I went to my local BPS store and they were out of HP38 but did have Titegroup. I started reloading with HP 38 and just stuck with it for
38, 357, and 45 Colt. I punch paper informally at mid-range loads; 158gr
bullets for 38/357 and 200 for 45Colt.

I see on the charts that Titegroup is a faster powder, but the recommended loads seem to produce velocities in the range as HP38. So I am thinking that I should just pick up a lb of Titegroup just in case HP 38 is unavailable for a while. Do any of you have experience with both powders and how they compare to one another? Thanks for any advice that you care to share.
Willyboy

I load both, initially trying Titegroup for the same reason as you.
I personally put NO stock in the general burn charts that show which powder is faster because I tried a lot of different loads with both, and it is best to use a chronograph and tested specific loads. In some loads, you can actually use MORE Titegroup safely to higher PF.

I have standardized on HP38 for .38 reloads and found lead bullets are more consistent with HP38. Titegroup seems less position sensitive, and will work in .38. Either one is plenty accurate for IDPA.

I have settled on Titegroup for 9mm and .40 S&W to meet USPSA minor and major, respectively. Over half the competitors in surveyed matches do the same. It is very consistent and meets power factor with boring reliability; not particularly temp sensitive.

I don't load .45 Colt anymore, and I use Titegroup in .45 ACP, with little to choose between it and HP38. One consideration for .45 Colt is that a double charge of Titegroup easily fits in the huge case.

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Science plus Art

I like WW231 for 38 Spl standard velocity loads...WW231 is same powder as HP38. Never tried Titegroup but many swear by its accuracy and consistency...Hodgdon has plenty of load data using Titegroup and 38 Spl. You’ll find some very good loads with Titegroup.

Have fun

there is no better powder for 9 and 38 than titegroup period.

Follow the manufacturers recommended load data and both perform will in most common cartridges and projectiles. I have used a "boat load" of both in pistol games and precision pistol. Your gun will tell you which powder/load it likes!

Smiles,

I haven't been using Titegroup very long but it quickly became one of my favorites. I like it much better than HP-38.

TG is a very low-volume powder and due diligence is needed to prevent an overload. I use HP-38 in all my handgun range loads and a double load would overflow in all of them. Performance wise, it's shooter's opinion.

Titegroup is very close to Bullseye on the burn chart and in density.

HP-38 is very close to Unique in burn rate and is almost as bulky. Flows better, though.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Thanks all for the input. It sounds like I can’t go wrong if I do decide to
buy the Titegroup. Willyboy

I disagree a little..........
I find w231 powder on par with Green Dot in amounts and fps............
w231 can't match unique in fps.

That is accurate. Here are some pointers as to the reasons why:

-Meters the best = accuracy
-Insensitive to position in the case = suitable for light loads in relatively empty cases and achieve tremendous accuracy still
-Inexpensive

I do not know any other powder which can do all of this.

If you like to shoot lots of rounds very fast, watch out as it does get hot. Let the gun cool off after a few mags full. I use it in competition so after a max 40 round string, plenty of time to cool off until the next stage.

It is the fastest powder out there and so it lends itself to light loads rather than mid or higher power. Pressures many spike if not careful.

I had a 1# can years ago. It burns very hot, I probably got worse leading than with any powder I tried. Accuracy was good but no better than W231 or Bullseye, which I think have fewer drawbacks.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I have tried tg , just didn't care for it . Yes , it burns hot , very very dense powder = very small visual charge in case . I wasn't worried about a double charge , just like to see a little more case fill . I am just not a " tg " fan boy . Regards Paul

Good Target Load powder , it was developed to try and get some of the Bullseye market . Not the best for mid range loads ...it's a hot powder .
38 spcl. target loads ... pick up a pound or two .
I bought it when Bullseye was not available .
Red Dot and Accurate Arms #2 , #5 and #7 are good powders to have .

Right now W231 and HP38 are made by the same mfgr and said to be the same powder ... if HP38 isn't on shelf look for 231.

During times of shortages you have to use whatever you can get so don't be afraid to try another powder ...that's how I discovered the Accurate powders #2 , #5 and #7 show good promise ... check them out .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

My favorite fast burn powder is Winchester Super Target , followed by Ramshot Zip or Bullseye . I too have tried Accurate #2 and liked it . I prefer these over titegroup . They are bulkier , don't burn as hot , meters well and very accurate . To the OP , you may find Titegroup to your liking so give it a try . That's the fun of reloading , trying new things . Regards Paul

I went to a local Cabela’s (Hoffman Estaes,Il FYI) and they had 4 x1lb of
HP38 on the shelf. I bought a lb which will last me a while so I didn’t need to hoard any. I also bought a brick of CCI sp primers just in case.

There were lots of empty spaces in the gun counters and racks, and also
on the ammo shelves. Just like the local BPS.

Thanks to all for your advice, Willyboy

The two powders are really not even close. Sure, I can get identical vel in any pistol load with any powder, just the amount will vary. I would just give it a try before buying a bunch. I dont care for TG, 1# & never bought more. Too small a charge volume, burns too hot for me. You may or may or may not know, w231 is the same as hp38.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Well if you used a lot of diff powders, most will do just as well or better than tg without the negs. WST, RamshotComp, meter just as well, just as accurate, just about as cheap. Even old RedDot will give the same or better accuracy, especially with lead bullets, & it meters just ok. Nothng wrong with old BE either, but it is pretty dirty shooting.
TG is popular mostly because of cost, but powder cost is the cheapest part of a pistol load, not really a factor. I also bet more guns have been kb with tg than any other pistol powder in the last 20y. Not many other powders can boast that! The high heat thing is really annoying on 90deg + days. Just one run of 18rds & the slide is almost too hot to touch. For true gamers, I find nore snap than with a couple diff powders too.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Well you certainly can double without over flow in any magnum case or even 38sp, but hp38 is a good choice for beginner loaders or guys that just want one powder for everything. It doesnt do anything really well but is a good all arounder for 380 up to 500mag.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I've seen slightly better overall accuracy with Bullseye in comparison with Titegroup loads, but Titegroup is a useful powder. I've seen nothing to indicate the alleged "heat" claims some make about Titegroup.

HP-38 / 231 is a little more versatile than Titegroup and can likely be used in more applications.

If you shoot slow fire, you wont likely see the heat issue. I have seen FO fronts go plastic on a hot day & fast 30-36rd stage, like About 30sec of constant shootng. That is some serious heated metal, slide too hot to touch with bare hands.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I bought an 8lb jug of Tightgroup several years ago. I have used about half a pound of it since. I didn’t see any difference between it and Bulleye for the shooting I do other than Bullseye leaves more soot. But the big difference was how hot the guns would get after shooting several mags or cylinders.
I know many who use it and works great for them. It just isn’t working for me. Maybe someday I’ll find a use for it or sell/trade it.