I respectfully disagree with Paul on WSF, and do not find it to be the case that it meters inconsistently. It is a fine grain powder with high density that meters very well, with the right metering system, especially compared to something like Unique.
I have been using it almost exclusively for nearly 10 years for general purpose revolver and pistol loads for both cast and some jacketed bullets in 38SP, 357 Mag, 38/40WCF, 40S&W, 10MM, 44SP, 44 Mag, 45ACP, 45AR and 45 Colt. I find it to be a very accurate, clean burning, consistent powder, and accurate measuring at least when thrown from my Hornady L-N-L presses using a small pistol rotor (I started using it in an older Hornady Pro-Jector before the LNL and it was even consistent in that).
My favorite 45ACP target load is 7.0 gr WSF, WLP and a 185gr cast LSWC. Also, 6.8-7.0gr and a Hornady 200gr JTC bullet is a superb target load. Either one of those will shoot 2-3" groups at 50 yards in a number of 45ACP guns that I own. The same load also is good in 45AR. I enjoy watching guys at the range when I shoot those; they are convinced I must be a really good shooter. I load Rem or Win 230FMJ with 6.6gr WSF for a standard ball load.
For 45 Colt CAS loads, I use 9.5-10.0gr WSF and a 250 or 255gr cast or swaged lead bullet. This load is also acceptable in Winchester '73 and ’92 rifles based on my use in them, although I recommend starting at 9.0 and staying around the 9.5gr level in the ’73 if you are getting a good enough seal, and would not recommend exceeding 10 grains with that bullet weight in a '73. You can also use a 200gr bullet with the same charge but it will leave a lot of black carbon smudges on the case (the upper limit with a hard cast bullet is well above that in a Win ’92 or a strong revolver like a Vaquero, but you exceed CAS velocity levels).
WSF is a good powder for many applications, especially with lead bullets, or jacketed bullets in auto pistol cartridges. It is far and away my best powder in 40S&W.
Send me a PM if you have any questions about other loads and I'll be glad to share my experiences with WSF. Many of the loads are unpublished, including the 45 Colt load above. However, I’ve been a handloader for over 40 years and do not take lightly what works or does not based on popular belief, but rather find out for myself, empirically and through a combination of published data, development, chrono evaluation and field experimentation. That’s what being a scientist does to you. Nor do I suggest anyone undertake any load recommendation without due consideration of their abilities and experience with handloading, understanding of the cautions and risks inherent, and with the full understanding that they are assuming total responsibility for their actions in undertaking any handloading activity or load consideration. There, now with that out of the way, there are a lot of good loads out there yet to be tried.
