New reloader looking for powder

[zgoettsc]

Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a Dillon Square Deal B and all the other items that go along with loading. I have purchased 2 books and read them both. I plan on reloading .45acp only. Can anyone give me advice on what powder I can use? It seems like I cant find the powders listed in the books anywhere! Are there any powders available that are less commonly used that could give me safe and reliable .45 ammo?

Thanks in advance.

[rwsmith]

These days you may have to buy what works rather than what you want.

Using your reloading manuals, make a list of powders that will work, with the most preferable first. If you see something that will work, buy it. While you are using that continue to shop for the powder best suited to your needs.

I'm not trying to sound glib at all. Powder is scarce and you have to use what you can find.

[J. R. WEEMS]

You folks that do not note what state you live in, at least, make it hard to answer your questions-- I see this a LOT here. Why? I cannot say--

[PPCSHOOTER]

YOU DIDN'T SAY WHAT TYPE OF SHOOTING WITH WHAT BULLET WEIGHT YOU ARE PLANNING ON USING. SO I'LL TRY TO GIVE AN OVERALL USE POWDER.

WINCHESTER WST CAN BE USED FOR ALL BULLET WEIGHTS ACROSS THE BOARD. FROM LIGHT TARGET LOADS TO JHP AND HARDBALL FMJ LOADS. NOW WST DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE HIGHEST APEX OF VELOCITY, BUT ITS JUST FINE FOR ABOUT EVERYTHING.

HODGDON CLAYS IS ALSO VERY GOOD.

MANY SHOOTERS USE BULLSEYE, UNIQUE, WIN 231 WHICH WERE GREAT IN THERE DAY. BUT THE NEWER POWDERS SUCH AS WST AND CLAYS BURN CLEANER.
JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION. BUT I HAVE SHOT A BIT AND WON A BUNCH OF STUFF. JIM P

[colt22man]

I'd love to give you advice, but I can't even find powder right now. Keep looking for powder. When you find a powder on your list, buy it. Just as bad as .22rf ammo last yr. I've got my small reserves but I can't find powder anywhere. Nowhere. :-( How do I make a devil's face? I want to make one right now. :-(

[Spectre_USA]

I use Alliant's Unique for all my pistol powder uses, 9mm, .38 SPL, and .45 ACP.

Different loads for different bullet weights, but all one powder which seems
quite obtainable in the State of Washington.

I just wish I could find a good load for it in my newly (today) acquired M&P 15
in .223...

[zgoettsc]

Originally Posted by zgoettsc

Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a Dillon Square Deal B and all the other items that go along with loading. I have purchased 2 books and read them both. I plan on reloading .45acp only. Can anyone give me advice on what powder I can use? It seems like I cant find the powders listed in the books anywhere! Are there any powders available that are less commonly used that could give me safe and reliable .45 ammo?

Thanks in advance.

I appologize to any posters. I should have included the important stuff.

I live in Iowa City, IA.
Plan on reloading .45acp.
I have 230gr RN lead available.
Also have some Berry 185gr HBRN plated available.

Havent bought primers or powder yet, but have Remmington cases with the large primer pocket.

I called a shop about an hour down the road and they had accurate no.7 and no. 9 in stock. Havent found these powders in the books so I'm not sure if they will work?

[Murphy's Law]

I hate to say it but there's always GB if you're willing to pay the addition cost. A 1 lb can make quit a bit of ammo with powders like TG and many of those already mentioned.

[zgoettsc]

Originally Posted by Murphy's Law

I hate to say it but there's always GB if you're willing to pay the addition cost. A 1 lb can make quit a bit of ammo with powders like TG and many of those already mentioned.

Can use explain the GB and TG? New guy here

Thanks

[36general]

GB = gun broker
TG = titegroup, type of powder

As stated above you will have to work with what you can find... I'm in ohio and have been lucky finding powder at my local gun shops. I try and stock up on whatever I can, when I can.

[Just another 22 shooter]

Originally Posted by zgoettsc

I appologize to any posters. I should have included the important stuff.

