Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns .45Auto powders.

I've been using Accurate #5, Universal, and Winchester Super Field (WSF). I like the #5 and WSF best because they are ball powders.

I like WSF for both 45 acp and 9mm

Thanks Yondering for the explanation. The reason I went with X-treme plated .45/230's is that X-treme mentions they "strike" the bullet a second time after plating to help ensure better performance. My taper crimp is very light, 0.470".

I have been using Shooters Choice, which I picked up in the great drought. I was getting low on Bulls Eye and basically bought when the opportunity arose. Some good things is it is very fine so meters very consistently (unlike Unique). I have been using Xtreme 200 grain bullets with good success. I shop their sales and have a pro discount (not me) I use so price is good.

I've burned a few pounds of Universal in a .45 ACP and a .45 Colt over the years. I can't complain a bit and fixing to try to work up a few loads with it in the .38 Special.
I've got some Unique on hand, but Universal seems to meter better through my RCBS powder measure.
I'd probably (and will) try a different powder in the ACP for a heavy load under 230's(Silhouette, Power Pistol, Longshot, CFE) and you'd probably want something faster burning for "target" loads (bullseye, red dot, 231), but for a pretty great general purpose pistol powder, I like H-Universal.
FWIW, I shoot all cast.

I use Titegroup for .45 ACP in 3 different 1911's. It meters like dust and goes a long ways. I use 4.6 gr for 230gr Rainier plated bullets and 230gr cast lead. It works very well.

I have noticed that I get leading a bit more with Titegroup, but I clean after every trip to the range so it doesn't bother me. I don't give the lead any chance to build up.

Wade, how are the Olympic's working for you? Also, have you tried "Clays"? Man, that is clean and soft shooting. Not to mention accurate.

I used Clays in cowboy action shooting with .38 Spec. It is a clean, soft shooting powder as mentioned. I tested various powders at CAS speeds, found Solo 1000 to burn about the cleanest with least residue.

For full house .45 ACP loads, I've used Unique for years. Burned hot, it's not that dirty.

American Select is a clean burner, Titegroup seemed to have more flash and pop with CAS loads, never used it in the .45 ACP.

So many great new powders, we are blessed.

Df

I like Longshot for my 45 Auto

The binos's are great! My daughter keeps them on a table in the living room so they're handy for spying on the neighbor's dog!

As for Clays, I do use it. I think 4.0 Clays under a 200 gr LSWC is the target load made in heaven! In my experience, Clays burns a little cleaner with hotter loads, so if you go with 4.3 gr and a 200gr LSWC, you might find it less sooty.

I load for 6 different pistol cartridges. I do it all with 2 powders,Unique and H110.

Awesome Wade. When I get done with the shutters upstairs, I'm going to load up some 200gr plated RN that X-teme sent [20 count sample pack]. 4.0gr Clays it shall be. Take care.