HP-38 identical to 231??

Now, we are kind of stuck in the middle. The market is demanding 231 but the maker is not wanting to produce the powder. The result is, over time, 231 is going to go away. Shooters should begin using other powders as they can.
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I believe this is why Alliant has introduced their new "Sport Pistol" powder. It has similar charge weights as W231/HP-38 and gives similar performance. Would be an very viable alternative anytime W231/HP-38 is not on the shelf and it is. "Sport Pistol" has just been introduced, and I have not seen it on the shelves yet, but I am eager to give it a try, just in case W231/HP-38 disappears. I'm curious as to the cost per #, since W231/HP-38 is still one of the cheapest powders by pound available. I'm also curious as to why Hodgdon's supplier just doesn't raise the price and make more if the demand is there.
 
I don't understand how it can take 2.5 times longer to make and create considerably more waste yet cost less than most powders. There are a few powders cheaper than HP-38, but most cost more and that includes the more recently introduced powders.
 
Originally posted by reddog81:

I don't understand how it can take 2.5 times longer to make and create considerably more waste yet cost less than most powders. There are a few powders cheaper than HP-38, but most cost more and that includes the more recently introduced powders.
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Kinda why I said....

I'm curious as to the cost per #, since W231/HP-38 is still one of the cheapest powders by pound available. I'm also curious as to why Hodgdon's supplier just doesn't raise the price and make more if the demand is there.
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At my LGS, W231/HP-38 is one of the few powders that can still be had for a little more than $20 a pound. I see on some online places like Midway, it's price has jumped considerably. Probably a sign of things to come.
 
AA#2 vs. W231

What about AA 2 In the same ballpark (burn speed) as HP 38??
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They are pretty close in burn rate. I'd say AA#2 is just a tick slower from my experience (mostly building 38 Special lead target ammo).

It's a super fine powder, yet kind of fluffy (I know, they rather contradict). Meters second to none.

I get excellent results with it in 38 target ammo. Some of the lowest Standard Deviations I've ever recorded was with AA#2. Very consistent burning stuff.

Really, about my only complaint with it is that when you turn it way down to pure target levels, it leaves behind a lot of chartreuse colored, sandy semi-spent grains of stuff behind - more of an annoyance than anything. This is also what tells me it's a little slower than W231. Oddly, even when turned way down to this point, the chronograph readings are still amazingly consistent.

So yeah. I'm a fan of AA#2.

It also works great for 9mm with 115 grain plated bullets - your basic range ammo type of stuff.
 
All comes out of the same factory now, 231/HP38, Titegroup, AA#2.
I wonder how many production lines they have to turn out all the many grades of Ball powder.
 
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