Accurate # 2

BC38

BC38

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I already tried a search, and of course just about every thread in this forum has one or more posts with the word "accurate" - so that was no help...

So, who has used Accurate #2 for pistol loads and how did it work for you? I load .380, 9mm, 38 special, and .357 (rifle and carbine). I found a couple of pounds at a really good price and was thinking about getting it if it works well for the calibers I reload...

Also, how does it compare to HS-6?
 
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I really like the Accurate powders.....

I just wish I could find some. But just judging by the burn chart #5 is close to HS-6 while #2 is faster being closer to PB and HP-38. Acc #2 is faster than Unique, but slower than Green Dot.

There is some general info on their website.
 
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rwsmith said:
I just wish I could find some. But just judging by the burn chart #5 is close to HS-6 while #2 is faster being closer to PB and HP-38. Acc #2 is somewhat slower than Unique, but faster than Green Dot.

There is some general info on their website.
Click to expand...
I already have nearly 3 lbs Unique, 3 lbs Bullseye, 2 lbs Power Pistol, and almost 1 lb of Universal Clays.

I was just wondering if it would be worth getting the #2 - because is is priced at $17 a pound, which sounds like a bargain to me. The HS-6 is only $21 a pound, which sounds almost as good.

So if the #2 is slower than Unique, and HS-6 is even slower still, I'm thinking neither one is probably as good for the calibers I'm loading as what I already have. Right?
 
I've been reloading Accurate Arms powder since it came out in the 1990's because it was cheaper. I've loaded AA #2 in 9 MM, 38 spl, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. It is too fast for 357 mag and 44 mag but data is listed.

Load Data « Accurate Powders link to web site for load data. The .pdf file can be saved to your computer or you can print just the pages you want.
 
If you take the time to download some Burn Rate charts you'll find that person posting that #2 was slower than Unique probably was thinking about Bullseye, because Unique is actually SLOWER than #5. It is best to ALWAYS confirm anything you read on the Net.

Personally, I've never use #2. However I have used a lot of #5, #7, and #9 and think that the Accurate Handgun powders are marvelous. They meter wonderfully, shoot cleanly in an appropriate load, and make for accurate handgun ammunition. The only negative is that for the past 3 years they have been quite difficult to find.

Now for uses for #2. As stated, I haven't ever used it due to it being a bit "fast" for the calibers I load. However for 380 or 9mm Accurate #2 should proved to be an excellent choice. For 38 special with lead or lighter jacketed/plated bullets it should also be quite good. However, it's "fast" enough that used with 158 grain bullets should probably be limited to lead bullets and your loads will basically be "Cowboy" loads. I would not use it for any Magnum loads, it's just too fast. For than you'll want #5, #7, and #9.
 
I mainly use AA#2 for target loads in 9mil (115 SWC Penn) out to 25 yds. I also have a recipe for 38 special wadcutters using AA#2 should I be low in my other powders.
 
I love AA#2. Works great in all light plinking loads.. Meters like water.. And is very clean burning IMO. Not so good for full power .357's.

Buy as much as you can.. accurate powders are the hardest to find in my area.
 
Like Engineer1911, I've been loading Accurate #2 since the 90's in 9 MM and 380 Auto. I don't remember ever loading 38 Special with it, but it should also work there too. It is a fine grained spherical powder that meters extremely well and burns cleanly. And at $17 a pound, jump on it; that is a great deal.

I find it makes for good mid-powdered 9 MM rounds and I use it as my go-to powder for 380 Auto.

As for burn rate, Accurate themselves shows it being pretty fast. If you look at their burn rate chart on their website, it is rated in the same range as Red Dot and Titegroup and a little slower than 231 and 700-X.
 
I've used Accurate #2 for years in 9mm and 45acp primarily. The bulk of my reloads went into submachine guns. The fast burn rate assured reliable cycling. The clean burn was important when I would shoot 800-1000 (or more) rounds in a day without stopping to clean. As it became my main powder it also went into my 38 specials. I have to admit though, that I was not loading to max pressures so I can't report on barn burners. Clean, reliable and accurate were my concerns. My SMGs have all been replaced by revolvers... but I'm still using #2 in 38.
 
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Agree, Accurate #2 is great stuff. Locally, haven't seen it on the shelves since "the Panic". 17/lb is a screaming deal, if and when it's back I'd expect it to be around 30.
 
Referencing my power burn rate charts; Accurate No. 2 is slightly slower than Titegroup, way slower than Bullseye and way faster than Unique.

I've used No. 2 in 125 and 158 grain .38 Special, 115 and 124 grain 9mm, and 165 grain 10mm short (40 S&W) loads. Metered extremely well and shot well for me in these calibers.
 
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AA-2 is my standard 38 midrange bullseye powder and has been since I dropped Bullseye years ago. I chrono'd and Ransom tested for quite a while and settled on #2 - it's just that good Meters very consistently in my Star press's, burns very clean unlike Bullseye and my guns just love it. I obviously have a good stash of one batch a necessity for those who compete. The only other AA powder I rely heavily on and would hate to lose is 2015BR -- another story
 
It works well in 32 long, 32 H&R, 38 special, 9mm, 44 special, 45 acp and OK in 40 S&W but I prefer slower powders in that cartridge.
 
Sorry

scooter123 said:
If you take the time to download some Burn Rate charts you'll find that person posting that #2 was slower than Unique probably was thinking about Bullseye, because Unique is actually SLOWER than #5. It is best to ALWAYS confirm anything you read on the Net.
Click to expand...

Simple mistake. I was editing to try to make it more clear and in the process muddied it up.:confused:

Thanks for correcting it.

PS: I fixed it I think. Let me know if it isn't right and I'll just delete it.:)
 
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I've got a stock....

BC38 said:
I was just wondering if it would be worth getting the #2 - because is is priced at $17 a pound, which sounds like a bargain to me. The HS-6 is only $21 a pound, which sounds almost as good.
Click to expand...

I've got a stock of powder I hope lasts through this shortage thing, but if I saw any decent pistol powder at a halfway decent price, it'd be mine.:)
 
There is considerable data published for #2 loads. I used it for long time in reduced .44 Mag cowboy loads, it worked fine. Pretty much in the same class as 231/HP-38 and Clays.
 
DWalt said:
There is considerable data published for #2 loads. I used it for long time in reduced .44 Mag cowboy loads, it worked fine. Pretty much in the same class as 231/HP-38 and Clays.
Click to expand...

That is interesting as I wondered about this powder in some of the bigger cases. So use any filler? Mag or standard primers and I am guessing a stiff crimp ? Guessing it was accurate enough for your use or you wouldn't mention it. I need to do work on this

Thanks
 
I have some Penn 185 DBBWC that I am going to load for accuracy. Mr Palmero told me to use 200 loading data and after doing a little research and what I want this slug to do (poofer load for accuracy out to 25 yds using 44 special cases) I have settled on two powders…..Bullseye and AA#2.

my oldest reloading manual (Lyman #45) shows a 205 grain slug starting with 3.0 of B/E as being an accuracy load at under 600 FPS. I plan to start around 4 to 4.5 grains.

advertised starting AA#2 is 3.6 grs using a 190 gr WC at 735 FPS, however if my test shows considerable recoil comparable to the B/E load….I may reduce even lighter.

I use a RCBS powder measure and using B/E is not very smooth thrower compared to AA#2. I will start with AA#2!
 
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