Best handgun powder for light loads

slimjim

I've just decided to start loading 9mm (Glock 17). Will follow with .40 (Glock 22 & 24), then .45 (if I get a 1911). I'd like to start with light, soft shooting loads for just general target practice. I've seen some posts that Bulleye, Unique, Titegroup might be some powders to consider. I'd like a powder that is accurate and clean burning. What are your recommendations?

Ominivision1

Hey Slim, I shoot a mild load with my glock using 200gr hornady with 5.7gr of imr 800x. It's pleasant to shoot and pretty darn accurate. No problem at all with cases or anything. This powder burns clean and have not had any residue of unburnt powder in my gun. When the weather warms up, I plan on taking this gun and the 44 to do some extensive field testing. Cheers.

slimjim

OV1, what is your velocity? Why did you pick such a heavy bullet instead of a 150 gr +- 15?

shrpshtrjoe

I Use 6.2 grains of Unique with 230 grain Berrys plated rn for the .45 and they shoot well. Haven't tried a light load with Unique but I imagine it would do just fine.
Joe

Ominivision1

slimjim wrote:

OV1, what is your velocity? Why did you pick such a heavy bullet instead of a 150 gr +- 15?

Hey again Slim, for the 200gr hornady xtp I was getting average of 850-875 fps. I did use 155gr hornady with 155gr and 700x but accuracy suffered big time. I was at 5.3gr working up a mild load but like I said accuracy suffered a lot.

chambered221

I run Titegroup in all 3 !!!

In the 9 I run 3.5grs with a Berry 147gr plated RN.
This load is so soft that they barely eject from my XD and I switched to a #10 recoil spring in my 1911 to ensure reliability for competition.

When loading for the 9 pay close attention to amount of crimp and OAL till you get a good feel for things.
Pressures will rise and fall quickly with rather small adjustments due to it's small size. Because of this I sort all my 9's and only run what I've tested.

gelandangan

light loads?
over here we use AS-30 for target pistol shoots.
extreme accuracy, definitely much better than the person that touch the trigger.

slimjim

chambered221 wrote:

I run Titegroup in all 3 !!! ... Pressures will rise and fall quickly with rather small adjustments due to it's small size. Because of this I sort all my 9's and only run what I've tested.

chambered, not sure I understand "sort all my 9's"?

slimjim

gelandangan wrote:

over here we use AS-30 for target pistol shoots.

gelandangan, I did a quick search and it doesn't look like that powder is readily available in the states.

chambered221

I sort my brass by brand .............I usually only run Winchester or Remington because of how plentiful it is !!!

I do believe AS30 is Hodgdon Clays.

Ominivision1

Here’s a list of ADI to Hodgdon Powder equivalents:

AS30N=Clays
AP50N = (No Hodgdon)
AS50N = International
AP70N = Universal
AP100 = (No Hodgdon)
AR2205 = H4227
AR2207 = H4198
AR2219 = H322
Bench Mark1 = (No Hodgdon)
Bench Mark2 = BenchMark AR2206 = (No Hodgdon)
AR2206H = H4895
AR2208 = Varget
AR2209 = H4350
AR2213 = (Discontinued)
AR2213SC = H4831
AR2217 = H1000
AR2225 = Retumbo
AR2218 = H50BMG "

Powder Eqivilants

gelandangan

Some ADI powders are marketed in the USA by Hodgon,
the rebranding is listed by Omini.

Mind you we use these powders at less than 5 grains loads most of the time.
Some load are so light that it may not work the action in an auto pistol.
But they are VERY accurate!

I use 2.7 grains on 38 SPL with 137gn BNWC cast.
This combo will give my SW 686 about 1 inch group at 25 meters (with iron sight) with almost no recoil at all.
For Powder Factor shoots, I load 4 grains with the same projectile.
It groups at about 3 inch at 50 meters (iron sight) and 2 inch group 6 shots in 4 second at 10 meter.

slimjim

I've heard that Clays (ASN-30) is a very clean burning powder. I've also head some good feedback on Berry plated bullets. These sound like a good combination to start with. Thanks all for the tips!!

stovepipe

Fer light loads 700x fastest fer light pills, 800x slowest fer heavier pills. And all the usual 'tweener powders...700 is awesome fer light stuff in rollers. I'd be leary of it in recoil opperated auto-loaders in reduced loads w/ light pills for obivous reasons.

I use X-Treme plated pistol bullets. Less per 500 and price includes freight.

slimjim

Thanks, stovey! I've got lots of learning to do! Should be fun.