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PunisH2Live

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Guess this subject has been around as long as there have been reloaders, but I'm a big believer in keeping things streamlined and as simple as possible while remaining effective.
My question is this:

Given 9mm 115 grain to 147 grain JHP bullets and .45 ACP 185 grain to 230 grain JHP bullets and barrel lengths of anywhere from 3.3" to 5", can you rely solely on one powder to do the job?

For instance, do any of you feel comfortable saying W231 or another powder would be your go to powder for reliable bullet expansion? Keep in mind I'm not necessarily trying to pop small groups holes in paper with SWC, just streamline my powder selection and maintain bullet performance at self defense ranges.

Also, I'm new to this forum, but not to reloading or firearms, so....Howdy! :)
 
Nope...it is only about velocity and cleanliness of burn in pistols to me....maybe some economy and easy of powder throwing

My go-to powders are: Longshot, AA#5, Titegroup and I'm studying CFE-pistol

380 auto, 9x19, 40 s&w, 38 spcl, 357 mag, 45 Auto, 45 Colt(h110)
 
Hmm, interesting. I've been a W231 and Unique guy for years but am struggling to minimize as much as possible while maintaining performance.
Guess I can break out the chronograph and sort through powders, but, dang, time is at such a premium these days.
Appreciate your response, Nathan.
 
Given 9mm 115 grain to 147 grain JHP bullets and .45 ACP 185 grain to 230 grain JHP bullets and barrel lengths of anywhere from 3.3" to 5", can you rely solely on one powder to do the job?
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Absolutely, and it is not that hard to accomplish.
 
Reliable bullet expansion is about the velocity not the powder. Barrel lengths of anywhere from 3.3" to 5" will give you different velocities with the same load too. Usually about 100 FPS.
Rummage around here for some actually numbers. The BBTI guys actually do serious tests.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/calibers.html
It's probably better for you to streamline the number of bullet weights you're using vs trying to find one powder for a bunch of bullet weights that mostly do the same thing.
 
jamaica said:
I confess I have never used W 231. Unique has been a good powder for me.
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Do you recall the barrel lengths, calibers, and bullet weights, Jamaica? Did you chronograph any of the loads or if hollowpoint loads did you run them into ballistics gel?

Thanks!
 
Totally agree the barrel length affects velocity, O'Heir, just trying to settle with a reliable powder for the criteria I posted and then can tailor the powder charge as needed for bullet performance via chrono and gel.
Pretty much looking to clear my powder locker out if you know what I mean?
 
Appreciate the replies, everyone. I'm just at the point where I feel I need to settle on 1-2 pistol powders for the semis I mentioned and leave my variety for my long guns.
Basically I'm getting into a less can be more type of lifestyle.
 
A lot depends on what you mean by “get the job done”. Good loads can be developed for those two cartridges and the various bullet weights with W231 or any of perhaps a half dozen powders. But if you want top velocities from every combination, you may want to consider at least two powders. However, Power Pistol, Blue Dot, Unique, and #7 will produce near top velocities in both of those cartridges with any of the popular bullet weights. And you may find just one of those will “get the job done” for you.
 
BBarn said:
A lot depends on what you mean by “get the job done”. Good loads can be developed for those two cartridges and the various bullet weights with W231 or any of perhaps a half dozen powders. But if you want top velocities from every combination, you may want to consider at least two powders. However, Power Pistol, Blue Dot, Unique, and #7 will produce near top velocities in both of those cartridges with any of the popular bullet weights. And you may find just one of those will “get the job done” for you.
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Thank you, BBarn. My idea of getting the job done is sufficient velocity to take advantage of the benefits of hollowpoint expansion.
LOL, over the years, I've pulled apart factory loads of everything from the old Black Talon to Hydra-Shok, short and long barrel Gold Dots and more recently some PMC Starfire. In that process I've purchased excess of powders, some unopened but all stored in stable and safe conditions.
Basically it is time for me to thin things out and settle on less "inventory".

Edit: I know the velocity is a function of charges, weights, and barrel lengths (at a minimum), I just thought I would get a general input of people's favorite "go to" powders.
 
I am quite comfy with HP38/W231 for all non-magnum, mild to full charge pistol and revolver loads.

I am using Bullseye for very light loads and could do about as well with it for the rest.
 
Jim Watson said:
I am quite comfy with HP38/W231 for all non-magnum, mild to full charge pistol and revolver loads.

I am using Bullseye for very light loads and could do about as well with it for the rest.
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Thanks, JWatson. :)
I see your location is Alabama. I used to live about 2 blocks from the Tennessee River in Decatur. Still miss Gibson's BBQ. :(
 
For everything from 32swl to 45, I have (and have used) Unique, Universal, W231, WST, Green Dot, Clays, ClayDot, Bullseye, Titegroup, Titewad, and a few others. Across the board, Bullseye, Universal and Unique.

For ONLY 9mm and 45, 231 is another worthy choice, as is 700X. Some other shotgun powders worth considering are Red Dot and Promo
 
FITASC said:
For everything from 32swl to 45, I have (and have used) Unique, Universal, W231, WST, Green Dot, Clays, ClayDot, Bullseye, Titegroup, Titewad, and a few others. Across the board, Bullseye, Universal and Unique.

For ONLY 9mm and 45, 231 is another worthy choice, as is 700X. Some other shotgun powders worth considering are Red Dot and Promo
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Interesting, FITASC. Going to peep at data for 700x now. Haven't used that one before, but always like to gather information!
 
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Actually, I did Rifletom, although it was little while back. For some reason, it left my firearms dirtier than other powders. Worked fine, but my pistols (Sigs, Officer's ACP, SA1911a1) all were much dirtier than usual after a day at the range.

Edit: I would have to walk down to my shop to verify, but if my memory is correct, I used 5.3 grains behind a 200gr SWC?
 
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Power Pistol for velocity. It has muzzle flash.
BE86 is good, no Muzzle flash.
Unique and Bullseye work in almost every thing.
Longshot for best velocities. I bought some but have not loaded it yet.
 
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