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Zackary

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Back in February, I decided I wanted to begin reloading for my 3 revolvers, S&W 28-2, 6 inch, S&W 10-5 pencil barrel, 4 inch, and a Ruger Security Six, 4 inch. I've been reading this forum at least 3x/week since then , and I've read Lee's Book through twice. I've also helped a good friend of mine with his reloading chores , an ex-ARMY Vietnam Vet who is an avid cowboy shooter.( He's the one who first got me interested). Have purchased two powders, Bulleye and W231, to begin with. My question is: As a beginner, is one powder easier to learn with than the other? I purchased a Classic Lee Turret Press w/ all the trimmings ( which is yet to arrive). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and expertise.
 
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Bullseye is a good powder and has been around for a long time however it's easier to get into trouble with, stick with the WW231.
 
I agree with Joni that between those two, I'd go with 231.

However if you're not opposed to buying another propellant, I'd suggest using TrailBoss. It is almost impossible to double charge a case with TB. Works well with a wide range of cartidges and lead bullets at moderate "cowboy" level loads.
 
Either one is a fine powder to begin with. The limitation is that you won't be able to get true magnum performance from either powder if you are looking to load for the M28.

That is fine for a beginner though as learning to walk (target loads) before learning to run (true magnum loads) is greatly suggested! ;)

Both of the powders you have are great for that endeavor. Use a manual/manufacturer's data to load with. Follow the information to a tee and remember, be safe!

There is no reason to shoot one of your mistakes. An impact bullet pulling hammer is one tool you will need. Simply use it to "erase" those mistakes! ;)
 
Another vote for the impact bullet puller. You will find it a most cost-effective tool.

General rule: The slower the powder, the less likely you are to double-charge a case. Also true for density; the less dense the less likely a double-charge.

I don't like Unique for my applications, but it is a good LEARNING powder. There is a reason so many commercial reloaders use it. Besides it being cheap, of course.

It is almost impossible to double-charge a case with Unique. You'll have powder spilling all over the press, which is a pretty big clue.

Just a suggestion.
 
That gal Joni has got it right again. I've used both Bullseye and WW231 for .38 Spl. loads. They are both fast burning powders, but I think WW231 will serve you best.

It is my "powder of choice" for target loads.
 
Sgt Preston here. Joni Lynn nailed it. WW231 is my ONLY powder & I use it for 38, 9mm, & 45 ACP. It meters perfectly (+ or - 1/2 a tenth of a grain) in my Dillon 550. I do load inside in a heated & humidity controlled room. I can't guarantee that degree of accuracy if you are loading in a garage or basement. It's also readily available in most areas & moderately priced. Hope this helps. Sgt Preston USMC LLA.
 
I agree with all, flirt, flirt.
I might suggest another; probably the least dense powder is Red Dot. It makes a good beginning pistol powder especially for the .45, not bad for .44 & .357. Cheap, relatively clean, easy to find.
 
I agree, Red Dot works well as does 700X but WW231 or HP38 meters so well and works great in so many applications that I find myself reaching for it more than most others.
 
I might suggest another; probably the least dense powder is Red Dot.

Good suggestion. Burned LOTS of it in .38 Special, .40 and .45. A light load under an HBWC is quite accurate.

As noted, it is versatile, reasonable and readily available.
 
I started w/ W231 waaaay back when. Put the BE on a shelf until you finish the W231. Then buy a # of WSF & use that. It meters better than Unique w/ about the same burn rate. I like med. burners for newbs, less steep a pressure curve & broader loading range, especially if you are loading for a 9mm or 357mag. As always, JMO. For "uberfast" powder, I do like RD more than BE, burned #s of it in CAS in the 45colt.
 
IMO W231/HP-38 is a much better choice to start reloading with over Bullseye. W231 meters very well and can be used for a lot of calibers. I use W231 for the .38 Special, 9mm, .45 Auto, .45 Colt and a few others too.
 
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I am really surprised no one mentioned Baby Powder:D

Just kidding. The Win 231 is the same as HP 38. I have simplified my life and use it almost exclusively for 38/357, 44 special, 9mm and 45 ACP. Yes, there are lots of other powders perhaps more specific for certain loads but for general target shooting I find it works just fine.

I do have several other powders but as you mentioned, look through the Lee load tables and you will find the W 231/HP38 listed for most any handgun load.

When in doubt, post a question about anything, lots of folks here to help you out.

Have fun and be safe.
 
There are a lot of things to remember when handloading. Using a powder like Bullseye which can be double or in some cases triple charged is IMO one challenge you don’t need when gaining that original bit of experience.
Reminds me of the Lady in the office who bought her still in High School son a used Corvette for his “learners car”.
 
I've been reloading since 1967. I've never bought any Bullseye for the reasons mentioned. I've used unique, red dot, blue dot , herco, green dot, AA2,AA5, AA7, AA9, 2400, H110, and most every thing else. Recently, I've narrowed the choices to Titegroup for 9mm,40's, and 45acp's and Trailboss(TB) for most revolver cartridges like 38, 44 special, and 45 colt. I use TB in 41 & 44 mags with cast bullets and recently loaded some 455 webleys and 44-40's with TB. I like the fact if you double charge with TB, there with be powder everywhere. I even worked up a load with TB in my 10mm Glock. TiteGroup is like Breelcream, a little goes a long way. Of course, there are no bad powders, just some may not be appropiate for the use at hand. Bob!
 
Reminds me of the Lady in the office who bought her still in High School son a used Corvette for his “learners car”.

Sounds familiar. Back in the day, my wife worked for a Chrysler dealer. Against EVERYTHING the sales staff told her, a dumb high school girl - who couldn't even drive a stick - bought a Shelby Mustang. Of course it was WAY too much for her to handle and the salesmen started a pool on when Susie Creamcheese would be back to exchange it for something suitable.

As I recall, it was two days.
 
I've been reloading since 1967. I've never bought any Bullseye for the reasons mentioned. I've used unique, red dot, blue dot , herco, green dot, AA2,AA5, AA7, AA9, 2400, H110, and most every thing else. Recently, I've narrowed the choices to Titegroup for 9mm,40's, and 45acp's and Trailboss(TB) for most revolver cartridges like 38, 44 special, and 45 colt. I use TB in 41 & 44 mags with cast bullets and recently loaded some 455 webleys and 44-40's with TB. I like the fact if you double charge with TB, there with be powder everywhere. I even worked up a load with TB in my 10mm Glock. TiteGroup is like Breelcream, a little goes a long way. Of course, there are no bad powders, just some may not be appropiate for the use at hand. Bob!
Funny you would be afraid of BE when TG is actually worse. The small volumn it occupies in a large case is just plain scary. RedDot has a sim. burn rat eto TG w/ almost twice the volumn. My choice for fast powder is WST. A bit slower than RD & TG w/ about the same volumn as the RD. Burns clean too.
 
I've been using WST in my .40 and .45 loads and am quite happy with it. It meters far better than Red Dot.

I have some Tite Group to load jacketed .40 with, but haven't used it yet.
 
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