I live in Iowa City, IA.
Plan on reloading .45acp.
I have 230gr RN lead available.
Also have some Berry 185gr HBRN plated available.

Havent bought primers or powder yet, but have Remmington cases with the large primer pocket.

I called a shop about an hour down the road and they had accurate no.7 and no. 9 in stock. Havent found these powders in the books so I'm not sure if they will work?

If you happen to travel out to Omaha,( I know; long ways away.) Guns Unlimited has had a pretty good stock of powder and primers the last two times I have been in. I figure you already have, but keep checking Scheels, also. Give Brownells a call. A road trip to Montezuma wouldn't be too bad.

[bhbaxter]

Zgoettsc, I've been loading 45acp for about 35yrs now and have had good luck with many powders. If you will look up Hodgdons burn rate chart on google and use any of the powders listed between # 8 and # 32 you can work up a good load till the powder you really want becomes available. If you need any more help let us know. Welcome to the Forum. Dave

[gm272gs]

POWDER CHOICES FOR .45ACP:
Accurate Solo 1000
Alliant American Select
Alliant Bullseye
Alliant Unique
Hodgdon HP-38
Hodgdon Tite Group
Hodgdon Universal
Ramshot Zip
Winchester 231

I personally look for Bullseye, Tite Group, and Unique (in that order of importance) but I typically only load 200grain Lead Semi Wadcutters for the range.

[Twoboxer]

Originally Posted by zgoettsc

. . . I called a shop about an hour down the road and they had accurate no.7 and no. 9 in stock. Havent found these powders in the books so I'm not sure if they will work?

Look here:

Accurate Powder Data

Accurate 7 Page 14
10.8-12.7gr for the 185s
8.6-10.1gr for the 230s, perhaps a bit more if FMJ.

It's a lot of powder compared to 5.2gr of HP38, but go grab some and get started lol.

[scooter123]

Accurate #7 can work for 45 ACP but it will be a bit dirty and a bit flashy. It's a slower burning powder most suitable for use in a 357 Magnum with bullets ranging between 140 and 180 grains. In the 45 ACP Lee lists a starting load of 11.3 grains and a maximum of 13.0 grains with a jacketed bullet and that data should work with your 185 grain plated bullets. Now, note the charge weight, a 12.0 grain load will only 583 loads.

If you can find some Accurate #5 you'll have a powder that is much better suited to the 45 ACP and a lot more economical. AA #5 is a bit faster burning than #7 and legend has it that #5 was developed specifically for the 45 ACP. My pet load featuring #5 is 10.0 grains with a 185 grain Hornady XTP. In that application I get a 1050 fps. muzzle velocity and a clean shooting low flash load.

Now, for finding powder.

One continuing resource for me has been a local gun show that comes around once a month. There are usually between 1 and 4 dealers at this show who specialize in selling reloading supplies. Since the first of the year I've obtained 3 lbs. of AA #5, 4 lbs. of Longshot, 2 lbs. of H110, and 2 lbs. of IMR 4064 Rifle powder.

Second resource is the reloading components thread in this sub forum. You'll see powders posted there whenever one of us sees some for sale. BTW, you'll find handgun powders will typically sell out in 1/2 hour or less so you need to act quickly.

Third resource is GunBot 17hmr rimfire ammo There you will find various categories for items you can search for. Again, any handgun powder listed for sale will sell out fast, so act quickly.

Final resource can be local dealers who specialize in reloading supplies. That is why it is so critical to know your location. Check back and you may find someone has posted that you need to check at a particular dealer.

You'll also want to have an Alternates list either in your possession or memorized. Powders that I know will work for 45 ACP are Accurate #2, #5, and #7. Also Hodgdon Longshot, HS-6, Titegroup, & HP-38, Vihtavourin 3N37, N330, & N340, Ramshot Silhouette, ZIP, & True Blue, IMR SR4756 & SR7625, Alliant Unique, Power Pistol, & Bullseye, and likely many others I haven't thought of. Fact is there are a lot of powders you can use.

