Powder recommendations for handgun loading.

[GypsmJim]

Notice that most responses are for fast to medium powders. The fact is that today there are lots of choices. My point here is don't get hung up on one powder because with the shortages you'll need to make due with what is available.

A lot of guys get hung up on Unique or BullsEye because that's what they started with 900 years ago. But both are mediocre powders compared to what's available today.

My advice is to get a list of appropriate powders handy so that you can actually pick up something when shopping.

The primer situation has improved. You'll need both small and large pistol primers. Again, any manufacturer will do fine for these cartridges.

Well, maybe not 900 years, but 45 for sure....LOL.

Yeah, things are improved today, but is newer really Better?

I still blow out the X ring, the barrel isn't leaded and I'm satisfied with the results! Imagine that concept! Nobody is ever satisfied. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

 

[bedbugbilly]

For my 9mm, I'm using a 120 gr TC cast from a Lee mold with 3.5 gr of Bulls Eye. It makes a nice load for my SR9 and I've had no problems with it at all - cycles great. Someone suggested this bullet and load to me and I love it. YMMV depending on your handgun.

 

[WR Moore]

I really like Unique for 9mm. I get factory velocities and it's flat impossible to double charge a case.

I converted to WW231 for .45 ACP back when in the 1980s for uniformity of charge weight. Haven't been able to find it for about 1.5 years. You can double/triple charge a case with 231.

 

[SMSgt]

I use HP-38/231 in my .45 ACPS, about 5-5.3 grains, and I cannot double charge and still seat a 230 grain bullet. A double charge is very obvious, a triple charge would most certainly spill over.

 

[Butcher156]

CFO primers and titegroup powder.

 

[Butcher156]

That's cci primers

 

[Johnnu2]

Powders

If 900 years of experience counts, use Unique and W-231.... you can load a lot of pistol cals with these powders; all primers are the same TO ME; I have had excellent results with Russian primers once the US brands got too expensive.... TULA and WOLF are fine. J

 

[RonS]

I load both those calibers and use Winchester Super Field. Meters well with my Lee auto disc and Lee Perfect measures.

 

[2sigs]

I have used IMR 700X for >20 yrs. and while it may not be the absolute Best powder for 9 or 45, it is an economic choice and seems to be available when more popular pistol powders are sold out.

CAUTION though, 700-X is fast and as such is able to be double charged easily. Be careful and double check your work.

As always, Buy manuals or at least look at manufactures websites and their Data. Be very cautious of others' posted data, Use only powders and charges that can be verified in at least 2 published charts.

Be Safe

 

[S&W1006]

Bullseye works great for light to medium loads in the 9mm and 45. Great thing it meters well and you don't need a lot of it. Unique is also a great powder but it will take more but you can get higher velocity if you want. Power Pistol is also great for the 9mm and 45 if you want full power loads. I'm sure there are lots of other great powders but I have no experience with them.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Honestly at this point in time I would just stock up on primers for now. Wait for powder to be more available so you aren't just stuck getting what you can find at twice what it should cost.

 

[TAROMAN]

Dozens of powders are usable for handgun loading.
I have most of them in my cabinet.
But, always seem to go back to the holy trinity:

 

[warden469]

I started with Unique and like it but it meters horrible to the point where I was weighing each individual load. Talk about time consuming. Anyway I recently bought some HP38 and what a difference. Seems a bit cleaner and it meters great!

Good luck.

 

[M3Stuart]

I use HP38 & WIN231 for 9mm and really like it. Meters great, burns clean.

 

[Doubless]

Buy some AA #5; load six grains behind whichever 9mm bullet you are loading, and depending on whether it is 200 grains or 230 in the 45, either about 8 or 8.5 grains, and have fun.

 

[alwslate]

Winchester 231/HP38 is a great powder for a variety of handgun loads.
I like Winchester primers. CCI primers seem a bit oversize and are
often very difficult to fully seat.