paragain
Member
WW 231 will work well on all of you sighted.
Using a bulky powder does not preclude instilling good loading techniques. Does not even make it more difficult. But it does add a small layer of safety. What could be wrong with that? (As long as you are not using it as a crutch or to guard against BAD technique, which is what you are getting at, I think.)I would warn you not to use "bulky" powders to shortcut learning good reloading practices. Instill them now. I've been reloading for many years and I still look in every case I put powder in. I keep a Mini-Maglight on my bench just for that.
With some powders (Titegroup in particular) the powder charge is usually small and the powder is dark and dense and hard to see in the cases. You could miss an over- or under-charge even if you inspect each round before you seat the bullet. (especially in .38 Specials)I would warn you not to use "bulky" powders to shortcut learning good reloading practices. Instill them now. I've been reloading for many years and I still look in every case I put powder in. I keep a Mini-Maglight on my bench just for that.
This is contrary to most people's experience with Unique. In my Pro Auto Disk, it drifts .2-.3+ gr and would drive a new reloader crazy looking for consistency. I always recommend W231/HP-38 to new reloaders looking to load .38Spl/9mm/40S&W/45ACP as it meters very well (usually drops right on the weight or vary less than .1 gr) and have much wider load range with readily available load data for most calibers/bullet weights. I do tell them that once they have their feet wet, to try other powders that are more specific to the caliber/bullet weight/applications.dickttx said:This is with the OLD DIRTY Unique ... measures excellently with my Lee Pro Auto Disk. Even the first powder drop has been exactly on the money.
9mm 115 gr FMJ RN with 4.8 gr of W231/HP-38 loaded to 1.135" OAL has been my reference load for the past 16 years.I then started looking for something to use my 8# of HP38 for and can't seem to find much. Hodgdon does not show a HP38 load for 9mm 115 FMJ.