Try 4227. I use H110 296 and primarily the 4227 for this calliber. Has a great muzzle flash and with 17.5gr and 125 semi-jacket hp it duplicates the Federal law enforcement load the FBI classified as the best one shot stop load for many many years. Had a friend that was a federal rep tell me about this load. It is hot, but accurate.
Two or three powders
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smiffundvessen
Member
I am simple in my needs and use mostly Unique and 2400 these days. Back when I shot .44 magnums almost exclusively, I was fond of IMR 4227. If I had to use just one powder, it would be Unique.
However, Unique meters terribly through my powder measures, so I'd choose something else if I used a progressive loading machine.
However, Unique meters terribly through my powder measures, so I'd choose something else if I used a progressive loading machine.
ishootblanks
Member
TITEGROUP
The best powder out there for most pistol cartridges, bar none, is Titegroup. Check it out
The best powder out there for most pistol cartridges, bar none, is Titegroup. Check it out
redhawk444
Member
My vote would be for Green Dot, Unique and 2400, although I agree with Smithcrazy that AA2, AA5 & AA9 will do just as well.
I think this covers the question very well. If it had to get pared down to only 2 pistol powders, I'd keep the W-231 and the 296 for magnums...
oldRoger
US Veteran
+1 for Skip
Over the course of the years I have used many, many pounds of Bullseye, and quite a few of Unique.
However, I am very pleased with AA 5,7 & 9 and have switched almost entirely to those three and VV 350 and 3N37.
The only Bullseye I still use is for 148gn HBWC loads.
I have stopped using Unique in favor of the newer powders because of the much improved metering and IMO cleanliness.
Over the course of the years I have used many, many pounds of Bullseye, and quite a few of Unique.
However, I am very pleased with AA 5,7 & 9 and have switched almost entirely to those three and VV 350 and 3N37.
The only Bullseye I still use is for 148gn HBWC loads.
I have stopped using Unique in favor of the newer powders because of the much improved metering and IMO cleanliness.
frankw
Member
whelenshooter
Member
After 44 years of reloading I've found you can cover almost all the bases for handgun reloading with only three powders. To do this you need a fast powder, a medium powder, and a slow one. In the fast category Bullseye or HP38/WW231, in the medium category Unique or Universal Clays, and in the slow category Alliant 2400 or H110/WW296. Bullseye is a bit faster than HP38/WW231, thus I think it is the better choice for a fast powder since it will do things on the fast side that HP38/WW231 can't do quite as well, and there is overlap between the capabilities of HP38/WW231 and Unique or Universal Clays. On the slow end of things you will get more power with H110/WW296 than you will with 2400. In the medium powders I've always preferred Unique simply because I grew up with it. Also, unlike others, I've found Unique to be cleaner burning than Universal Clays in lighter loads, though I think it burns cleaner than Unique with heavier loads. Therefore my choice, if limited to only three powders, is Bullseye, Unique, and H110/WW296.
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I survived nicely using only Unique and 2400 powders. I had started with H110 but 2400 is much more forgiving. 2400 has a much broader use range then H110 allowing for mid to hot loads.
My second powder was Unique. It worked great for low to mid range loads. After 10 years I'm replacing the Unique with Universal. Unique worked well for me until I got involved with progressive presses. Some powder measures don't like Unique, and it is also a dirty powder.
I tried Blue Dot some years back but had bad luck with it in .357 Mag. It just seemed to not burn well. Some day I may give it another try.
My second powder was Unique. It worked great for low to mid range loads. After 10 years I'm replacing the Unique with Universal. Unique worked well for me until I got involved with progressive presses. Some powder measures don't like Unique, and it is also a dirty powder.
I tried Blue Dot some years back but had bad luck with it in .357 Mag. It just seemed to not burn well. Some day I may give it another try.
