Finally did the deed. Need powder advice, please.

[PatriotX]

Hi folks,

Stumbled into a Lee 3-hole, and I’d like to load for 38/357 and 45acp.

Since I have ZERO powder, and will need to pay through the nose for whatever I get, could the experienced here please recommend the ideal options for those cartridges?

I don’t want to push any envelopes, just looking for an easy-measuring option that won’t confound a beginner.


Thanks !

 

[arjay]

Bullseye is good for target loads in both

 

[nbedford]

For 38 Special standard powder is Bullseye. NRA recommended wadcutter load is 2.7 grains Bullseye and 148 grain wadcutter.

 

[glenwolde]

Bullseye is one obvious choice but I'd go with W231/HP38 (two names, same powder).

But if you want .357 loads those are a bit fast. You could do all with Unique or Universal.

 

[Sistema1927]

Another vote for W231 or HP38.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

What powder to get depends a little on how hot you want the loads and what bullet weight you'll be using.

For those calibers I have and use Bullseye, Win 231, Unique, WST, CFE Pistol and Titegroup. None of those will really get you to full power 357 Magnum loads, but they can be used for light and mid range loads. They all work pretty well for 38 and 45 ACP. Lots of other powders that work too. If you can't find any of those, find ones with similar burn rates like Universal, Herco, Accurate #2 or #5, HS-6, etc.

First get a good reloading manual like Lyman and look up the bullet you'll be shooting for which powders are listed, then buy what you can find. If it's listed in Lyman's manual, it will work. Now is a tough time to be trying to find powder though. Best of luck

 

[DTH]

Universal or 231. I have been using Unique for 40 years ( and still am) but I now describe Unique as “ dirt that burns “ I still have a few pounds of Unique to get through and hope to never buy it again.

 

[Cdog]

Powder prices haven't jumped here as much as they apparently have in other parts of the country.

I've recently bought CFE Pistol and CFE 223 for around $25/lb.

CFE Pistol is quite versatile too.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

I see your location as "midwest" If you're close to Omaha, Guns Unlimited has had a very good stock of powder and non gouging prices.

 

[824tsv]

If you can't find pistol powder, I exclusively use Winchester WST for .38/357. My pet load is 2.7grains of WST under a 148g DEWC which chronographed at 700FPS.

 

[glenwolde]

Now that I go look at some load data Universal is only going to get you maybe an extra 100fps in the .357 vs W231.

True magnum loads will need something slower. I'd stick with W231/HP38 in .45ACP and .38 Special for now and leave the .357 stuff for later when you can get another powder. You're just not going to get real .357 performance out of a powder suitable for the other two.

Magnum revolver cartridges are sort of in a world of their own.

 

[Skyhunter]

BEFORE you search for powder - Buy at least a couple of reloading manuals.
The Lyman manual (50th Edition is the most recent) covers many jacketed and cast bullets as well as the basics for reloading handgun and rifle calibres. The Hornady manual is another excellent reference.
Review those manuals for applicable powders/primers for your cartridge of interest and then go shopping.
Good Luck shopping, because pickings are pretty slim right now.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[Nevada Ed]

Bullseye, red dot, w231 type powder works well with most lead bullets for light target work.

Unique or HS-6 will do ok with most jacket HP or SP bullets if you have any.

They all work and go bang............
good luck with one or two, that are not too hard on your wallet.

 

[Islander]

Titegroup works for me

Hi folks,

Stumbled into a Lee 3-hole, and I’d like to load for 38/357 and 45acp.

Since I have ZERO powder, and will need to pay through the nose for whatever I get, could the experienced here please recommend the ideal options for those cartridges?

I don’t want to push any envelopes, just looking for an easy-measuring option that won’t confound a beginner.


Thanks !

I use titegroup with great success in both
Islander

 

[PatriotX]

Thanks for all the counsel, folks.

I bought a Lyman manual a while back, since it seemed like the correct first step.

I have a very limited selection of components, some 158gr JHP, 140-something LRN, and some 230gr jacketed ball. I’d like to make up some target loads and leave the magnum stuff for when I feel more comfortable.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Agree, HP38/231 for both.

 

[MyDads38]

What about primers??

 

[SMSgt]

For range/target rounds, I like HP-38, which for some reason seems to be a buck or two cheaper than 231. Primers . . . whatever you can find and afford.

 

[PatriotX]

What about primers??

I have one tray of SPP and one of LPP.


According to the gun show reports, that should be enough to make $400.00 worth of ammo.


Is there any reason why I shouldn’t start with 45acp? The 625 is hungry.

 

[scattershot]

Bullseye, 231, and Unique will work well for you, but Unique sometimes doesn’t meter well.

Red Dot works well, too.

My advice would be to get a good reloading manual first. That will give you some more ideas. Good luck!