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sniper Super Member
Joined: Aug 18, 2005 Posts: 735 Location: Utah
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Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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It all depends on what you want. Target, defense, or hunting? I use a rifle for hunting, but lots of guys use handguns. They are probably better shots than I am.
Everybody has an opinion and favorite powder (s). There is absolutely nothing wrong with any powder that you like, and can load safely
I have used Bullseye, 2400, Unique, Clays and 4756 successfully in .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads, and Unique and 2400 in cast bullet rifle loads.
It has shaken out to Unique or 2400 for the velocity levels I use most, usually what my brother in law calls hot.38-mild magnum velocities. Which I think are plenty for almost any purpose, and are pleasant to shoot.
Clays is a good, inexpensive,(per round) utility powder I use for plinkers and the like. There is no reason I don't like it as well as Unique or 2400...probably just what I was raised with... I just don't.
The two old-timers have been around since forever, and millions of rounds have been safely loaded with them. (And a few of the other sort, too.) It is hard to double charge a case with either...it would be noticeable, given reasonable inspection practices.
Unique covers the range of cast and jacketed bullets to any reasonable velocity, and 2400 is there for higher velocities because it is a good powder, and just because one of my heroes, Skeeter Skelton, liked it and loaded it so much.
There are at least a dozen good powders, but to me, the most versatile seem to be Unique and 2400.
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stovepipe Super Member
Joined: Sep 25, 2008 Posts: 4877 Location: Pine, Az.
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Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:21 am Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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I've found I run out of Unique faster than anything else...
W-231 works good with non-reduced loads and standard weight (or better) for caliber bullets.
700X is good for reduced loads/light plated bullets for plinking. Super clean. Watch for low volumes/too much case free-space.
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 7:48 am Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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I am getting ready to order more powder for my 357 and 44mag handguns, I currently use bullseye, unique, imr4227. I was at alliant's web site and was pretty impressed with their loads with Alliant 300mp powder for the above calibers. Has anyone tried this powder?
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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Pumpkinslinger Super Member
Joined: Sep 22, 2007 Posts: 5001 Location: NC foothills
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:08 am Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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Omini, this is the first I've heard of it. I looked on their website and you're right, it looks impressive. Yet another reloading project...
_________________ Mike
"I ain't no better than anybody else, and there ain't nobody better than me!" Ma Kettle |
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 11:33 am Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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I just downloaded alliants reloading guide and here's an example.
357mag with 2400 powder.
125gr speer at 1409fps Max
158gr speer at 1265fps Max
170gr speer at 1166fps Max
357mag with alliant 300mp
125gr speer at 2000fps Max
158gr speer at 1690fps Max
170gr speer at 1620fps Max
And its the same with the 44mag. These are very impressive increases, since I have the day off, I'm heading to the gun shop and see if I can get some.
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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TRBLSHTR Super Member
Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 1071 Location: Lower 48's-left coast(near portlandia)
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 3:16 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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Well I manage to get 2lbs of 300mp, the owner of the shop to me this powder is in big demand and the people that bought it says it was excellent. So now off to reload some 357 and 44 shells for tomorrow's trip to the range.
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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Bushmaster Super Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2005 Posts: 11390 Location: Ava, Missouri
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 4:48 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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I love it...I hope, Omini, that you can give us some "real" data. Like the length of the barrel. And the use of a chronogragh.
For all we know Alliant used a 10" test barrel...Instead of a "real" weapon. You know...4" or maybe a 6". And of course, the propriator of the store is going to say it's the "greatest thing on earth". He wants to sell the stuff.
I hate "wet towels". Don't you?
_________________ I have one nerve left and yer standin' on it...
DEMOCRACY Two wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for lunch...
LIBERTY A well armed sheep contesting the outcome of the vote... |
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:40 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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I agree Bushy,
I just got done loading at below max averages for the 44mag. I loaded 240gr speer behind 24gr which is less then max and I loaded 300gr nosler behind 21grs of powder. That said, I will be at the range tomorrow with my chrony F1 and will post results tomorrow night.
This is what I will be shooting tomorrow morning.
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44 mag
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Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:48 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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oops, forgot, it's a ruger super redhawk 9 1/2"
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:33 am Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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44mag loads with alliant 300mp Super Redhawk 9 1/2" barrel
temp 35 F, no wind.
Bullet Primer OAL Charge Velocity
210gr Win JHP CCI LP 1.590 25 1650
210gr Win JHP CCI LP 1.590 28 1745 Max
240 Hornady xtp CCI LP 1.575 22.5 1340
240 Hornady xtp CCI LP 1.575 25 1550 Max
300gr Nosler Hp CCI LP 1.665 19.7 1180
300gr Nosler Hp CCI LP 1.665 22 1335 Max
Each load consists of 10 rounds, all starting loads were reduced 10% from max loads.
OAL is from alliants loading book. All loads uncrimped.
Chrony was placed 10 feet from muzzle.
One thing I immediatly noticed was the sound of gun firing, after using 2400 and
imr 4227, this powder sounds way lower in pitch.
When shooting the 240 and 300gr Max loads, recoil is very stiff.
No problems with any of the cases or primers after firing.
Barrel was cleaned before going to range, No unburnt powder in barrel after firing any load. Barrel was not cleaned until I got home.
I was very impressed with this powder, why I never heard about this powder until 2
days ago boggles the mind. It seems to me that with 300mp, you can duplicate the
loads of 2400 or imr 4227 or you can up the ante using max loads. According to
handloaders magazine issue #264 page 30, 300mp is a double base powder with a
nitroglycerin content of 10%. It also says it is slower burning then H110 or w296. All velocities are
average with no loads over or under 25fps. As noted, I could not get close to the ratings listed
in alliants manual but they were not far off. The best group I had was the 240gr load, 2" at 50 yards
and the 210gr and 300gr were at 3" at 50 yards. This was shooting off the bench with sandbags and simmons
scope. Another thing, alliant recomended non-magnum primers which I used, so that tells me that this
powder might be an easier powder to ignite.
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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Bushmaster Super Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2005 Posts: 11390 Location: Ava, Missouri
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:50 am Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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O K...Now I'm impressed and curious. I wonder how it stacks up in a 4" barrel?
_________________ I have one nerve left and yer standin' on it...
DEMOCRACY Two wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for lunch...
LIBERTY A well armed sheep contesting the outcome of the vote... |
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Ominivision1 Super Member
Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 2984 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 3:03 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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yep, that makes 2 of us.
I have no idea why this powder wasn't given a little more advertising but from looking at different gun sites it seems to be a big hit. Next weekend I will load for my other (357mag) and post results. The 357 is an Astra 6" handgun that I brought in the middle 80"s.
Also read about that this powder is a refine of smg powder from Olin? from what I read about it, it was produced for law enforcement many years ago. Does any one remember this?
_________________ Regards
Limitations are but boundaries created inside our minds. |
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chambered221 Super Member
Joined: Aug 17, 2007 Posts: 3455 Location: Lost for good !!!
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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Looks like they are finally marketing a true magnum powder !!!
I'm curious to see what it will be like in a 221
_________________ Ask as many people needed, sooner or later your question will be answered the way you want it answered !!!
A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.
~George Washington |
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Bushmaster Super Member
Joined: Jun 12, 2005 Posts: 11390 Location: Ava, Missouri
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: best handgun powder |
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221? What's that? I always thought that wqas only your name...
_________________ I have one nerve left and yer standin' on it...
DEMOCRACY Two wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for lunch...
LIBERTY A well armed sheep contesting the outcome of the vote... |
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