For years I used W540/HS-6 for major/IPSC loads in 38 super. The flash from HS-6 was pretty fierce out of a 5” 1911 so I started looking for.a low flash powder I could get decent velocities out of and clean burning. I wound up with CFEp and have adopted it for 38 special w/158 rnfp coated bullets, moderate loads in 357 and 45LC. It produces very good velocity, low flash, is clean, consistent, works well in my loads for 357 & 45LC with a variety of bullets in both revolvers and rifles and meters very consistently. It’s an excellent choice for a wide variety of cartridges and bullets.
Having said that there are plenty of excellent powders that will do an equally fine job. I’ve thought about what I’d pick if I could only have one powder. That would be a tough decision because I load 38/357, 38 super, 45LC, 45acp, 380 (yes now I do), occasionally 44 mag and 9mm. I regularly load with CFEp, Bullseye, HS-6, H110, 231/HP38 and rarely Unique. I guess if I had to use only one powder that does a good job with most everything it would be 231/HP38. 231 isn’t perfect but it works in about any cartridge and gives excellent accuracy.
