Power Pistol vs Universal

[38SPL HV]

Absent chronograph, I shot for group today 38 Spl +P/357 Mag mid range 158 gr loads using Universal and Power Pistol.

Power Pistol:
38 Spl +P 5.6 grs (Speer 158 gr LSWCHP)
357 Mag 7.2 grs (Bayou coated 158 gr SWC)

Universal:
38 Spl +P 5.0 grs (Speer 158 gr LSWCHP)
357 Mag 6.0 grs (Bayou coated 158 gr SWC)

At 50 ft off hand- 15 rounds each:
Power Pistol groups were all in the black (25 yd slow fire target)
Universal groups were in and out of the black. Dismal.

Some of it was me, but Power Pistol was markedly more accurate than the loads using Universal.

7.2 grs Power Pistoland & 158 gr SWC in 357 Magnum is very accurate. Can't wait to get them across my chronograph. Probably duplicates the old 38-44 velocities (1,100 fps in 6 inch). Makes for a great woods round. 5.6 grs Power Pistol & 158 gr Speer LSWCHP is also very accurate and in the past it chronographed right near Remington's 38 Spl +P 158 gr LHP loading - real good factory duplicate (and also more accurate).

 

[mejetski2000]

I've never used Universal but I have loaded Power Pistol in everything from .380acp-.44mag and it's the only bulk powder I own. I use Speer's data (mostly) or Hornady and my chrono'd loads in 9mm, 10mm and .357mag are almost identical with Speer's data. Take from that what you will. There's a reason why so many OEM ammo manufacturers use it. It can be kinda noisy compared to other powders but it's got the speed you need for most reasonable applications and it's pretty economical as well. Good stuff !!