Hodgdon's Universal & Other Powders - 38 Spl +P 158 gr SWC

[38SPL HV]

I have an opportunity to purchase Hodgon's Universal powder. I used it in the past but cannot locate my records for its performance. I recall that I had to get to above 4.5 grs behind a 158 gr lead bullet for it to burn better. I did settle on 5.0 grs with the 158 gr SWC and found it to be a good +P round.

5.0 grs Universal is right at the top of +P loading (Speer) and close to the top in Lyman's. I only have a 357 Magnum (Ruger Blackhawk) and like +P's for target and general plinking. I don't load 357 Magnum anymore and prefer to purchase factory 357 Mag ammo when the need arises.

Although I really like Power Pistol, I recall that Universal did not have nearly the bark of Power Pistol at or around comparable velocities (I wish I could find my records). The great folks on this forum have also opened my eyes regarding some of the few negatives regarding Power Pistol and 38 Spl.

Anyone else use Universal powder? In 38 Spl/38 Spl +P? What other powders do you like to duplicate the factory Rem/Win/Fed 38 Spl +P 158 gr LHP velocities? I think 5.0 grs Universal came close (I wish I could find my records).

Thank you

 

[Shooter6br]

Universal 4.6 with 158 g Lee TL in Mod 10-6 HB .45 acp, 45-70,41 mag,30-06 also with differant amounts

 

[Collo Rosso]

CFE-P has become my favorite powder for mid range and up loads in many calibers.

 

[BZimm]

A Great Question....Thank You

This spring I bought a pound of CFE Pistol and a pound of Universal because I like the price. I've been using the CFE Pistol for 38sp and .40 and I really like it. It feels good in my G23 and even better in my HP 28-2

I haven't cracked open the jar of Universal yet and this thread is leading me to try it. Sounds good.

Thing is, I'm a newbie and I am still wandering around looking for favorite loads. Getting there though....

 

[Nevada Ed]

In my J frame 2" 38 special, Universal worked great with a HSM 125gr LFN bullet with a reduced charge at only 582fps.
At 30 feet, I could get 4 @ .32".
A 125 lead RN at 600fps would put out 6 @ 1.05".

A full load in the 2" with a 158gr Lswc at 824fps was fair at 1.38".

For some odd reason it did not do well in a 6" barrel with 38 loads.
In the 357 magnum 6" I got the Universal powder to get a 158gr lead wc
up to 1315fps with a ES of +/- 44.

Just that I used most of it up in my 12 Ga. heavy 3 Dram trap loads
so it did not see much use in my pistols or revolvers.

It does meter better than Unique powder but it seemed to me to have 95% of the energy but who cares, if it works, right?
Later.

 

[rwsmith]

I always assumed...

I always assumed that Universal was Hodgdon's answer to Unique and very versatile, if not maybe the best for every application. Am I off base there? I have no real experience with Universal.

 

[Benchrest1]

I use Universal in 44 mag and spl. I've been very happy with it so far. I started using it when I wasn't able to get any Unique.