Clean burning powder for .45 acp/9 mm

[ldhunter1959]

I have been using Winchester WSF for loading 9mm and .45 acp and it seems to dirty up the works after sustained use. I use the HP-38 for my .38 and .357 and it is not much better. Any suggestions for a cleaner burning powder? A little dirty for the revolvers is not a big deal as gun cleaning is a lot simpler, but definitely would be interested in some options for my semi-auto loads.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I use Winchester 231 for 9mm, 40, and 45ACP. It's not too dirty but the bottom line is your going to have to clean your guns. I don't think if you shoot 50 or 100 rounds you need to rush home and clean your guns. Just use common sense and you will OK. Don

 

[Rule3]

Anything that burns will leave "dirt" Most powders if used at the lower rates are dirty and burn more complete at the upper end of the load range. HP 38 is a prime example.

For 9mm and 40 SW, I have been using Power Pistol and it leaves just a light grey ash. Have not tried it 45.

Are you shooting lead or jacketed? Most of the "dirt" is from the lube on lead bullets.

As to cleaning, one or two more patches is no biggy to me. I clean them anyway

 

[PERAZZI]

I use alliant Claydot. Generally regarded as hodgdon clays clone. Try that or clays. Use hodgdon loading info. I'm using 2.5 gr for 148 gr hbwc in. 38, and 3.4 gr with 185 gr and 200 gr in. 45....

 

[hawgleg]

I think a clean burning powder in reloading is a myth. Light loads are the worst with mid to max better. The store bought stuff shoots cleaner because most use some type of blended powders or a type not offered to the public for reloading.

Just take a few rags and some Handi-Wipes and have fun. If you're shooting lead bullets the lube could also be part of the problem. I think it's just the price you pay for getting to shoot cheaper bullets.

 

[TSQUARED]

I have been using Winchester WSF for loading 9mm and .45 acp and it seems to dirty up the works after sustained use. I use the HP-38 for my .38 and .357 and it is not much better. Any suggestions for a cleaner burning powder? A little dirty for the revolvers is not a big deal as gun cleaning is a lot simpler, but definitely would be interested in some options for my semi-auto loads.

You did not mention the bullets you were using. With lead bullets even the cleanest burning powders will produce burned lube and lead residue.

I use jacketed or plated bullets in 9mm using Bullseye or WSF which burn quite clean at 9mm pressures. I have used VV N-320 and VV N-330 which do burn a bit cleaner in 9mm.

In 45 ACP you have to use a faster burning powder than WSF for cleaner burning at the lower 45ACP pressures. I use WST, American Select, or VV N-310.

One should also realize that mild loads will tend not to burn as clean as loads approching max loadings for the selected powder.

Personally I do not understand the fascination with clean burning. All it takes is a wipe on the outside with a rag or the barrel and chambers with a bore brush to remove most residue. I shoot matches with 300 round counts without cleaning the gun in between stages - I do clean the gun after the match.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

WSF usually works well in 9mm and 40S&W because both operate at relatively higher pressures. It meters great and is fairly economical to use. I also like it in 45ACP, the old "one powder" approach, and get some of my best accuracy from it. I find that it is at its best at max listed loads, however. WST may be better at lower level loads.

WSF also seems to work pretty well with cast bullets, but no cast bullet load will shoot particularly "clean" with any powder due to the nature of the bullet/lube.

 

[tx_oil]

I use HP-38, have loaded thousands of rounds with it and it is a fairly 'clean' burning powder that gives good all around results.

 

[blujax01]

I use Titegroup in my 45 but I advise caution.

There are quite a few folks here who simply will not allow a jug of this stuff on their benches for two reasons:
1) It is a very low volume powder and as such a double charge will easily fit in the case. Keep yer eye on the ball!
2) It is a very fast burning powder and reaches peak pressure quickly. It is imperative that you start at the low end and work your way up. As you approach maximum load the probability of an oops increases exponentially.

My 9's eat whatever I feed them.

 

[bxchef]

I like ramshot zip,very clean and meters well, though i just got a 8lb jug of unique

 

[fred5876r]

The other day I was shooting some light target loads in my 25-2 (230 gr. plated), some with WSF and some with WST. The WSF left a very noticeable amount of residue in the cases, but the WST cases were completely clean, not a trace of residue. Lately I have been using WST exclusively for .45.

 

[steamloco76]

I use Titegroup in my 45 but I advise caution.

There are quite a few folks here who simply will not allow a jug of this stuff on their benches for two reasons:
1) It is a very low volume powder and as such a double charge will easily fit in the case. Keep yer eye on the ball!
2) It is a very fast burning powder and reaches peak pressure quickly. It is imperative that you start at the low end and work your way up. As you approach maximum load the probability of an oops increases exponentially.

My 9's eat whatever I feed them.

TiteGroup causes leading issues with many cast bullets too.
If you are CAREFUL it works well for .45 ACP, however I went back to Bullseye.

 

[rck281]

If you are using lead bullets, they are the cause of the majority of the "dirt." Change to plated or jacketed bullets. I use 231 in my 45 and Power Pistol in my 9mm and 40.

 

[rsegars]

I love bullseye for 45acp.It meters so well that I only check the weight after every 20 charges,since it is the only powder i use the entire inside of my dispinser has a solid coat of powder.One old reloader told me "they don't call it bullseye for nothing"

 

[JoeHatley]

I've had good luck with Bullseye in both calibers. I use plated bullets for both and clean up for the powder residue is nothing more than quick wipe with a slightly oily shop rag.

 

[LeadDonor]

Bullseye......

 

[halco46]

Win 231

Not too dirty at all BUT I do clean my weapons after using them. That`s what you`re supposed to do!.

 

[ldhunter1959]

Thanks for the responses. I do shoot "cheap" and therefore load mostly hardened lead bullets, so those suggesting my bullets are the biggest culprit are probably correct.
Being pretty new to reloading - only for about a year now - I was "throwing out" my powders to see if perhaps I was using something viewed as exceptionally dirty. Also, as these have been the only two powder I have used, looking for some suggestions for changing.
I do tend to load at the lower to mid-level for my semi-auto loads. With the lee disks you seem to be restricted a lot - bought an adjustable charge bar recently, but have not read up much on how it works, only that it apparently gives me a little bit more control over my loads.

 

[arjay]

Bullseye or unique, in combination with cast bullets, do get your gun and hands dirty.I've been reloading for so long,I just see it as part of the experience.The fllthiest loads I've put together were american pioneer powder ( bp substitute ) in a 45 colt.Two cylinders and the entire gun is covered in soot!

 

[BE Mike]

I've used American Select in .45 ACP and 9mm. It is a clean burning alternative to Bullseye.