A little more love for CFE-Pistol here as well. When everything was scarce I began looking for the powder that I could stock for emergency use in the future if things dried up again. CFE can be used in many different loadings and is available relatively cheaply right now. A good conservative investment for me for long range planning.
w231 & HP-38 replacement for new 45 acp ReLoader
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There are 7000 grains per pound, so 56,000 grains per 8# jug. The number if rounds depends on your individual load.
56000 / grains per load = loads per 8# jug.
ddraper
Member
I just got a couple of 8 lb. jugs of HP-38 a few weeks ago. Seems to be plenty around right now. That said, six months ago when I couldn't find any I got some CFE Pistol as a backup. Haven't tried the CFE Pistol and probably won't as long as I have HP-38 kicking around.
I have been hearing about the discontinuation of HP-38/W231 for a few years. I will believe it is going to happen when it actually does.
I have been hearing about the discontinuation of HP-38/W231 for a few years. I will believe it is going to happen when it actually does.
AveragEd
Member
Yes, 231 is also readily available around here. I don't see it disappearing anytime soon as the powder companies have already dropped the powders that can't be produced using the newer, less time-consuming technology.
Ed
Ed
gwpercle
Member
In these times of shortage and the dreaded "not in stock", you have to be prepared to use whatever powder you can get.
Those you have listed are great , to that list add:
Red Dot and 700X.
I keep a list in my wallet and check the local dealer's shelves often for anything that I can use to reload handgun ammo with. For years Bullseye and Unique were my two powders, that came to a screeching halt a few years ago when they couldn't be found for blood or money. Found Red Dot and 700 X and they work quite well.
Concerning 231 powder , I saw several cans sitting on a local dealers shelf last Saturday...are you sure it has been discontinued ?
Don't hamstring yourself with just one powder , powder flexibility is not a bad thing.
Gary
Those you have listed are great , to that list add:
Red Dot and 700X.
I keep a list in my wallet and check the local dealer's shelves often for anything that I can use to reload handgun ammo with. For years Bullseye and Unique were my two powders, that came to a screeching halt a few years ago when they couldn't be found for blood or money. Found Red Dot and 700 X and they work quite well.
Concerning 231 powder , I saw several cans sitting on a local dealers shelf last Saturday...are you sure it has been discontinued ?
Don't hamstring yourself with just one powder , powder flexibility is not a bad thing.
Gary
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Scored an 8# jug of bullseye a couple weeks ago. That will hold me over for a little while.
Rogeronimo
Member
45 ACP? You haven't mentioned bullet weights. I use Int'l Clays for 230 XTP's and Longshot for 250 JHP ... flawlessly ... exceptionally clean for autos.
fredj338
Member
As i noted earlier, about 10,500 rds per 8#.
Look at shotgun powders as pistol powders. A better chance shotgun powders will be around. Again though, have at least two powder choices per caliber.
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MJFlores
Member
Honestly, I cant imagine looking for a substitute to HP-38 when it's readily available. I would suggest you buy a pound and try it, I'd imagine you;d quickly be buying an 8 pounder afterwards. It's my favorite powder, and the only one I use in .44 mag and special, .45 acp, 38sp, and 357 mag.
caduceus
US Veteran
Glad all are ignoring American Select (Smile)
Bkreutz
US Veteran
I notice in a lot of posts that people are saying that their local supplier doesn't have powder. When the powder shortage started a few years ago, powder wasn't available (or very expensive) at my local sources. I started buying online because I could find powder (it wasn't easy, but it was there). Powder is still spotty locally, but I'm still buying online because the prices have come down. I just ordered 16 lbs of Autocomp on Thursday from Wideners (they had it on sale, imagine that) after hazmat and shipping, I'm getting it for $20 per lb delivered to my door. (it will be here Tuesday) Wideners puts different powders on sale on an almost daily basis, I signed up for email notices. I kept watching Autocomp dropping in price until I couldn't resist. Just thought I'd pass this on. One never knows what the future availability of powder will be, especially after the upcoming election.
fredj338
Member
If that is all you use in your magnums, you are short changing yourself. Any medium burner is a better tool for the magnums, Unique up thru hs6.
imakmst
Member
I load Bullseye for .45 ACP, and I buy it when I find because I load Bullseye for .45 ACP.
ninjatoth
Member
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Beartooth Bullets > Ballistician's Corner > Loads/Pound of Powder
This can give you ballparks, so in my instance, for low end .38spl's, an 8lb jug of lets say TiteGroup would yield around 8,000 rounds. In .45acp that would be closer to 6,000 rounds for that particular powder etc.
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venomballistics
Member
you are a new loader ... eliminate titegroup from your list.
This might be a good powder for those seasoned and versed, but for those who might not really know the quirks of their equipment yet, its a KB waiting for a place to be.
Instead, you are better off with slower powders that will better forgive misunderstandings between lab data and reality.
Power Pistol, Unique, Universal, CFE Pistol will do better for you.
This might be a good powder for those seasoned and versed, but for those who might not really know the quirks of their equipment yet, its a KB waiting for a place to be.
Instead, you are better off with slower powders that will better forgive misunderstandings between lab data and reality.
Power Pistol, Unique, Universal, CFE Pistol will do better for you.
jimbo728
Member
Shelfs were full of 231 and HP 38 today at my LGS. A welcome sight.
Its my goto powder for .38spl, .45 Auto and .44mag light shooters with cast bullets.
Jim
Its my goto powder for .38spl, .45 Auto and .44mag light shooters with cast bullets.
Jim
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I use mostly W231 offloading the 45 ACP and I highly doubt it's going anywhere anytime soon. Even if it were to be discontinued I would buy 2x 8Lb jugs and probably be set for life. If I had to substitute I would use Ranshot Zip. I also like AA#5 in the 45 ACP
MJFlores
Member
I dont have to have recoil just to have fun. With HP-38, I get velocities in the 1100 fps range in my magnums, a clean gun, very clean cases that barely need to be tumbled, great accuracy, and very long case life. I don't feel short changed, I think I've found the best powder for my needs.
