Winchester Superhandicap A-A

[steveno]

has anybody used Winchester Superhandicap A-A in the 45 acp? I sent an e-mail to Hodgdon and haven't heard back from them. it seems that most shotgun powder usually work in the 45 acp but Hodgdon doesn't show any loads for it in the 45 acp. that usually means one of two things1) they haven't got around to testing it for the 45 acp or (2) it isn't suitable.

[Yorkie Man]

The only application I see that it is listed for is 12 ga target and light field loads. There were no handgun loads listed at all in Hodgon's data.

Mike

[steveno]

Cabela's in Kearney has about 10 cans of the stuff and they haven't had any Red Dot or Unique for a long time. I figured if there was some data for it , it would be a shame not to be using it

[Ivan the Butcher]

My experience is if it is only a light load powder, it is too fast. I like Tightwad, but there are no applications aside from 12 ga target type loads. Sorry. Ivan

[Nevada Ed]

That long range Sporting Clays powder never made it at our trap field for some odd reason. Alliant and Hodgdon powder usually out shot it, even though the guys that shot it said they liked it due to it was clean and had a light felt recoil for the fast 1 1/8oz loads they were pushing.

I did better with Green Dot or Unique for those longer shots.

WST might be a better powder if you can find it........ay least there is data for this powder.

Good luck.

[alwslate]

Originally Posted by Ivan the Butcher

My experience is if it is only a light load powder, it is too fast. I like Tightwad, but there are no applications aside from 12 ga target type loads. Sorry. Ivan

The fast burning powders used in light shotgun loads are
useful in light handgun loads but naturally the data must
be developed. Hodgdon has started to publish data for
handgun loads with Titewad. They started with .45 acp and
have added some 9mm. By doing a bit of reading on the net
it is apparent that some handloaders who feel comfortable
in doing so have worked up their own loads with the fast
powders by starting low and the help of a chronograph.

[Nevada Ed]

+1 with the help of a chrony !!

Even though the powders might be "Close" in their burn rate........
You have no way of knowing what chemicals have been mixed in with the powder for its burn rate, flash ability and energy.

the same amount of powder in a case of a light charge and a load in a case with a maximum charge could have a pressure change "Reversal" per powders. You might end up with a night & day condition..........

The main problem with doing loads without data is......
a "Squib" or even damage to the shooter or gun if a major mistake is made.

[OKFC05]

A problem with working without pressure measurements near the pressure limits of a fast powder is that the speed/pressure relationship is non-linear, and you can get 50% more pressure with 10% more powder without realizing it. KABBOM!!

There are some people shooting experimental proof loads here in Oklahoma, and "hasn't blown up yet!"

[alwslate]

Originally Posted by OKFC05

A problem with working without pressure measurements near the pressure limits of a fast powder is that the speed/pressure relationship is non-linear, and you can get 50% more pressure with 10% more powder without realizing it. KABBOM!!

There are some people shooting experimental proof loads here in Oklahoma, and "hasn't blown up yet!"

As I said the people who are doing this are working within
their own comfort zone and are looking for economical lead
bullet target and plinking loads. Pressure limits, KABOOMS
and experimental proof loads are not part of the equation.
Small charges of fast burning powders like Bullseye have
always been the prefered choice. With so many powders
available today and the current shortage of the most
popular ones it is only natural for handloaders to look at
available powders that are no doubt suitable but thus
far are short on data. Some people are comfortable doing
this, others aren't. After all, that's what gun writers do.
Who would read handloading articles that consisted of
nothing but loads copied directly from loading manuals?
Companies don't release new powders for the market
that are unstable and dangerous to use. There's too much
paranoia about this. But the point of all this is do what
YOU personally are comfortable with and relax and let
others do the same.

[OKFC05]

But the point of all this is do what
YOU personally are comfortable with and relax and let
others do the same.

We certainly wouldn't want to inhibit creativity beyond required safety considerations, so I'll just post the Hodgdon statement:

Shotshell Powder Application in Pistol

December 16, 2013
One of the many benefits of reloading is setting the components and performance of handloaded ammunition based upon individual reloader preference. In many cases, a powder designed for use in shotgun reloading can be used with success in handloading some pistol ammunition.
As always, only data as shown in the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center (RDC) can be used. Hodgdon is aware that some of your favorite shotgun powders can work in pistol loads and data is shown in the RDC. Examples of shotgun powders that have pistol reloading data:

• Hodgdon Longshot™
• Hodgdon HS6™
• Hodgdon Clays™
• Hodgdon Universal Clays™
• Hodgdon 700-X
• Hodgdon PB
• Hodgdon 800-X
• Winchester® WST

These powders work best in:

• .38 Special
• .45 Auto
• 9mm Luger
• .40 S&W

AND HERE IS A LINK TO AN ARTICLE EXPLAINING THE NON-LINEARITY OF POWDER CONTAINMENT AND PRESSURE:
http://www.frfrogspad.com/intballi.htm