PS; My primary choices for 45 ACP are Accurate #5 and IMR SR7625. Both powders meter superbly with AA #5 my choice for hot SD practice loads and SR7625 being my choice for mild shooting range loads. Secondary choices are Vihtavouri 3N37, Longshot, and Unique. BTW, both Unique and Longshot don't meter very well so when using either of these powders every single thrown charge gets run across a scale.

[MyDads38]

No one has mentioned it yet, so I will. I picked up some Alliant Red Dot and am working up loads for 45acp, 9mm and 38 Special. The test loads I've tried in the 45 have done very well and I have been impressed so far with loads ranging from 185 & 200 gr. SWC and 200 & 230 LRN. I only shoot cast bullets and don't load to max, so Red Dot is filling the space right now for the Bullseye I can't find! Good Luck...

[rwsmith]

IF you can find powder on the web, plan to buy enough of it to justify the $30 hazmat fee.

[Jboutfishn]

"Third resource is GunBot 17hmr rimfire ammo There you will find various categories for items you can search for. Again, any handgun powder listed for sale will sell out fast, so act quickly".

There was some Win 231 listed this morning. Was sold out in 1 minute. This was the first 231 I have seen in over 6 months. I prefer ball powders because they meter so well.

[Harrison]

In addition to those previously mentioned. Green Dot and especially Red Dot both work well in 45acp, any bullet weight. Both have been used in 45acp for many years. Loading data is easy enough to find for either one.

[ArchAngelCD]

The 45 auto is a low pressure round and can be loaded with A LOT of different powders. Many will deliver clean and accurate ammo.

My favorite powder for the 45 Auto is W231/HP-38 followed by Ramshot Zip.

Some of the others are:
AutoComp, WST, Clays, Titegroup, Universal, 700X, PB, SR 7625, Red Dot, Green Dot, Promo, Unique, Bullseye, AA#2 and AA#5. There are probably a few more I didn't think of but I would not go much slower than the powders I listed.

Like I said, W231/HP-38 followed by Zip would be my first choices followed by AA#5 which was developed around the 45 Auto. (but all I listed will work)

[jsfricks]

I watched Gunbot.com for about a week closely and finally Powder Valley got some Unique and Bulleye in. You have to order fast or it's gone! You have to buy enough to offset the hazmat fee of $28 too. I bought 4 pounds of each and sold two pounds on a local forum to help on money spent. With the other powder I had and this 6 pounds I should be good for a long while. Keep an eye on Gunbot.com!

[Krell1]

Somebody already mentioned Red Dot. Alliant Promo can also be used. Both are shotgun powders. If you find promo you probably won't find any specific loading data on it. I load it at the same weight as Red Dot. Currently loading 4 grains for my .45ACP with a 200 grain bullet and 2.6 grains for my .38SP with a 148 grain wadcutter. Both work well but somewhat dirty. BUT, we all clean our guns regularly anyway so.....
Also, go to gunbot.net and you'll find pretty up to date lists of all components and sources. Keep a list of what you want and check daily.

[J. R. WEEMS]

Originally Posted by zgoettsc

I appologize to any posters. I should have included the important stuff.

I live in Iowa City, IA.
Plan on reloading .45acp.
I have 230gr RN lead available.
Also have some Berry 185gr HBRN plated available.

Havent bought primers or powder yet, but have Remmington cases with the large primer pocket.

I called a shop about an hour down the road and they had accurate no.7 and no. 9 in stock. Havent found these powders in the books so I'm not sure if they will work?

You might buy an Accurate book. I have one I would let you have for 30.00 shipped. I bought it when I was toying with the idea of loading some 10MM mag, but never did so. Just a thought--
I use WINCHESTER primers, in all cases-- and Win 231 powder, and am toying with using some Red Dot. Unique is held in reserve as a last resort.

[johngalt]

Just about any fast to medium speed powder will work. Very slow powders normally used for magnum rounds would not be a good choice. Most fast to medium speed shotgun powders will work also. There are a few exception - International Clays should probably be avoided. I've read Alliant e3 may not be a good choice.

IMHO AA #7 and #9 are probably too slow. Definitely #9 is too slow.

These days you probably can't be picky and take whats available.