Picking the right powder

[1SOW]

I'm relatively new to reloading, but I use several loading guides and then check the powder comparison charts for similar powder speeds/pressures and research that bullet-powder combo if possible.

I also read the various forums for opinions and experiences and judge by poster and number of posters.

I'd be shooting a lot of Win 231/HP38 if it wasn't so dirty with light loads.
Everyone values certain powder characteristics. Pick powders for your needs.

With handgun, I look for:
clean shooting at low velocities, light recoil and muzzle flip, reasonable accuracy, low-no muzzle flash/smoke. Things like position and temp sensitivity might matter too. If powder XYZ shoots dirty, check the powder comparison charts and research a similar powder.

I found a good powder for my 9mm needs & preferences second try.

 

[LiveLife]

I'd be shooting a lot of Win 231/HP38 if it wasn't so dirty with light loads.

Published "starting load" should give you clean burning loads. Are you loading below the "starting load" charges?

For me, W231/HP38 is one of the more cleaner burning powder I have used at 10%-5% below max load data. If I want lighter loads, I use Bullseye/Red Dot, but they are not necessarily cleaner burning.

I clean my barrel with each shooting session, so how clean/dirty a powder burns has little consideration for me - accuracy/slide function does.

 

[Walkalong]

bds makes an excellent point. Some powders burn clean at 10, 000 to 15,000 PSI while others have to get to 20,000 or 25,000 PSI, and still others need much more pressure to burn clean. (Numbers picked out of the air, but you get the point)

 

[James2]

When selecting a powder for a new cartridge, I look at several manuals. They often give a brief rundown on the loads and powders that performed the best for them in their trials. Some books also give the "Accuracy" load. These powders suggested in the manuals are a good place to start. They have done the work, and it will save me lots of time and effort in making a good choice.

The next thing that often is the deciding factor for me is availability. Some powders I never see on the shelf, and some are only available at times when you happen to hit the store the day of delivery. Unique has been the one pistol powder that has been always available here in this area. I first used Unique at the advice of the guy I bought the equipment from. Yes, he was a reloader and also a store owner.

Which brings me to another great source of good information. Reloaders. Jusk ask.

At times cost may be a factor. If you want to save some money on plinking loads, a faster burning powder that requires less weight per round will make your $$ go farther. The same can be said about the price per pound of various powders.

Like others have said, I like to choose the rifle powder which gives the highest velocities. Not that I am going to load to that max, but it will give a fast load at reasonable pressures. Generally this is one of the slower burning powders listed for the cartridge.