Powder recommendations for handgun loading.

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree W231/HP-38 is probably the best powder for loading the 38 Special and 45 ACP. I use mostly W231 for all my general handgun loading with few exceptions.

Federal, CCI, Remington and Winchester primers are all good but I use mostly CCI followed by Winchester primers. Some of the foreign primers work too, I just don't care to use them. Tula, Wolf, MagTech, Fiocchi and S&B are some of those foreign made primers.

 

[garth64]

I've used HP38 and IMR 700-x and either CCI or Federal small pistol primers.

 

[Alaska MJ]

I think the answer is going to hinge on "Which powder can I find" rather than "Which would be a good choice".

Primers seem pretty available. But powder hits the shelves (real or web based) and then gets bought out in literally minutes.

I carry a list of acceptable powders with me (text file on my phone). Any time I'm in a place that sells powder, I check the list. I buy powder if they have it and it's on the list.

I have a lot of powder on back order. I'm on a lot of "notify me" lists. I spend a lot of time on GunBot.

Buy it when you can, anything suitable. Load it up. Experiment with low to medium loadings. Take notes etc. When you find one that you think you like better than the others, get on the backorder lists for big jugs of that brand.


Sgt Lumpy

That's exactly where Iam at ,have a list ,buy what you can when you can.

 

[Kilibreaux]

Yes I am new to reloading and have a lee classic turret kit on order with some dies right now I am wanting to load 9mm and 45 Acp. What is some recommendations on what kind of powder and brand you would use for these calibers. Also any body like one primer brand over the other I was thinking cci just wanted to get some supplies from local gun store to start my reloading when the press kit arrives thanks for your info.

General speaking, primers are primers are primers....one brand may have specific qualities over another but from a "newbie" perspective this will not matter.
The very best power for a new handloader and the 9mm and .45ACP is Alliant's Unique...it had enough bulk to avoid an overcharge at normal throws and despite all the newer choices, still does an outstanding job for hardcast handloads, or even jacketed choices.

 

[hotrod150]

About 30 years ago, I started out using W231 to load 45acp because my handloading mentor used it. Never saw the need to change. Used it to load lots of 45, then lots of 9mm. Nowadays I use it to load 38 spl. I've also used Unique for 45 Colt and for 357 sorta-magnum loads, but IMHO W231 is about the most versatile and easy to meter powder for non-magnum handgun cartridges. 5.6 gr or so works well for 200 gr 45acp as well as 115 gr 9mm.

 

[dla]

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.

 

[skrazo]

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.

That pretty well describes me. I have reloading manuals that list the burning speeds of powders, but what are some recommendations for "clean burning" along good performance in 45 ACP, 38 sp, and 357?

 

[rwsmith]

Acc #5

Accurate #5 is similar to Unique.

 

[J. W.]

Hp-38/W231 is my go to handgun powder.


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[PPCSHOOTER]

9MM AND .45 ACP. TRY WINCHESTER WSF. JP

 

[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.