Finally did the deed. Need powder advice, please.

[fredj338]

W231/HP38 is a good choice for all three. Unique, universal or wsf would also be fine.

 

[BC38]

Another vote for W231 or HP38.

Make that three. Works well for target loads in all 3 calibers and meters nicely as well.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I think it will be a matter of what you can find ? If you can't find W231 / HP-38 then I would look for Unique . It's been around since 1899 and for a very good reason . Don't load it the minimum , load the maximum and you will get more complete combustion and cleaner burning . I prefer Unique over W231 , HP-38 . Regards Paul

 

[lrrifleman]

For 38 Special and 45 ACP, Bullseye and 231are perfect. Bullseye is great for powder puff wadcutter loads in 38 Special, and was part of the original charge for 45 hardball.

When looking at 357 Magnum loads, think Unique and investigate the Skeeter Loads!

231 or Bullseye, plus Unique can fulfill all of your needs and definitely outlast your primer supply!

 

[BC38]

FWIW, I like Unique too - but one of the specific criteria the OP asked for was "easy measuring". Inconsistent metering is, and always has been, one of the biggest complaints most people have against large flake powders like Unique. Just sayin'...

 

[glenwolde]

FWIW, I like Unique too - but one of the specific criteria the OP asked for was "easy measuring". Inconsistent metering is, and always has been, one of the biggest complaints most people have against large flake powders like Unique. Just sayin'...

I'm surprised Universal isn't more popular. It and Power Pistol are on either side of Unique on the burn rate chart and it meters better and is much, much, cleaner. I have yet to try Power Pistol. When all this calms down I'll have to do that.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I've never had a problem metering Unique . I use scoops . Regards Paul

 

[mikerjf]

I load those two calibers, mostly use Bullseye and Unique. The idea to study a few manuals is a good one (along with advice here), because you could make a list of possible other powders to get by with during this shortage.

Both cartridges are easy to reload. The main difference is that with 45 you will want to pay attention to the cartridge overall length (COAL) and the crimped mouth diameter - break out the calipers!

38 Special/357, I never paid any attention to dimensions other than getting a nice looking roll crimp.

 

[max]

For the calibers you listed, Bullseye, Unique, 231, 244, Red Dot and 700-X have all worked for me over the past 40 years or so. Currently all of my .38 and .45 loading involves 231. However, if that were not available, I could use one of the others.

Welcome to a great hobby and relaxation. Get some manuals and check magazine articles and such.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I'm surprised Universal isn't more popular. It and Power Pistol are on either side of Unique on the burn rate chart and it meters better and is much, much, cleaner. I have yet to try Power Pistol. When all this calms down I'll have to do that.

Universal is a twin brother to Unique and will do ok in the 38 & 357 but you should not use the Unique data with it.

Unique worked better in my 12 Ga. loads, though.
For some reason. Universal was "Dirtier" than Unique and not the same in fps with the wads and cases that I used for my trap loads in 1 1/8 oz. payloads.

 

[Golphin]

Titegroup can work for 45 acp,38Special and 357 mag. while not the best for 357 mag there are some loads that be used for some bullets. Hodgdon online reloading data site can give you ideas of loads with different bullets and powders. I f you only have 200 primers you will not need much powder. You an still get powder online at a pretty good price. Primers are the issue and it seems they will be for a while.

 

[HorizontalMike]

HS6+

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.

I am a big supporter for HS6. One of the reasons is that HS6 fills the .38 case/brass to greater extent than many others (high VMD). That is important in that, that makes it more difficult to end up with a double-charge that would blow up your gun. My favorite 38 bullet is 158XTP, though I am experimenting with 135grSB Gold Dot loaded for +P but not as high as OEM +P.

 

[AJ]

Bullseye or 231 is probably all you need for almost every application that you'll need. I use Bullseye for .38 Special, .38 ACP, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, 9 MM and .32 H&R Magnum. It is great for target loads and will go a long way. Also I load the same power loading as requested by the War Department for the M1909 Colt .45 Colt with Bullseye. If it was good enough for the military back then it should work for defense or offense now.

 

[Engineer1911]

Bring your Lyman manual with you. Buy the powder that is available on the shelf. Look in the Lyman manual to find the load data for the available powder.

Any 4350 rifle powder won't perform in handgun cartridges. The local indoor range has all the Shooters World powders available in 1# bottles or 8# jugs. It is happy time.

 

[AJ]

Figure out what powder you want to load. Keep in mind a pound of powder in most places costs $30 to $35 a pound, or at least it does in my area. We were able to buy 8 pound Kegs of Bullseye for $180 a keg, that is $22.50 a pound. Larger quantities will usually get you better overall prices.

 

[mtgianni]

Get a good manual, I like Lyman. Download some older manuals on line. Read them all you can with out looking at data. When you are confident in the process look at data.
Copy a powder burn chart and highlight what powders work for both cartridges. Take that to your local shop and see what they have.
I would recommend, Red Dot, Bullseye, AA2, AA5, and HP38/WW231 if you can find those. Ask if the powders available are flake or ball and go with ball to start as it is less easy to bridge.

 

[mikld]

Look in your reloading tor powders listed for the bullet you are going to use. Look at the "fastest to mid speed powder" and make a list. Take the list shopping and don't allow any "expert" you meet at the store change your mind. I agree you won't go wrong with Bullseye or W231/HP38, but Unique or Universal are very good choices too. I discovered Universal when obumma ran and couldn't find any Unique. I soon bought 2, 1 lb. jugs then a bit later bought an 8 pounder. I use it in nearly all my handgun cartridges...

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

...You can still get powder online at a pretty good price. Primers are the issue and it seems they will be for a while.

Still get powder online? Where? I can't find any, and I check frequently.

 

[Ron IL]

I load 38, 9, and 45 ACP. I use Unique, Bullseye, and 231/HP38. If you can get just one of them it will work in all three calibers. I have used a lot of others in the last few years due to availability but like those the most.

 

[AlHunt]

I haven't seen a vote for the Accurate line of powders, #2, #5, #7 and #9. 2, I think, will cover both 38 and 357. #9 is good for hot loads. Might try them if you can get some. For me, they meter very, very well.