Opinions on IMR-PB powder for pistol

[Harley Fan]

I'm new to reloading. Only experiences is with a Lee loader for .38 Special. I've run through a half-pound of IMR-PB pistol/shotgun powder which is the only thing there was to buy locally at the time.

I'm getting low on it, and it's the only powder I have.

I just bought a RCBS single stage press and a set of carbide dies for .38/.357 Mag. I have a nice stock of .38 Sp brass, and I've saved all my .357 brass.

My question is this- I've combed this category in the forum and read a lot about various pistol powder favorites. At no time have I seen IMR-PB powder mentioned. I know that my re-loader supplier has this is stock. I seem to have had satisfactory results with it. It meters OK in my powder thrower. I'm going to need some powder soon, and there's a local gun show where I will be looking for powder.

What is everybody's opinion of this IMR-PB powder in .38/.357 applications?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

PB will work fine in the .38 Special and the reason you rarely hear anyone recommend it is there are so many other better choices it's really not thought of. Most of the reloaders who use PB in handgun cartridges already use it for loading shotgun ammo.

There is plenty of load data available for PB in the .38 Special for all bullet weights on the Hodgdon Load Data Site.
Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

It has been announced that PB will be discontinued, when existing stocks are depleted. So you have 2 choices, Go ahead and move to another powder (WW231/HP38 is a common all round powder) or Stock-up as much as you can. PB is a great 45 target load powder and I loader Federal paper hull 12 gauge with it also. Ivan

 

[Nevada Ed]

There are a few old shooters at the trap club that use it, just because of the way the burnt powder smells.

A oldie but goodie that has been passed up by all the newer powders and advertisement that has bombarded us all over the last fifty years.

Nothing wrong with the "Porous Base" powder......... (PB)

 

[riverrat38]

I had the same question last month, and received several good responses.

Substitute for HP38

I have not loaded any yet, but will soon, maybe today.

Best,
Rick

 

[AveragEd]

I used PB exclusively for my trap loads for probably 15 years so I tried it in my .45ACP target loads. With a fixed breech, it burns extremely clean but in my 1911, it was absolutely filthy because so much pressure and its related heat is bled off as the slide starts rearward.

I found Clays to be the best shotgun powder for handgun use (target loads, anyway) and use it in all my revolvers but have gone to AutoComp in my 1911s chambered for .38 Super and .45ACP. In the .38 Special, I use 2.3 grains of Clays with a 148-grain hollow-base wadcutter.

Ed

 

[arjay]

Ive always used Bullseye and Unique for 38s,so those would be my first choice.If you're getting good results with PB and it's available,grab another pound or two.If you decide to try Unique,find out if your measure will dispense it consistantly,some measure just don't play well with it.

 

[Alk8944]

There are a few old shooters at the trap club that use it, just because of the way the burnt powder smells.

Or Shotgun Bulk! Both have a very pleasant odor to them. I still use Bulk in brass 16 ga. for my old Marlin. Fortunately I inherited 4 cans from my father.

 

[Harley Fan]

This forum rules! Thank you for all the reasoned replies.

I've loaded 500ish rounds of .38 Special with a Lee Loader, using 125 gr plated bullets and the IMR-PB powder. I've experimented around with various loadings. Most of these reloads were shot at a range using my 686 Smith.

Couple weeks back, I bought a pristine Model 10-5 snubby. My lighter loaded ammo worked great out of this revolver, and I'm very happy.

Well, I've just loaded 40 rounds of .38 Sp with the same PB and a 158 grain SWC, with starting and mid-range powder loads, with my new RCBS Partner press. In addition to that, I've loaded 20 rounds of .357 Mag, starting load, and middle of the road. Can't wait to see the results.

I've heard this many times before- get the available powder! It is available to me, seems to work fine.

I can buy this for $20 a pound. This is a good price?

Thanks again!

 

[arjay]

That's a good price.The stuff at the gun shows (the only place I'm seeing powder right now) is around $30/lb

 

[MichiganScott]

Buy it. Use it. It's been my favorite for light .38 special loads for 40 years.

 

[Nemo288]

I've been using PB for 44 target loads for decades.
It is one of the cleanest burning powders out there.
I got a couple of pounds a few weeks back which is what was on my store's shelf at the time.
Good for about 1500 loads per pound. I'll be sorry to see it go along with 4756.
A possible substitute could be Viht. N32C "Tin Star" which is available, at least around here.
I would say buy all the PB you can. Once you run out then worry about a replacement.

+++
Nemo

 

[Treeman]

PB is an excellent pistol/shotgun powder.I would buy 10 pounds of it at $20 per pound if I could.

 

[riverrat38]

I paid $27 for a pound of PB at my LGS last month.

Best,
Rick