handgun powder replacements

[rockquarry]

Assuming Alliant powders really are powders of the past, I have been considering replacements for Bullseye and #2400 for handgun chamberings for which I use only my own cast bullets. Unique was easy to replace; I did that some time ago.

For loading 9mm (seldom load or shoot that one anymore), .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .45 ACP/ Auto Rim, the powder spectrum is well represented for my purposes with Bullseye, 231, and #2400.

I have tried Titegroup, Accurate #2, #5, #7, and #9 in many loadings of different cartridges, but all that was fifteen or more years ago. Looking through my old notes shows only Titegroup as an accurate substitute for Bullseye. However, I used more of it than the Accurate powders and may not have given them a fair shake.

My main concern is accuracy. With semi-autos, an equal factor is reliable functioning. Velocity is important, too, but I care not about alleged "dirtiness" or other non-accuracy elements. I don't recall experiencing the real or perceived heat problems with Titegroup and need no stories on that.

For those for you with experience, especially with cast bullets, using the Accurate handgun powders and Titegroup, I would be interested in your comments and I'm thankful for such.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I am a HUGE Alliant powder guy and still have some Blue Dot and Unique saved.
When gone, I will use Red & Greendot powder in my revolvers and 9mm pistols for target and medium loads, that are very accurate.

When Alliant is gone (?) I will reach over to the Hodgdon powders that I have and also like.
HS6, H414 and H4895 are three that get a lot of use.

 

[rockquarry]

I am a HUGE Alliant powder guy and still have some Blue Dot and Unique saved.
When gone, I will use Red & Greendot powder in my revolvers and 9mm pistols for target and medium loads, that are very accurate.

When Alliant is gone (?) I will reach over to the Hodgdon powders that I have and also like.
HS6, H414 and H4895 are three that get a lot of use.

Thanks, Nevada Ed. I've used many Hodgdon rifle powders since I began handloading in 1965. For years now, Hodgdon Extremes in H4895, H4350, and H4831 have covered 90% of my rifle powder needs.

However, I've only tried about a half-dozen of their handgun powders. I'll consider trying a few more. I've always enjoyed the load development process.

 

[Sevens]

If you are looking to replace Bullseye but you already use Win-231 and you will continue to use Win-231, I can't see why you really need anything else to cover anything and everything you do with Bullseye. If I am not hitting the mark with this statement -- I would like to hear opinions as to why.

2400 is likely covered very well with Accurate#9.

 

[rockquarry]

If you are looking to replace Bullseye but you already use Win-231 and you will continue to use Win-231, I can't see why you really need anything else to cover anything and everything you do with Bullseye. If I am not hitting the mark with this statement -- I would like to hear opinions as to why.

2400 is likely covered very well with Accurate#9.

According to notes going back quite a few years, I've seen at least slightly better overall accuracy with Bullseye over 231 in many instances, most of those with .38 Special and .45 ACP loads, all using cast bullets. I've tested these two powders pretty extensively.

My notes indicate somewhat better accuracy with #2400 in comparison with #9, but as mentioned in my orignal post, I probably did not test #9 enough to definitely say it doesn't equal or even exceed the accuracy provided with #2400 loads. I intend to try it again and do some fine tuning on the loads. I'm down to about 7 lbs of #2400 and it goes fast when loading .357 and .44 magnums.

 

[Forrest r]

I'd be taking a hard look at clays (not universal of international clays) and wst.

Both are excellent powders for handguns that are known for their accuracy.

 

[rockquarry]

I'd be taking a hard look at clays (not universal of international clays) and wst.

Both are excellent powders for handguns that are known for their accuracy.

Thank you, Forrest r; I'll add Clays and WST to the list as I've never tried them. I did try Universal years ago and never quite got the accuracy I was hoping for.

 

[BigMuddy]

I have both Titegroup and Bullseye, and prefer TG.

Dan

 

[Model19man]

I stocked up on powder and primers when it looked like there would be a President Dukakis. I have a lot of everything still - more than 4 1/2 pounds of Hercules Unique for example.

There is a lot to be said about Accurate Arms powders, AA#5 will do just about anything that Unique would. IMR4227 will do just about anything that Hercules / Alliant 2400 would do and it might be less messy too.

There are substitutes - I recommend you stock up to avoid price increases in the future.

 

[pasound]

I have enough Bullseye to shoot HBWC until my end of time. The rest? Still have a lot of 231 for SWC and other loads, enough Unique to load Skeeter loads for my 44 Special guns for a while. Getting used to Universal, about to start on loads with 244.

 

[toad67]

Thank you, Forrest r; I'll add Clays and WST to the list as I've never tried them. I did try Universal years ago and never quite got the accuracy I was hoping for.

Forget about Clays, unless you can find some at a garage sale, or a local gun show. Clays is one of the best shotgun powder there is, but hasn't been available for about 4 or 5 years, and the future doesn't look very promising at all.

 

[rwsmith]

To me.....

...Titegroup and Bullseye are practically interchangeble. I started with the trifecta of Bullseye, Unique and 2400 but in the shortage I branched out. I use a lot of HP-38/231 now. I also use Red Dot and Power Pistol but not so much.

I have used IMR 4759 and 4895 (I have lots of 4895) for rifles, along with PB and some pistol powders for reduced loads.

I really like Acc #7 and I'm sorry I didn't get into more Accurate powders before prices went nuts.

I may have a few more. I'm pretty sure I've got some CFE pistol in stock. I'm not too critical of performance. All of them go bang reliably and are good for what they were made for.

 

[cracker57]

I was tired of doing the powder dance looking for something to replace a powder I used and could not find.
I stocked up on w231/hp38 for my 9mm loads and 45 acp loads. I find it to work satisfactory and now have enough till my hands can no longer hold a pistol.
these powders are readily available and the price now of $32/lb makes it a go to powder.

 

[Dennis2149]

If dirtiness is really not a concern to you, 700X is very similar in performance to Bullseye in my revolver loadings.

 

[GypsmJim]

I switched to 231 a few years ago. I have old loads with Bullseye, and comparing the 2 I can't see a difference in accuracy. The 231 meets my requirements in every respect. Plus, I can buy it.

That being said, with my bifocals and arthritis my accuracy ain't so good anyway.

 

[bluetopper]

Accurate powders are readily available around me, however I'm well stocked.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Back during the pandemic I started searching for a Bullseye replacement and found Accurate Nitro 100NF. It’s quite a bit faster than Bullseye and I’ve found it to be exceptional in 38 special and 45acp.

I was a big fan of 231 and have a pretty good stock. I used it in 38 and 45 for IPSC where I was loading to a fairly stout load and got very good results. Now that I’m much older and shooting light loads I started having position sensitivity issues. I didn’t experience any of that with Nitro and found shot to shot consistency much better.

In addition to Nitro I tried Accurate 2 and have gone almost exclusively to it in 38 spl 158 cast lead. I still like N100NF for lighter bullets but like #2 for heavier. If I could only have one powder I’d choose #2.

For moderate to heavier loads I’m pleased with HS6 and CFEpistol. CFE is especially good for medium magnum loads and has a flash suppressant making it desirable for short barrel guns.

I really only shoot magnums in lever guns and for medium power magnums I’m very fond of Accurate Enforcer. It’s accurate and milder recoil than H110. For heavy magnums though H110 is the way to go.

Best of luck in your search