Powder recommendation for pistol loading

N

nass

New member
Just getting setup to start loading on a Lee Classic Turret. I have the Pro autodisk powder measure. Not opposed to getting the adjustable charge bar if needed.

I am planning on loading:
45 - 185 or 200 gr for competition use. Lighter loads, but still Major PF.
9mm - 115-130ish gr, minor PF
38 - later (new addition)
44 - later (after I get comfy), Hunting loads

So, what powders feed well through thus measure and burn clean/well in these calibers. I'd like to have only a couple types on the shelf if possible.

Thanks in advance. I know there is no one answer, but your advise helps!
 
J

Jim Watson

New member
I have shot this and that over the years, but have always gone back to Winchester 231 (or HP38 which comes off the same production line) for 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 ACP.

.44 Magnum calls for a much slower powder for hunting loads.
My old M29 is more accurate with IMR 4227 than the traditional 2400.
Win 296 (or H110 out of that same plant) is probably more efficent when loaded within its rather narrow limits at or very near full power.
 
C

Crimp

New member
+1 Jim. I've tried many powders, but come back to 231 for most of my plinking rounds.

Lately, for the higher pressure 9mm (and .357), I've been using slower powders, like Ramshot True Blue.
 
C

Castaway

New member
For cast bullets and overall versatility, you can't beat Unique. Covers a wide range of calibers and velocities in each. For the 44 hunting loads, I'd go with eithher of the 4227's or H110 but still would use Unique for practice/plinking. There are those that say it's dirty, but so what if it shoots well.
 
N

nass

New member
plinking/competition rounds

Thanks guys! 231 sounds like it is a winner for most types of competition shooting I do.

Now let's dive into specific loading for 45s, cause that's where I'm starting. I am planning on using Berry's plated 185gr HBRN or 200gr RN. good choice? W231 powder amount recommended to stay at major PF, but not be full house loads?

I'll leave the 44 for a different topic seeing as it is so different.
 
R

rwilson452

New member
If I read the rules correctly you want a PF of 165000. with a 185 gr bullet you need roughly 900 FPS you would need 6.6 gr of 231 to get you over the 900fps mark
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top