Best beginner powder for 9mm Luger

A "beginner powder" is probably one that is not so popular that all the non-beginners haven't hoarded it out of existence. It is as much about good substitutes as those considered ideal. It can also be thought of as powders to watch for while using something else. Powders that are secondarily used for pistol are good ones to watch for. American Select and Blue Dot would be those from Alliant, for example, that have published loads for 9mm.
 
I agree, HP-38 has worked very well for me as has HS-6 luckily I have been able to get my hands on it locally for a decent price and on a fairly regular basis. So good luck
 
I wouldn't suggest a flake powder.(measuring problems w/ some equipment) Nor would I suggest to any new reloader to use a powder like Red Dot. (which is very easy to double charge and not catch your mistake) A ball powder or a grainy powder that nearly fills the brass is perhaps your best & safest way to proceed.

1. Accurate #5
2. Winchesters 231
3. Alliants Unique

S/S
 
I wouldn't suggest a flake powder.(measuring problems w/ some equipment) Nor would I suggest to any new reloader to use a powder like Red Dot. (which is very easy to double charge and not catch your mistake) A ball powder or a grainy powder that nearly fills the brass is perhaps your best & safest way to proceed.

1. Accurate #5
2. Winchesters 231
3. Alliants Unique

S/S
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Yeah, but how does "a beginner" buy powders as popular as those? You can't find them mail order for more than an hour and gone, if at all, and they fly off the shelves in a store. I would just make a list of all the powders for which I have a credible load, and go shopping gun shops that support reloading. Grab a pound of something, and start becoming a veteran reloader.

Titegroup was my first 9mm powder, and I found it outstanding. If you solve the squib question with a flexlight to see down the case, you also solve, as best anyone can, the problem of double charging one of the smaller volume charges. The 9mm size case helps with that better than larger calibers. It shouldn't be a problem. I don't recall any peculiar powder measure problems with Titegroup.
 
nanner nanner

For today's USPSA match I made up 200 rds of 9x19 with a Montana Gold .356" 130g FMJ-RN and WSP and used brass and 5.3g WAP at an OAL of 1.125".

I wonder how it will shoot......:rolleyes:
 
Just went and bought a couple pounds of 800X to reload for my son's 9 and 40 and my 45, based on some research like this.
 
1.-The 9mm size case helps with that better than larger calibers. It shouldn't be a problem. {red dot usage w/ double charges} ///2.-I would just make a list of all the powders for which I have a credible load, and go shopping gun shops that support reloading.
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1.- The OP states he's reloading more than just for the 9mm but also for a 40 cal. Which in my opinion a 40 cal could prove to be problem if indeed it were overcharged or double charged.

2.- Your way of shopping for powder is a excellent idea. But as you know were all dealing with the same problem of component shortages. Beginner & veteran alike. Not that the OP couldn't use Red Dot if he chose too. It's just I would not recommend its use until he/OP gets a little familiar with his equipment and hones his technique a little. Now we all know there are similar powders in other brands that nearly duplicate the ones I previously mentioned. A counter person perhaps could help the OP with that distinction.
As of this day I personally know a few (veteran) reloader's that have stopped reloading because of issues they have encountered in today market place. Not that none would. But I highly doubt any would buy a powder that their not familiar with just to stay busy at their press. As far as I know I've never encountered a person that jumped into reloading and learned everything there is to know in a day or two. I've been at this hobby well over forty years and I'm still picking up hints and tweaking ability's all the time. My advice to this OP: Take your time. Be observant at your press. Buy the products you feel are appropriate for your application. Always read and make use of the reloading manuals recipes for your intended loadings. Never use word of mouth recipes period /ever. Do your research before sitting down at your press. You'll do just fine then. Welcome to a hobby that's a life long with its un-ending learning experience.

S/S
 
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OP, I don't think we've mentioned it yet but the former Winchester Action Pistol, or WAP, is now Ramshot Silhouette. They are identical and load data is interchangeable. For defense type loads in 9mm and .40 S&W, I don't know of anything better. If you don't need factory JHP performance (or higher in some cases) and you're more interested in accuracy, I'd say look for some True Blue. I use both and even use Silhouette (WAP) in my high velocity .45 ACP JHP loads for defense. For a 2 3/4" Ruger Speed-Six in .357 Magnum that I have it gets loads charged with True Blue that is very pressure stable and meters better than most. It is very universal and can be used in any handgun cartridge load and since it meters much better than Unique or Universal, it's a much better powder choice for any application where Unique or Universal might be recommended. Here's a link to data: www.ramshot.com ;)
 
i ould say as a beginner, doesnt really matter what type of powder you choose. im sure all ofthese choices are great. as for "double-charging".....just pay attention and don't do it. im a beginner and have a method of checks and balances to prevent mistakes. im sure everyone has their own rythym, but double charging shouldnt be an issue.
 
800X works fine.
Ensure your powder dispenser (of whatever type: scale, powder measure, scoop, whatever) offers consistent charge weights with 800X.
 
Considering this thread was started in July of 2012, I would seriously hope the original poster is no longer a beginner, and not still awaiting further advice in order to get started.
 
I've used Unique, W231, HS-6, Titegroup, Power Pistol, Accurate #7, and perhaps a few others in the 9mm. Unique, Power Pistol, HS-6, and #7 will give good case fill and essentially eliminate double charges. Power Pistol seems to produce more muzzle blast . W231 works well for practice/target loads, but double charges are possible. Titegroup has the lowest case fill of those listed. Unique throws like #8 shot through my powder measure.
 
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