Bucksnort1
New member
If HP-38 and W231 are identical, according to what I read in this forum, does this mean I can substitute one for the other? In other words, if a recipe calls for 231, can I use HP-38?
HP-38
- Thread starter Bucksnort1
- Start date
My queries to a powder distributer a cpl years ago indicated that they came from the same plant with different labels applied. Take that for what it's worth.
In my own chrono testing here, identical loads in .45 acp, .44 Spl and Mag, and .38 Spl & mag show them to be the same. That's with modern powder, i.e. that produced in the last 5 yrs. YMMV however. Rod
In my own chrono testing here, identical loads in .45 acp, .44 Spl and Mag, and .38 Spl & mag show them to be the same. That's with modern powder, i.e. that produced in the last 5 yrs. YMMV however. Rod
Yes they are exactly the same, they are made at the same place and put in the same bottle just with different labels. W231 is usually a little more expensive because Olin (the company that owns the Winchester name) needs to get a bit of the profits. If you look at the load data form Hodgdon you will see no difference.
They are. In fact, on two separate occasions, I have verified that the lot numbers of W231 and HP-38 were identical.
Yes.
Yes. And I have. Just yesterday, in fact. I have a number of tried and tested recipes created with W231 over the past decades. But my most recent purchase (Jan '15 - 4 #'s) happened to be HP-38. I just load my existing recipes as documented.
However . . . as with any occasion when there's a change of powder lot numbers: If your recipe is at or near the top of the scale, it is prudent to back the recipe down about 5%, then work it back up as applicable. So that's the only caveat. But that's not a W231/HP-38 thing. That's a change of powder lot thing - something you should always do as a matter of standard handloading safety.
My absolute favorite pistol powder. And yes, HP-38 and Win 231 are the same exact product in different bottles. If you go to http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/ you'll see the exact charge is listed for both every time. I cant say enough about that powder.
Bucksnort1
New member
Ok all, thanks for the input.
Yesterday, I purchased my first pound of HP-38.
Yesterday, I purchased my first pound of HP-38.
My last purchase was also my first purchase of HP-38 labeled product. It's funny, there's been a time or two in the past when my LGS had both on hand (yes, before the shortages), and I still reached for the W231 out of habit - even knowing that HP-38 is the same product.
Last edited:
sawdustdad
New member
I think the "bottles" are identical. Labels may be different, but everything underneath is the same.
But, yeah, if only for the "Winchester" name, 231 has more shelf appeal.
Which may be why HP-38 tends to be $1 cheaper.
But, yeah, if only for the "Winchester" name, 231 has more shelf appeal.
Which may be why HP-38 tends to be $1 cheaper.
Haha ok, any other nits I left to pick?
The bottle used to be different BTW though I agree they are the same now. For ultra clarification, the Winchester 231 ball powder smokeless propellant label looks cooler than HP-38. Care less about the name myself.
And it's not worth the extra money to me I'd buy the cheaper option side by side. Regardless, the W231 label looks better.