Hodgdon Universal powder

T

tjmga

New member
I have been handloading with Hodgdon Universal powder (Universal Clays) for some time now, with good results. I just bought a new 1# container. When I opened it, the powder was redish in color compared to the old. I tried loading the same load for my 9 mm (4.7 g) and the flow thru my powder measure was terrible. Normally I can drop 4.7 g +/- .1 easily, with this powder I was getting 4.2 - 5.1 range.
The new container says Made in Canada (old was made in Austrilia) and it no longer says "Clays Technology". The listed loads on the container is the same for both the old powder and the new powder. I have not shot the new powder loads yet.
Maybe this new red stuff will make my roses redder, that's all it's good for.
tj
 
ADI is discontinuing the powders that were sold here as the Clays Technology series. I guess they were unwilling to fudge the burn rate of the new products to match the old. So Hodgdon went to IMR for something they could label the same.
Too bad it doesn't meter well.
 
Red or orange color along with acrid smell indicates decomposing powder. DON"T USE The powder may be spread on your lawn, good fertilizer.
 
Universal powder

Thanks Jim, I had not heard about ADI making changes. Thanks Mete, I smelled the powder and it actually smelled sweet. I just bought the powder so I didn't think about deteriorating powder.

I load 38 special, 9x19, light loads for 40 S&W, and light loads for 44 Mag with Universal. Any recommendations for a new powder? I have been thinking of trying Hodgdon CFE Pistol powder. It is spherical so it should meter well.
 
It is now made in Canada - the date code is an orange sticker on the can; if it Canadian made it is brand new. For those who like colors, remember Red Dot, Green Dot, and Blue Dot
 
Any recommendations for a new powder? I have been thinking of trying Hodgdon CFE Pistol powder. It is spherical so it should meter well.
Click to expand...

If you are willing to try VV N340, you will like it.

It will work quite well in all the calibers that you mentioned especially the semi-autos and the 38 Spcl.

It is the cleanest burning powder I have used in handguns and it also meters quite well.
 
Universal powder

Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I'll try CFE-P. I can always go back to my Unique loads if CFE-P doesn't work out. No one carries the VV powders around here. I have read a lot of good things about their powders.
Thanks again.
tj
 
This is not good news. I am down to less than 2 pounds from an 8-pound jug that is about 5 years old. I made the switch to CFE-p for 9mm a while back but I like Universal for my 45. CPE-p is my current second choice for 45.
 
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