Favorite powders for revolvers

[black mamba]

I'm a powder junky, I love to try different stuff. Right now I have 26 different pistol powders in my cabinet, from Alliant e3 on the fast end to 4227 on the slow end. I only reload for 45 auto, 41 and 44 mags and 45 Colt and 454 Casull. If I could only have one powder for everything it would be VV N340. With it I can still get 1200 fps with the magnums, and accurate lighter loads for target work.

 

[9mmepiphany]

For .38Spl and .45ACP I’m mostly loading with Clays for competition.

When loading 9mm for revolvers, I use N310 for 147gr bullets and N320/Sport Pistol/e3 for 124gr bullets

If I was only using one powder for all these, I’d likely go with BE-86

 

[snowman357]

Was unique until 3 shortages ago, now Win 231 it is always available not made of hens teeth like some others. Win 231 can be used in multiple calibers, and win 231 is ball powder so it will meter better than unique(flake ). If you also load shotgun unique can be used for that also and some reduced rifle loads.

 

[bigpower491]

#5, #9, Power Pistol, Silhouette, and Enforcer.

Those are the ones out the most

 

[Buzznrose]

Back in the early 80’s I loaded .44 mags with 2400 and that worked well.

Today, I use N320 for .38 Spl target loads and N340 for .357 with both target and XTP bullets. I am happy with the results.

Before I discovered the VV powders, I used W231 for most everything as it was available when I started reloading again in 2020 (crappy timing…I know)

 

[Walkalong]

BE-86, Power pistol, 2400.

Forgot BE-86

 

[Armored farmer]

I have used others, but pretty much do all my reloading handgun ammo with Unique.
357. 45colt 45acp
I bought some bullseye for 38spl but haven't see it yet.

 

[lightman]

I use these more that any others;
231
Unique
2400
These cover everything I load.

 

[BBarn]

I guess my preferences vary according to cartridge and purpose. Currently using mostly #2, 231, 244, Sport Pistol, Power Pistol, American Select, BE86, and 2400. Probably going to stop buying Sport Pistol, 231, and/or 244 when I use up my current bottles.

 

[41 Mag]

Most used in no particular order,
HS-6, AA-9, 296/110, and surplus Magnum Pistol.

Throw in AA-5 & 7, 2400, Unique, CFE PISTOL, and a couple other surplus powders for good measure.

I load several weight and styles of bullets in both cast and jacketed for calibers from 38 up through 454. While I DO have favorite or specific loads for each, the power and weight ranges vary enough that one powder for each just doesn't work for me.

 

[Charlie98]

I like IMR 4227, and I’ll tell you why. Although it may be inefficient in non-magnum cartridges, it still produces really good velocity in most of them, and in most cases (although there are some) you’d be hard pressed to ever get enough powder in the case to really cause an over pressure load.

I can load everything I want with Unique, but I have to admit an admiration for IMR4227. I use it in .41MAG going into my Marlin 1894... where it excels. Further, it also works swimmingly in some cast bullet rifle cartridges.

 

[Skgreen]

For my (2) centerfire revolvers, WST makes some nice target-plinkers

 

[.45Coltguy]

Forgot BE-86

A few posters have mentioned BE-86. Like Walkalong, I've forgotten about it also. It seems to work pretty good in .357 mag and .45 acp, but, I just haven't loaded enough rounds for either to make a qualified opinion of it. Like what I've seen so far.

 

[Walkalong]

BE-86 is the bomb for mid pressure/velocity in .357 Mag

 

[Chief TC]

I use Titegroup for my 357 - works perfect and lasts forever at 5.5gr per round!

 

[9mmepiphany]

I use Titegroup for my 357 - works perfect and lasts forever at 5.5gr per round!

My objections to Titegroup is its narrow range, how hot it burns, and how dirty it is

 

[IWAC]

Did a quick search, nada. So, that's my question to folks here. What is your favorite powder for use in revolvers? Any caliber/cartridge. Simple curiosity is all. Thanks.

.38 Spl, 357 Magnum
Unique,
Universal
AA #5
HP 38

 

[dartor]

BE-86 is the bomb for mid pressure/velocity in .357 Mag

I'm on my second 8lb jug of BE86. I use it for most of my pistol/revolver loads. Great powder.

 

[Chief TC]

My objections to Titegroup is its narrow range, how hot it burns, and how dirty it is

Agreed, I think it is very much a limited application but the performance with my 357 and 180gr cast bullets makes it my favorite powder for my favorite revolver.

 

[Zendude]

Bullseye, A#2, 700-X for 38 special.

 

[Y-T71]

For me it's Unique with 231/HP-38 a very close 2nd but, the more I use BE-86 the more I'm realizing that it has very real potential to replace the other 2 (well, not really Unique and 231 will always have a place in my storage locker)

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

Bullseye for .38 special
AA9 for .357 Mag. (I don't shoot much of this cartridge)
Herco, BE86, 2400, AA9, and H110 in 44 Mag. I love playing around with loads in this cartridge and I have found great loads with all these powders. It's the most fun I have reloading and shooting. My favorite in 44 Mag is Herco.

 

[nofendertom]

Favorite powders for revolvers:
Bullseye --- Light .38spl and ALL.45acp loads.
Unique --- Mid range .38spl /.357mag / .44mag loads
2400 --- heavy .357mag /.44mag loads as per Skeeter and Elmer.

 

[Austin Albright]

Forgot BE-86

Do you get better accuracy results with BE-86 or Silhouette. Mostly interested in 9mm Luger. Handgun and PCC
I seem to get really good results with old Winchester 452AA in the handguns for target loads.

 

[gwpercle]

All revolver calibers from 22 cal. to .50 cal ? One powder ...for all of them ?

That's a tall order ... it might be unrealistic ... so here is a realistic answer .

The following 3 powders will load many different cartridges with many different weight bullets .
One single powder will not do the job .
You need : Bullseye , Unique and 2400 ... those are my favorites !
Gary