In my 4" 686SSR I shoot Montana Gold 125 JHP. AA#5 powder is extremely accurate for me but way too dirty.
Which is cleaner 231 - VV N320 or AA #2 ??
Thanks!

I know W231 is clean but I never tried N320 so I can't say.

I'm wondering why AA#5 isn't burning clean for you with a jacketed bullet. AA#5 is usually a very clean powder. Are you running it with low pressure? Is your load a light load? If so if you bump the pressure up a bit your AA#5 load will clean right up. (like most powders will) AA#2 and AA#5 are very similar but of course AA#2 is faster. If your problem is a light load using AA#2 might help because it's a faster powder.

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SWCA #3437

Yes, you are correct - I'm loading at the bottom end, very light. I tried the aa#5 at the top end according to the manual and I found it still to be awfull dirty.
Thanks

I’ve found no problem with AA#5. It’s a clean burning powder even at lower pressures. I use it exclusively in my .38, .44 Special and .45ACP loads. Check the crimp on your .38’s and see if they are tight enough.

never thought of that - will check it out, thanks

in .38 I had better luck with #5 also, 231 wasn't bad but not near as clean as #5, I suppose with all the variables involved results will vary quite a bit.

All VV powders have been exceptionally clean for me, especially 3N37 which I use in 38 Super and 357 Mag. AA #2 has given me incomplete burn issues in 45 ACP and 38 Special, but I'm using the original IMI-made version from the early 90s, not the later Czech Lovex or the Belgian formulations.
So, for the 686, the VV might be the cleanest choice.

I have had good results with W231 for jacketed bullets with 38spl in any bullet weight. I trim my brass to the same length this allows me to apply a consistent heavy crimp on my loads without buckling the case.
I would guess AA#2 or vvn320 would great choices for the 38spl.
As for AA#5 in 38spl my best results have been with 158gr bullets at near maximum load, again I use a heavy crimp.

I have had good luck with the 231 being clean, but like the others said, check your crimp.

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Vaya con Dios

There was a thread here about clean burning powders in .38 Special a month or so ago. One of the forum members suggested Hodgon (Clay) powder. I sent the Hodgon factory 2 emails asking for their recommendation for a clean burning Hodgon powder, but never got a response from them.

Regards,

Dave

Thanks for all your responses. I will double check that crimp issue today and head to the range and report back. Just as soon as it quits raining.....

Without a doubt, my Clays loads in 38 Special are the cleanest load I have ever used.

Hodgdons has data for this load;

140 GR. HDY XTP, Hodgdon Clays, 3gr, 703fps, 13,400 CUP, 3.7gr, 869fps, 16,700 CUP
158 GR. CAST LSWC, Hodgdon Clays, 2.8gr, 812fps, 12,900 CUP, 3.1gr, 871fps, 15,100 CUP
158 RNFP, Hodgdon Clays, 2.8gr, 812fps (cowboy load)

My favorite is a lighter bullet (140 gr RNFP) and Clays;

38 Special, 140gr, Clays, 3.4 gr, 795fps

I second the CLAYS from Hodgon.
Quite clean.
dr4pat