New to reloading and have done been successfully using Hodgdon hp-38 powder to load only .38 Special. While it's been working fine, I bought this because it was what the sales clerk recommended at the time of my loading equipment purchase. What are good recommendations for powder used exclusively for .38 .38+p & .357.
.38 & .357 best powder
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canoeguy
US Veteran
I have found Unique to be a good all around powder, it's about all I use now for .38 Special and .357, as well as reduced velocity cast lead loads for 30/30 and 45/70 rifle.
I like Unique for most all my general purpose loads. A lot of guys complain about it being dirty, but in my opinion, that's just BS. ANY cast bullet load will be more dirty than a jacketed load due to the bullet lube, and the very nature of lead. I know that you can cast your own and size them for best performance, but a lot of guys don't cast. I have used a ton of Unique, and I always seem to go back to it. It is just so versatile, that it's hard to use other powder.
Other good powders are 2400, HS-6, 231 (same exact powder as HP-38) for general use in all three of those rounds.
Other good powders are 2400, HS-6, 231 (same exact powder as HP-38) for general use in all three of those rounds.
Marksman
Member
For .38 Special I use Bullseye and W231, for .357 I like Unique.
handgunner356
Member
One that I use a lot of is Universal Clays, loads a lot like Unique and seems to be a little cleaner. Works good with a wide range of bullet weights, works good in 9mm and 40 also.
Missionary
Member
Greetingsw
Been around reloading since I was a little feller. Unique is my #1 choice for any revolver cartrige. I also am very happy with ACC #5. Both are very good with low power and near MAG loads.
If I had only Unique I would never feel bad. I buy it by the 8 pound jug.
Been around reloading since I was a little feller. Unique is my #1 choice for any revolver cartrige. I also am very happy with ACC #5. Both are very good with low power and near MAG loads.
If I had only Unique I would never feel bad. I buy it by the 8 pound jug.
Your HP38 (AKA Winchester 231) is a good powder for light to medium loads in .38. Unique will boost the .38 a bit and serve well for moderate .357 loads.
webley green
Member
I like Unique - .38; .357; .45acp; .45LC.
Classic29
Member
If I were limited to only one--Unique. Since I'm not I also like Bullseye for light .38's and 2400 for my heavier .357 loads. By far,though,I go through a lot of Unique.
Paul5388
US Veteran
I have about 10 pounds of SR4756 and only 1 pound of Unique. Yes, it does meter better, plus I can go beyond what Unique will do or I can load it light. In .38/.357 it's about a versatile as it gets.
Dragon88
Member
It really depends on what you want to do. For an all around powder, yup, Unique is the clear winner. For 38 Special, W231 and Bullseye are worthy choices. 357 is an entirely different animal if you are loading for maximum power, however. H110/W296 and the right bullet will get you a serious "magnum" load. 2400 must be mentioned also as an excellent, versatile powder.
m657
Member
I've come to really like Tite Group for light 38/357 loads. Meters well, burns cleaner than many others. I like Clays too, and use a lot of the HP38/231 loads even though they are dirtier/smokier. I don't use much Unique despite its other advantages. "So many powders, so little time".
I have been using Win 231/HP-38 and H-110 for pistols from the 38 s&w to the 500 mag for many years and many, many rounds. I shot bowling pins for 12 years 6 nights a week shooting 357s. Win 231 is dirty but my wife knows when I say I'm going to the range, I really was there because my hands are black from residue.
The classic powders have be mentioned - Bullseye, Unique, 2400. I have had very good results with these powders. I changed over to Win231 about 15 yrs ago. I really like the way it meters out of the Dillon so I try to develop loads for my pistols and revolvers using it.
The only other powder I use for 38Spec is SR4756 with a cast 158 SWC in my Dan Wesson with a 4" barrel attached. It really likes this load!!
My S&W revolvers did not group as well with this SR4756 loading.
JPG
The only other powder I use for 38Spec is SR4756 with a cast 158 SWC in my Dan Wesson with a 4" barrel attached. It really likes this load!!
My S&W revolvers did not group as well with this SR4756 loading.
JPG
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
You asked for opinions and here is another. Use Unique if you want. It will work, has for years, just not in my guns! 
If you want 1 powder to take you from mild to wild, there is only one for revolver loads, again, this is my opinion, SR4756. While I don't have an 8lb keg like Paul, I do have it's little brother, 4lb, and not one of Unique!
If you want 1 powder to take you from mild to wild, there is only one for revolver loads, again, this is my opinion, SR4756. While I don't have an 8lb keg like Paul, I do have it's little brother, 4lb, and not one of Unique!
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Another vote for Universal in 38 spl.Unique for 357
acl864
Member
Universal would get my vote. I'm just getting started with SR4756, but I'm definitely seeing it's charms. I may be a convert before I'm done.
bmcgilvray
Member
Hah Skip, I have both Unique and SR 4756 on hand but stick with Unique for general purpose .38 Special and light .357 Magnum duties. Mostly out of habit.
Paul5388
US Veteran
Skip, I think you'll notice the big cans/jugs of SR 4756 are stacked two deep. They go along with the lime green 8 ounce cans located in various places.
