What .45 ACP powder to look for ???

[Emri]

I want to load up some .45's and used to use Unique. It has been unavailable. Seems these days one must use what is available, not what one wants. So...........

What should I look for that is available these days for a mild load with 230gr. cast lead bullets ??

I have been out of the re-loading business for years and am totally unfamiliar with the current powders.

Thanks,

Emri

[WarPig1976]

I like Bullseye or Titegroup, they both go BANG!

[joem]

I've been using REX2. It's seems slower than Bullseye, perhaps a little faster than Unique. W 231 if you can find any.

[Tuna]

What ever pistol powers you can find will work if you can find any. They are in short supply right now. Some rifle powders are starting to show up but pistol and shotgun powders are hard to find.

[Sunray]

Been using Bullseye for eons. 4.5 grains with a cast 230 RN or FP is a nice target load.

[Duane Hansen]

I like BullsEye too but if I can find Accurate #2, I scoop it up in a hurry. Like the others have said, just go with what you can find at this point.

[psteinmayer]

I've been using HS-6, and I've also used Herco. Both will send the bullet down the tube efficiently enough!

[mikld]

I'd open my reloading manual to the 45 ACP section, go to the bullet I want to use, and make a list of those recommended powders...

[Jim in Salt Lake]

I'd open my reloading manual to the 45 ACP section, go to the bullet I want to use, and make a list of those recommended powders...

That's what I've been doing, only way to keep shooting. Back in my pin shooting days, 5.0gr W231 behind a 200gr lead SWC. Now, when I go to the store, I grab a reloading book off the shelf or take one of my own and stand in front of the shelf of powder and see what I can load with what they're selling.

[KD5KPD]

I was lucky to pick up an 8lb jug of W231 from Powder Valley when it came back available after Obamas first election & still haven't had to open it yet, still have 2-3 lbs of last jug. 231 is a good all around powder for many calibers, I use it on 380, 9mm, 45acp, & 45 colt, shouldn't need any for pistol powder for a while.

[KeithNyst]

If you liked Unique, then in order I would look for: Unique, Universal, HP-38, Win 231, Accurate #2, WST, TightGroup, Bullseye, 700-X, Clays. This list works your way up from the medium speed powder like Unique and Universal up to the faster powders (the last 5).

[Former Cav]

go here

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

and you get this (unfortunately it lost it's "table format" so go to the web site, put in your pistol caliber, your wieght of bullet, your brand of powder and I selected "ALL" on step four.

ufacturer
Powder
Bullet Diam.
C.O.L.
Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Hodgdon
Longshot
.452"
1.200"
6.0
747
12,000 CUP
6.8
875
16,800 CUP
Hodgdon
HS-6
.452"
1.200''
7.0
751
12,900 CUP
8.0
859
16,600 CUP
Hodgdon
CFE Pistol
.452"
1.200"
5.4
816
14,600 PSI
6.2
942
20,100 PSI
Hodgdon
Universal
.452"
1.200"
4.5
703
11,400 CUP
5.4
857
16,800 CUP
Hodgdon
HP-38
.452"
1.200"
4.3
699
12,200 CUP
5.3
834
16,900 CUP
Hodgdon
Titegroup
.452"
1.200"
4.0
751
12,500 CUP
4.8
855
17,000 CUP
Hodgdon
Clays
.452"
1.200"
3.5
716
13,700 CUP
4.0
793
16,800 CUP
Hodgdon
Titewad
.452"
1.200"
2.8
684
14,700 PSI
3.3
767
19,400 PSI
Bullet Weight230 GR. HDY FMJ FP

[Former Cav]

go here

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/burn_rates.pdf

it is a chart that will show you for example: YOu want to load 45 ACP and you USED TO USE UNIQUE
suitable powders for that MIGHT BE universal by Hodgdon, SR-7625 by IMR, it shows WIN 231 way up on the list but that is what I use.
good luck

[Former Cav]

I like this chart the BEST

http://www.lapua.com/upload/reloading/reloadingburningratechart2011.pdf

it has on it what I use, namely W-231 for 45 pistol and Varget for .223 and .308 (not to mention .243 as well)

[Rick the Librarian]

I was just going to post a question asking what the availability of powder is like in other parts of the country. I haven't been able to get my favorites, Unique, Red Dot or Bullseye for (literally) years. Fortunately, I have some stashed away. I've even checked at online sites like Wideners with no luck. I'm wondering with the election of a Republican senate if things might ease up.