one powder to do it all?

[cracker57]

looking for one powder to load 45 ACP 230 grain 40 cal 165 grain and 9mm 115 grain. I also like to fill my cases over half so no way to double charge, I have good luck with winchester 231 for the 45 and the data for that powder for the 40c and the nine seems to catch my eye. Any other one does it all suggestions. with the way things get and nothing available every couple years I would like to stock up on just one powder.
Thanks

 

[wrkerr]

My thought process was similar to yours........back during Bill Clinton's 1st term! I needed a powder that would work for all my handgun calibers and .30 cal rifles with cast bullets and 12 gauge. I decided on Red Dot.

Since you only mentioned pistol calibers, Unique would be good also. Buy it in 8-lb kegs.

 

[ladder13]

Unique is aptly named.

 

[RWPBR]

Unique, Bullseye and Trail Boss are all very versatile.

 

[ACP230]

My vote goes to Unique.
Started loading with it in '79 and still using it.

 

[M29since14]

Of the older powders I've used, I particularly like HS6 in 9mm and .40SW. It works in .45 Auto, too, but I would call it "unnecessary." 231 might be hard to beat. There are some newer powders you might consider, like Power Pistol, but I have no experience with it so I can't comment. I'd say you could do worse than to keep plenty of 231 on hand.

 

[max]

I don't load for .40, but can do 9, 38 and 45 with either Unique or 231. Unique will fill the case better.

 

[MyDads38]

I always used Bullseye for all my target loads, until I couldn't find any. TiteGroup has served me well in 9 & 40 with plated bullets; haven't loaded any 45 with it yet. 231 has a good rep for the calibers you mentioned, and as mentioned above Red Dot would probably serve you well. I stick to the powders I'm comfortable with, and that's what I keep in supply. If I were loading more towards max, I might be tempted to try some of the newer powders.

 

[andy52]

AA#5 will load all the rounds you mentioned and more, I use it for all those plus .38spl and .357 mags. It's a ball powder and meters much better then Unique and its not nearly as dirty.

 

[Huskerguy]

I have used W 231in all these you listed with good results. It does fill the cases as you requested. I have also used Titegroup and works well but does not fill the cases as requested. I am starting to work on loads with CFE with good results in 9 and 45 thus far.

I am of the thought to work up loads for 2 -3 different powders in case one is discontinued or becomes hard to find.

I would also add I have used these powders in 38 special as well with good results.

 

[fredj338]

Tough to do better than unique imo, old school but works. BE86 might be a good choice too, just havent gotten around to it yet. I also like WSF but a bit less bulky than unique but almost identical in charge wt for vel/pressures. W231 comes up,short for full power 9 & 40. Something in the medium burn range, which w231 is just mot quite there.

 

[68Dave]

Unique or CFE pistol would fill the bill. I use both of those for 9 and 45.
David

 

[buckshotshorty]

Immediately UNIQUE comes to mind. It's my go to powder...I love it....I even brush my teeth with it!
It doesn't meter as well as some others in some powder measures, but my RCBS powder measure is consistent. It does fill a case nicely.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Unique.

It'll walk and talk. Good for what ails ya'. I can make great loads for most any handgun with a can of Unique.

It's so good that I even sprinkle it on my morning corn flakes.

 

[Turn4811]

45 ACP 230 grain 40 cal 165 grain and 9mm 115 grain?

I would look at CFEpistol, Universal, and possibly Blue Dot. I do not load 40 Cal but I do load 10mm and all 3 work in a 10mm, 45, and 9mm.

 

[AJ]

I tend to use Bullseye, Unique and 2400 for all my handgun needs.

 

[Dump1567]

I load all my handgun plinking ammo with Unique. This includes revolver & Semi-auto's.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

WINCHESTER 231 OR WSF. JP

 

[mikerjf]

I have the impression that Unique was designed as a "works for everything" powder. Myself, have used it for range loads (replacing Bullseye) and higher end loads (replacing Power Pistol).

Pretty much decided that I need to always keep a can of Unique around.

 

[max503]

I have more Unique than all my other handgun powders put together.

I also like the fact that Unique works for cast bullet rifle loads.