I can remember and would like to add another powder to my inventory.

Moved back to the mountains of West Virginia and got interested in shooting rifles more than handguns. Now I'm setting the rifles aside and getting back into handguns.

All of my reloads are with cast bullets.

Thanks again.

Nick

 

[JackM]

One other thing, if you are looking for lighter target loads, don't go below published data with 231. If you do you'll get erratic results and a lot of unburned powder left behind. Some of Bullseye's reputation for being a dirty powder can be traced to target shooters trying to load it down in an effort to reduce recoil. For me, loading 45 ACP with cast bullets, WST is the best. Next best would be Bullseye, and after that, 231. All very good choices.

 

[Wildcat66]

One other thing, if you are looking for lighter target loads, don't go below published data with 231. If you do you'll get erratic results and a lot of unburned powder left behind. Some of Bullseye's reputation for being a dirty powder can be traced to target shooters trying to load it down in an effort to reduce recoil. For me, loading 45 ACP with cast bullets, WST is the best. Next best would be Bullseye, and after that, 231. All very good choices.

Thanks Jack.
All of my handgun shooting is in the mild to moderate category.
Appreciate the input.....Nick

 

[H Richard]

231 has been my "Go To" powder for over 20 years. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to get, like 22 RF and other ammo supplies. Most handgun powder has been having shortage lately as the people hoarding ammo have caused more to reload and there goes the availability of pistol powder. Any time I get below a couple lbs and I see it I pick up a couple lbs.

 

[Wildcat66]

231 has been my "Go To" powder for over 20 years. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to get, like 22 RF and other ammo supplies. Most handgun powder has been having shortage lately as the people hoarding ammo have caused more to reload and there goes the availability of pistol powder. Any time I get below a couple lbs and I see it I pick up a couple lbs.

That's where I am now with my supply. Have never hoarded. Just bought what I needed over the years as I needed it. Called a local outdoor store yesterday and was placed on their waiting list for a few cans of powder.
Nick