Hodgdon HP-38 powder

[Jeff Napoleoni]

Since I used up the last pound of IMR Red powder on the planet, I'm transitioning to Hodgdon HP-38 powder to reload my 38/.357 range cartridges. I load mostly 38 special, both DBWC and RNSWC Acme coated bullets, and CCI SPP. I shoot a model 19-3 four-inch and a Colt Detective Special.

I've read some reviews but would like to chat with some one who's using this powder.

Jeff

H110 for my magnum loads.

 

[Model19man]

Since I used up the last pound of IMR Red powder on the planet, I'm transitioning to Hodgdon HP-38 powder to reload my 38/.357 range cartridges. I load mostly 38 special, both DBWC and RNSWC Acme coated bullets, and CCI SPP. I shoot a model 19-3 four-inch and a Colt Detective Special.

I've read some reviews but would like to chat with some one who's using this powder.

Jeff

H110 for my magnum loads.

I use a lot of this in the Winchester W231 version which is identical. It's a very clean burning powder. I use it in a lot of pistol calibers including 32 S&W Long, 32 WCF, 41 Long Colt, 44 Special and 45 Colt. It's wonderful stuff. You will like it.

 

[Rpg]

I use W231or HP-38 (identical stuff) in 38 special and 45acp : mostly in 45acp.

Great stuff, quite accurate and useful for low velocity as well as pretty stout stuff for sd and hunting. I primarily use the 200gr H&G 68.

 

[Rodan]

I started using HP38 when I couldn't get 231. I started using it for .45ACP, but it has taken over most of my .38-357 loading as well. Great all-'round pistol powder for target loads.

 

[AJ]

I have some of both HP-38 & W231 on hand. May try some.

 

[GypsmJim]

My traditional powders were Bullseye for .32 to .38, and Unique for .357 and up. With supplies getting harder and harder to come by, I did some searching in my manuals and found HP-28 formulas for every handgun I load for.

I was able to find a large quantity of HP-38 so I bought it all. So far I have tried it in half of my calibers, and based on the results I think I might just switch to it full time.

 

[Green Frog]

There was a reason they named it HP38. It was designed to be a great propellant for 38 Spl target loads, and does it extremely well. Personally, I’ve also found that what I had left over after my PPC “career” ended, works wonderfully in 32 S&W L and H&R. I must admit a lack of experience with this powder in any calibers larger than 38.
Froggie

 

[Skeet 028]

HP-38/231 is the powder I use for 45 auto 38 Sp and have loaded 44 Sp too. I just ordered 500 pieces of 32 H&R brass and that is what I will load with lead bullets. I may even load the couple hundred 32 Longs I have left unloaded. I just picked up a box of cast lead bullets cheep...10 bucks

 

[Protocall_Design]

HP38 and WW231 is the same powder in different cans. I have been using these for over 30 years for target loads. It works great in all calibers of target load, from 32 to 45.

There are magnum loadings for it in the books, but I find it has a very sharp recoil impulse in a magnum. All the faster burning powders do that. I like IMR or H 4227 for 357 and 44 magnum. Softer recoil, super accuracy.

 

[Nevada Ed]

It is a great powder for target to medium loads in a pistol or revolver.

It meters well and is one of the cleaner powders, in it's burn rate, for being so old.

One reason it is well liked and a lot of data on it.

 

[Rule3]

Best powder in the whole wide world!Heck it is named after the 38
Can do most anything in handguns

 

[Dvus]

My go to (in 231 form) for .38 sp. and my .40 loads for USPSA with a 180 gr. Xtreme plated bullet. Shoots so clean I can run several matches before needing to strip to clean. Just run a patch down the barrel and oil the slide rails between matches.

 

[gwpercle]

When you can't find Bullseye ... HP-38 / 231 can step up and fill the void nicely .
Lots of proven load data to work with , no surprises with it .

Gary

 

[gwpercle]

Deleted ...
Accidential double post ... I just noticed it .
Sorry bout that ,
Gary

 

[Miracle Man]

I've used W231 for some time now and has been stated it's nice ! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for mild plinking loads.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Not much to add that hasn’t already been said. Great versatile powder with decent on-shelf availability. Works best for target soft to medium level loads. Not ideal for warmer mags though it’ll work in a pinch.

Works well in just about every common production handgun cartridge. I use it as one of my primary go-to powders for 32 long/mag, 9mm, 38/357, 44, and 45 acp & colt. It also runs well in my lee perfect powder measure unlike some of the finer ball powders.

 

[zeke]

Aside from the previously mentioned accolades, it makes a vg powder for milder vermin 180/200 gn jhp loads in 44 mag. Have alos used HP-38 for a long time in 38 sp, 9mm, 44 sp, 45 acp, 45 ar and 45 LC

 

[Peak53]

I use a lot of it and agree with all the positive comments above. The only negative is that in the larger cartridges there is ample space for a double charge. This can be mitigated with proper process.

 

[glenwolde]

I've been using 4.0 gr of W231/HP38 under a 158gr SWC for over forty years. With cast lead bullets don't go too light, stay towards the upper end. Accuracy is much better. Trying to use swaged HBWC loads for cast wadcutters was a dismal failure for me.

 

[Goldstar225]

HP38/W231 has been my go to powder for light to medium range loads for everything from .38 Special to .45 Colt for well over thirty years.