Author Topic: GOOD All-around powder?  (Read 3998 times)

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Offline WNCRob

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GOOD All-around powder?
« on: September 12, 2017, 03:11:45 PM »
I'm just getting back into metallic reloading after a 15 year hiatus.  Initially, I will be reloading 40 S&W and 9mmLuger.  I'm new to 9mm, but used to shoot & load a lot of 38 Super.  In 40, I will probably load 180 and 165 grain bullets, and 124 and 147 in 9mm.  So, I'd appreciate recommendations for a GOOD all-around powder that I can use with both calibers, planning to load to 165 and 125 power factors, respectively. My limited research suggests WSF and perhaps VV340, both of which I've used, but its been a while...a LONG while.  Thanks for your recommendations and comments.

Offline Scarlett Pistol

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2017, 03:17:21 PM »
I'm just getting back into metallic reloading after a 15 year hiatus.  Initially, I will be reloading 40 S&W and 9mmLuger.  I'm new to 9mm, but used to shoot & load a lot of 38 Super.  In 40, I will probably load 180 and 165 grain bullets, and 124 and 147 in 9mm.  So, I'd appreciate recommendations for a GOOD all-around powder that I can use with both calibers, planning to load to 165 and 125 power factors, respectively. My limited research suggests WSF and perhaps VV340, both of which I've used, but its been a while...a LONG while.  Thanks for your recommendations and comments.

My new favorite for 9mm in this burn rate range you're looking for is Alliant Sport Pistol. I haven't used it for 40 S&W but their load data shows it making major power factor. There was a thread on here with quite a few reviews about the powder. Accurate, clean, little comparative smoke, measured well, cost effective were the major take aways.
"In God I trust. All others must supply data."

Offline painter

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2017, 06:12:08 PM »
I would not choose N340 for 125 pf in 9mm.

I would suggest N320 for that pf.

Sorry, I don't load 40.
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Offline J Lee

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2017, 07:38:11 PM »
WSF works great with 147gr 9mm.  It can get a little dirty with the lighter bullets unless you stay at the top end on velocity. Been told it works well for .40 but have no experience there.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2017, 07:41:14 PM by J Lee »
James

Offline Bossgobbler

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2017, 08:32:26 PM »
N320 will do what you want burn very clean and meters well.  In 9mm I use 3.8gn of N320 @ 1.110" with a 125gn Blue bullet 130pf.  In .40 I use 4.0gn of N320 @ 1.135" with 180gn Blue bullet 169pf.  YMMV

Offline painter

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2017, 08:41:39 PM »
N320 will do what you want burn very clean and meters well.  In 9mm I use 3.8gn of N320 @ 1.110" with a 125gn Blue bullet 130pf.  In .40 I use 4.0gn of N320 @ 1.135" with 180gn Blue bullet 169pf.  YMMV
There you have it! ;D
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Offline recoilguy

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2017, 10:33:01 AM »
If you can get N320 in my opinion it is the best powder.
it is clean, meters well and consistent and doesn't take a lot to reach PF.

I am a fan but cant always find it.

RCG
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Offline oldfrank

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #7 on: September 13, 2017, 03:11:55 PM »
I use W231/HP38 for most everything pistol. I mainly load 9mm, .38 spl and .45 ACP and have had no problems with this powder.

There may be better powders for individual calibers but overall W231 works well. Accuracy is very good, it meters well and my guns stay clean enough to make it through 300 rounds in a match without problems.

I load to about 132 PF for 9 and 38 and 170 for .45 and verify with a chrono!

Offline Scarlett Pistol

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2017, 06:33:42 PM »
There's quite a few suggestions for N320. That is the powder that Sport Pistol has been compared to, and it is more affordable. Since it is newer not many have used it yet. Here's a thread with testing from various members.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=89615.30

SPO1SHADOW has the more definitive results as he is a fantastic shooter with hundreds of thousands of rounds downrange.
"In God I trust. All others must supply data."

Offline copemech

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2017, 11:40:23 PM »
There's quite a few suggestions for N320. That is the powder that Sport Pistol has been compared to, and it is more affordable. Since it is newer not many have used it yet. Here's a thread with testing from various members.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=89615.30

SPO1SHADOW has the more definitive results as he is a fantastic shooter with hundreds of thousands of rounds downrange.

I happened in to the local Bass Pro store, and they had a good assortment of Alliant powder , but no Sport Pistol.

Offline Scarlett Pistol

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2017, 11:48:11 PM »
There's quite a few suggestions for N320. That is the powder that Sport Pistol has been compared to, and it is more affordable. Since it is newer not many have used it yet. Here's a thread with testing from various members.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=89615.30

SPO1SHADOW has the more definitive results as he is a fantastic shooter with hundreds of thousands of rounds downrange.

I happened in to the local Bass Pro store, and they had a good assortment of Alliant powder , but no Sport Pistol.

I haven't found it locally either. I've checked the major chains, but need to call a few small shops. I had to order mine online....
"In God I trust. All others must supply data."

Offline armoredman

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #11 on: September 17, 2017, 04:14:15 AM »
I use Accurate Arms #7 in both 40SW and 9mm, works quite well.

Offline WNCRob

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #12 on: September 17, 2017, 08:55:47 AM »
Many thanks for the replies.  "Back in the day" I used 231 for 45 acp and 38.  38Super lead me to some other powders, including the VV powders.  Several years ago I picked up a few 1lb canisters of VV340.  Maybe they'll be fine for 40 S&W, but will look for a faster burning powder for 9mm.  Maybe go back to 231?  Anyway, after shooting shotgun for the last 10 years, looking forward to again shooting some pistols as well.  Had CZ Custom do some work on a SP-01 decocker, and just shipped them a P-01, as well. Great work  makes these very shootable & reliable guns. 

Offline MadDuner

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #13 on: September 17, 2017, 11:05:02 AM »
For "hot" loads, longshot works well in both of them.  Matter of fact, the max load data for longshot in the 40 S&W typically has me around 1385-1400 fps using hornady xtp, which is well up into 10mm territory.

Titegroup isn't milder loads, but sips the powder.

I use Titegroup for my 9mm reloads, unless I run out of it.
Titegroup is cheap, in plentiful supply, and goes a long way.

Offline Wobbly

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Re: GOOD All-around powder?
« Reply #14 on: September 17, 2017, 10:34:28 PM »
There's quite a few suggestions for N320. That is the powder that Sport Pistol has been compared to, and it is more affordable. Since it is newer not many have used it yet. Here's a thread with testing from various members.

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=89615.30

SPO1SHADOW has the more definitive results as he is a fantastic shooter with hundreds of thousands of rounds downrange.

I was going to say that powders in the "burn rate" range around Win 231/ HP-38 and N320 always seem to be good for 9 and 40. Highly suggest you download several of the available "burn rate charts" and keep them handy for consulting.

There are several 5 or 6 powders in this speed range, so before going powder hunting you want to make sure you have 1) load data available, and 2) like the reviews you read. N320 is excellent in many, many areas, but if you can't buy it locally that piece of info may not do you much good. 

Be advised, Sport Pistol and the other new ones from IMR may not have made it into the Burn Rate Charts just yet.

 ;)
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