Accurate No.5

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shil

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Hi. Has anyone tried Accurate No.5 for .38 Special standard-pressure loads with a 158gr. cast semi-wadcutter? If so, how do you like it? I'm wanting to try something that meters better than Unique (I do like that powder, though), a bit faster-burning than Power Pistol, and slower than W231.
I also want to eat my cake and have it, too.:D
 
Few powders meter as well as AA-5. I shoot a lot of their stuff, and sometimes wonder why I don't use their powders for everything.
 
I have never used it for .38 but have used it for hundreds of mid range .357s (140gr @just over 1,000) and in high performance .45 ACP and 9mm.

Got 850 with a 230 FMJ and 1130 with a 124gr XTP respectively.
 
I use a LOT of AA#5 in my .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Most of my .38 Spl is loaded with either Unique or AA#2 simply because I have an 8 pound keg of each to draw from.
There is a great deal to enjoy about AA powders!
Randy
 
It has been a while since I used AA#5 in a 38 special, 2008 to be exact, but according to my records it did provide great accuracy. I have used AA#5 in quite a few different calibers, but mostly for mid-range (900 to 1000 fps) loads in .41 and .44 mag. One of the reasons I like this powder is the way it meters. I really should go back to it just for the consistency.
 
I have used AA#5 in replica Speer +P loads but usually use W31 for standard pressure .38's. If you're looking for something slower than W231 i see no reason why AA#5 won't do a good job for you.

I use mostly Hodgdon/Winchester/IMR powders because that's what is available where I live. To tell the truth I would gladly use AA handgun powders if they were available in my area.
 
I load 38 spl, 40, 44 spl, (very)light 44 mag, and 45 acp with AA#5. It's not perfect for everything but it works well enough for me. AND it meters like a dream.
 
I use AA#5 with Speer LSWCHP's. I use 6.2 grains. According to the Speer book this puts it at the bottom of their +p loads or the top of their regular loads. I like the way it shoots.
 
In the past I've used AA2, 5, 7 and 9. For 9mm, .45acp, 10mm and 44 Mag and probably .357.

Like the guy said above, don't know why I don't use it more often...it's been good to me over the years.

Some of my favorite 9mm and .45acp use AA5, I haven't tried it yet in .38 Special, however it is on the agenda.

They have a free online download for their data...very helpful.
 
Thanks for your input, Everyone. I'm going to try a pound, when I can find it. My local pusher has stopped carrying Accurate, for some reason.
 
shil said:
Thanks for your input, Everyone. I'm going to try a pound, when I can find it. My local pusher has stopped carrying Accurate, for some reason.
Click to expand...
Probably for the same reason they don't sell in my area. Not enough demand because not many people know anything about Accurate powders.
 
I have 38spl 158 cast loads using 5.8g of AA-5 clocking around 800 out of a 4" M-19 and 850 fps out of a 6" M-686. I think those are right at the max range of current AA published data, so best to work up from a lower start load.
 
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Looks like a group of us here in PA, I'm in the Allentown area, are all having difficulty finding dealers who stock the Accurate powders. That is the reason I moved on to other powders.
 
wantmoresmiths said:
Looks like a group of us here in PA, I'm in the Allentown area, are all having difficulty finding dealers who stock the Accurate powders. That is the reason I moved on to other powders.
Click to expand...
And the problem runs all the way up from Allentown to the Scranton area. The rifle powders are even harder to find than the pistol powders.
 
I've used 5.8gr AA#5 under a 158gr LSWC and 158gr LRN in .38 Special cases; it's a little stout for a 'standard pressure' .38, maybe more like a 'full pressure' .38 or a low-end .38+P. Nice and accurate, though.

I also like it in full power .44 Special and .45ACP loads.
 
To you guys in PA (Scranton/ Allentown), Shyda's in Lebanon carries all (pistol/rifle) Accurate powders. Not exactly around the corner from you, but still do-able. Excellent prices too.
 
aalmcc4 said:
To you guys in PA (Scranton/ Allentown), Shyda's in Lebanon carries all (pistol/rifle) Accurate powders. Not exactly around the corner from you, but still do-able. Excellent prices too.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I'll keep them in mind if I'm in the area...
 
AA5 is a very high bulk density powder, and works best in smaller capacity cases. It is a superb powder for .38 Super and 9X23 Winchester if you want to get the highest MV. I have no trouble in exceeding 1400 fps using 124 grain bullets in the 9X23.
 
Gander Mountain had some on sale awhile back, for $10.00/pound. I bought 4 lbs. Bought some $12.00/ pound 2015, too. I use it in .45 Acp and lead bullets. Amazing shot to shot velocity. 10 shots and the high to low spread was 7 fps! What more can you say, Great Powder.
 
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