Let's talk Autocomp

[Overkill777]

This powder is the only pistol powder I can find locally right now so I decided to give it a try. Anyone use this powder?

I read that this powder works best at max loads so I worked up to a max load for 45 acp. Some things I noticed:

First it meters extremely well, even better than win231/hp38. The muzzle flash was practically non existent. It shot very accurate with 230 gr lrn.

The negatives are that it takes a fairly large amount of powder so less bang for the buck. Also it was extremely dirty. My 1911 after 50 rounds looked as dirty as a 22 after a whole box of bulk ammo run through it.

I guess it's made for compensated pistols and I don't have any but oh well. Does anyone have any recommendations for using this powder? Will it work better for lighter bullets? How about other calibers? I also have 380, 9mm, and 38 special.

It seems like a decent powder with some potential but it seems like it is not popular and I couldn't find a whole lot of info out there.

 

[WVMountaineer]

I'm in the same boat. Got choices but figured I'd try on on a vendors suggestions. I don't think it is the best choice for my surplus of lead bullets but, from what I gather, it'd be good jacketed bullet fertilizer. So bring on the info. God Bless

 

[jag2]

Just started using it recently and have been very happy. Accurate #5 is still my favorite for 9mm but haven't seen any of that for a couple of years. I think Auto Comp is a close second, like it better than 231 or Bullseye. Don't know about being dirty, I usually shoot about 200 rounds per visit so a dirty gun is expected. Don't judge it on what you've read, half the fun of reloading is finding out what works best for you.

 

[steveno]

I have used a couple of pounds of Autocomp and like it in the 45 acp. I have also been using CFE pistol and the same charge of one weighs the same as the other from my powder measure and scale. I'm not sure why people seemed to be concerned about how clean a powder burns. if you shoot a lot the gun is going to get dirty. some powders may burn a little cleaner at the high end of the pressure range (Unique for one) but it is still dirty

 

[Sid]

I have used it successfully in loading .32 ACP and is hasn't dirtied up the gun. I was using jacketed bullets so I don't know how it would work with lead.

 

[Overkill777]

I'm not sure why people seemed to be concerned about how clean a powder burns. if you shoot a lot the gun is going to get dirty.

That's a really great point. Especially since virtually all the ammo I reload is just for range use, it doesn't really matter that it's more dirty than another powder since I'm just going to take my pistols home and clean them afterward.

 

[mchapman]

I use autocomp for loads in 9mm, 38spcl, and 45acp, I am also using cast PC'd bullets. It meters great and works well for me. I have also found that CFE Pistol, and BE-86 also work and meter great. I think that these three powders are the new replacements for most loads that everyone used to use Unique, and Bullseye for.

 

[serf 'rett]

Have used it with 9mm 140 cast and 125 MBC HiTek coated SWC. Works well for me for approximate 1000 rounds thus far. The buggerbear was coming up with charge weights for the locally cast 140 grain lead bullet. Limited load data.

 

[849ACSO]

I have used it in 45ACP with Berry's plated. It does seem a bit dirty, but it meters well, and accuracy is good for me.
I have also cooked up some .38spl +p's loads (158 XTP) with it for my 686 (I have more .38 brass than .357 brass), but I haven't shot them yet.

All in all, I'm as happy with it as any of my other powders (Universal and titegroup)

 

[WVMountaineer]

How does it compare with Unique in the 45? Meaning, is it slower or faster burning? I have a great Unique load for the 45. 5.6 grains is VERY accurate. But, I only have a bit over a pound of Unique left. Anybody care to compare the two or, point me in a direction to see for myself? God Bless

 

[jag2]

I think you kind of answered your own question. You use what you can find. I never thought the powder shortage would last this long. Seems to be getting better but your Unique is still one of the harder ones to find. I really think you'll like the Auto. I'm lovein it in 9mm and will try it soon in 45 and 38.

 

[Overkill777]

I just loaded up 100 rounds of 9mm 125 gr LRN with it. Loving how well it meters. I'm excited to try it tomorrow in the 9.

 

[Sky Master]

I've been loading it in my 38 Super, as like you, only powder available. 5.3gr behind a Remington 130gr FMJ give me avg. 1285 fps. No need to go any higher for me.

 

[SVTCobra306]

I'm interested in seeing other results out there.. mine weren't as impressive as I expected.

For 115 grain 9mm, it didn't work out so well for me. I expected to find greatness, but recently leading up to a match, I took some out and tested it against my "old standby" HS-6 plinking load, and the plinking load won.

I am going to try it again with some 124 grain 9mm, and I'll look into it for .45ACP as well, but for a lightweight 9mm it wasn't the "magic powder" lol.

 

[jag2]

SVT cobra, what load are you using? I've tried 5.3 and 5.6, the 5.3 is certainly okay but I really liked the feel of the 5.6. The 5.6 just really felt sharp and crisp but not necessarily a stronger recoil. I think that is going to be my standard.

 

[SVTCobra306]

I was using 5.4 grain, on a 1.110 OAL. I worked the load up to 5.5 grain, but the closest I could get out of my autodisk was 5.4. That was with a Hornady FMJ, it's a flat base, so I don't think I had a lot of room to the up side with the charge.