Powder Recommendation for 9mm/45ACP

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Powder Recommendations for the 9mm and 45ACP target loads?

I apologize if this question has already been asked before but I used to reload years ago and got back into it. The powders we used back then have changed today and I don't recognize most of them.

I read where Titegroup was a good clean powder to use for the 45ACP. I got some and liked the results but I can't find the powder locally anymore.

Clays, Universal Clays, Unique (I heard it was dirtier), are available and a number of others.

What powder do you use? Why did you select it?

Thank you for your help.

(BTW, It is really relaxing to reload again and I'm really enjoying it.)
 
I use Unique and W231 for 9MM, .45 ACP and .357 target loads. AA#9 for full .357 magnums. I buy powder and primers at gun shows. Not much available locally and prices for what they stock are outrageous at the LGS.
 
My choice for target loads in everything is Alliant Promo, using Red Dot load data. Bullseye is another great one if you don't mind the filth (and it measures easier than Red Dot or Promo)
 
I am a reloading noob, but I am using red dot for my 9mm cast loads and love it.

Very little smoke, and no lead in my factory glock 26 barrel :eek:

It is very fluffy, so I also like the fact that 3.8 grains is purt-near impossible to double charge a 9mm case.

Take this advice for what it's worth, not a whole helluva lot! :)
 
First of all, I don't load for the 45 ACP so can't make any recomendations there. But the 9mm is one I have been loading for about 30 yrs. + . Now so far as powders areconcerned I have two primary ones that I prefer over all others, HS6 and Longshot. Both have starting charges that are pretty comfortable to shoot in my opinion, but I think that in comparison to many faster burning powders, getting velocity down to a low p[ressure minimum would be unlikely. But on the flip side of things, if you are going to be loading with jacketed bullets, you might like the full performance characteristics of HS6 or Longshot. They are among the slower burning powders for 9mm and have some rather good qualities for punching paper, and certainly for self defense.

I usually run them in the upper mid range published data, and they still produce a full performing load. Example, with a 147 gr. XTP's I get right around 1050 fps with HS6 at max. or near max. charges. Longshot seems to do especially well with the 147 gr. bullets @ an average velocity breaking 1100 fps.

And I've also tried Blue Dot a few times, but in all honesty it was very difficult to manage pressures with. Other than the above powders tried, I've worked with SR4756 and HI Skor 800X and both of those were very good powders that offered a sub super sonic velocity and still capable of typical velocity.
 
One powder that will do both the 9mm and .45 Auto well is W231/HP-38. Both are the same powder so buy the one that's available and if both are available buy the one that costs the least.

There is plenty of data for both available on the Hodgdon Load Data Site.
 
Plenty of options

HP-38, AA#5, AA#2, Bullseye, Power Pistol.

That is my inventory, the only powders I buy in bulk is HP-38 and Power Pistol if that means anything.

Personally I like HP-38 in 9mm and BE for the .45
 
Unique is my favorite powder, I also pick up 231 and hp38 when available. Out of those I can load all my handgun calibers for plinking rounds. I mostly buy online anymore though. Much cheaper and no hassle. You just order years worth at a time. 20k primers 16lbs powder etc. Cuts down on your haz mat when you spread it across a big order. Shipping aint to bad either considering what it costs me to drive somewhere to spend more money on the same thing.
 
I just bought some supplies from Powder Valley. Powder came out to $14 a lb for TG & maybe $15 a lb for win 231, 4 lb containers. Compare that to the local shop that may not have stock, even after the Haz-mat fee. My order arrived in about 6 days.

For lighter bullets, target type loads I like Titegroup in both. I have also used H Universal & win 231 with good results. I use Unique in some of my 45 Colt loads, the powder seems a little course for easy metering.
 
W231/HP-38
Will load every handgun caliber. Maybe not to maximum for the magnums but will still work well.


Brought to you by TapaTalk.
 
I use Power Pistol for both. There are other good propellants you can use if you don't care about a lot of smoke and a dirty pistol.

Personally, I detest dirty powders and near "black powder" smoke from some offerings...but some folks don't care.
 
I have been shooting & reloading for both the 9MM & 45ACP. I have reloaded & tried a few different powders for the Calibers & my best results for
9MM were RAMSHOT SILHOUTTE, RAMSHOT TRUE BLUE for 45acp have pet loads for both these powders & if it works I wont fix it. I worked sometime
to find loads with low recoil & accuracy. Works for me.
 
WSF will work for both 45acp and 9mm, and so does WST. The problem with WST for the 9mm is that there is little to no published data. I use WSF for 9mm it gives you a broad range and meters very well (ball powder) in all dispensers. I use WST for my 45acp, it's also a ball powder. This burns so clean the brass looks like NT/Win. Little to no soot in the brass or on the gun. So if you put a lot of rounds down range your gun will stay cleaner longer with WST.
 
I like HP-38/231,or Unique for cast bullet loads in .357MAG,.45ACP,and .44 Mag,Thats 95% of my shooting.Magnum loads I use Win. 296. biker
 
That's easy.. Red Dot.. 9mm and .45acp have been around a long time and so has RD.
One can easily and safely use it for everything from .25acp to 30-06 and beyond.
 
Vote for Power Pistol, Unique, Universal and Bulls Eye.

Currently, I can tell you that I like Universal in 124 Gr for my 9mm loads.
As for the .45, 200 Gr pills and Unique or Bulls Eye should serve you well.
Power Pistol is good for the 9mm and the .40. Wasn't to bad in .45 ACP and is decent in .38 Spcl as well!
 
I've had excellent results with both accuracy and velocity with W-231. It also burns much cleaner than the old stand by powders.
 
Another 231 fan here. It meters extremly well in my pact digital and provides excellent accuracy in both my .45 and 9mm. As others have stated, you'll be very happy with how clean it leaves your gun after spending time at the range.
 
I use mostly Unique and W231 for small pistol cartridges (.25 ACP, .32 ACP, .32 S&W, .380 ACP, 9x19, 9x23, .38 S&W, .38 Spl., .40 S&W, .44 Spl., .45 ACP)

Smaller "Magnum"-type cartridges (7.62x25, .32 H&R, .357, 10mm, .45 Super, etc.) get slower powders, but as as slow as those used in .44 Mag, .454 Casull and the like.
 
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