Opinions on the best general use pistol powder?

[Kinman]

I'll vote for Bullseye but only because I have not really tried out some of the newer powders. I've recently tried Titegroup and find that I like it so much so that I just bought two more lbs rather than Bullseye. I've used alot of Unique in the past but that was back when I burned up alot of H110 as well, but switched over to 2400 because thats what Skeeter said.

 

[S&W HE]

Have used all of the handgun powders mentioned in the previous posts and some that were not.

I found Accurate No.5 meets the following requirements very well.

1. Reasonable case fill to reduce the double charge risk.
2. Reasonable economy in many calibers (grs. per round).
3. Works very well with jacketed, plated, and cast bullet loads.
4. Functions extremely well through Dillon and RCBS powder measurers.
5. Burns fairly cleanly.
6. Produces good to excellent accuracy.
7. Is readily available.

 

[daniel lawecki]

Tough ? with a lot of different answers where you live has a lot to do with it. Powder in NW Ohio is hit and miss. I used several powders listed 231, Clays, Unique, 2400 ,H110 ,2400 just to name a few. Today I'm using Titegroup a lot in my .38, 45acp, 45lc, and sometimes in the 44 with cast bullets. So if I had two or three powders Titegroup 2400 and some H110. The H110 works great in my .22K Hornet loads and will cross over to the other larger calibers. there are many good choices powders that will serve you well good luck.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

With the possible exception of...

...one of the criteria (vis-a-vis) powder drops on SOME progressive loaders, I'm very satisfied with what is now sold as Hodgdon "Hi-Skor" 800-X.

The original was an IMR product and there is factory load data from 25ACP through 44 S&W Magnum for almost every caliber. I only was made aware of one seeming X-tra HOT LOAD that was eventually reduced.

Since I use a scale and a RCBS trickler (or soon a Hornady auto powder measure: a smart trickle measure?) the way it "flows" has never been an issue.

Otherwise it just about works for EVERYTHING and that's what this older thread was all about, ImMHO.

Cheers! & MERRY CHRISTMAS to All, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

[beerbelly]

Have to agree with Mr. Lawecki about the availability (or lack thereof) of certain powders in NW Ohio. If you find some, expect to pay big bucks.
I`ve recently purchased several lbs of ETR7 locally for $20/lb.
So far I`ve used it for 9mm, .38 Special, .44 Special, and .45ACP.
Been pretty happy with it. Shoots clean and meters well out of my Lee Disk Powder Measure. I use Universal data out of the manuals, and then chrono them. I shoot cast bullets at moderate velocities to feed my backstop.
Merry Christmas!
berrbelly

 

[fredj338]

Vihtavuori N350 has met all of those criteria for me. I have been very happy with it in everything from 9mm to .44 Magnum.

But for the price & availability.

 

[2ndtimer]

I have used a number of different handgun powders over the years, loading .38 Spec., 357 Mag., 9 mm, .44 Mag., .45 ACP, and .40 S&W. Unique, Universal Clays, Accurate No. 5, SR-4756, and Win. 231/HP-38 have all been considered as my "all around" choice for handgun loading. I have also used a lot of Titegroup lately for 9mm and light loads in .357 revolvers. With the scarcity of handgun powders in recent years, one had to grab what one could find, and a while back the local Sportsman's Warehouse had a 4 lb keg of Power Pistol. I think this is my new general purpose powder. I have used it in .45 ACP and 9mm, and just today chronographed some 357 Mag. loads with some 170 gr Keith style cast SWC's with very impressive results. It seems to provide excellent high level performance. I haven't tried any light loads with it yet, but with upper level loads, it is very consistent.

 

[LostintheOzone]

This Unique and Bullseye that everyone talks about, what does it look like?

Never seen it for sale anywhere.

 

[daniel lawecki]

When I couldn't find Clays, Bullseye, or unique I switched to Titegroup.

 

[SLT223]

CFE Pistol:

a) It's available
b) Broad loading spectrum

 

[ladder13]

Anyone mention Unique yet?

Been using these 3 for 30 years.
Unique
231
2400

 

[Toocold6]

good old flammable dirt

Unique....Unique...Unique... Throw in a little 2400 and you are good to go.

good old flammable dirt

 

[jimbo728]

If forced to have just one for OP`s calibers Im with Rule 3.
231/ HP38.
A5 is great if you can find it but Im not a fan of it for .38spl.
In .357, with 125gr XTP`s it is Awesome!
2400 and H110 come in handy for the Magnums, for sure.
Jim

 

[classichunter]

No wonder Unique is so hard to find around here all you guys are buying it up. Just picked up a pound last weekend. I still got some bullseye and 2400. I'm good for awhile.