Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading Just 2 Powders for all your handguns

With extensive experience (25+ years) loading 380, 9mm, 38 Special, 357 Mag, 40 S&W, 10mm, 44 Special, 44 Mag, 45 Auto, and 45 Colt trying loads of powders from the old standby’s to newer stuff.

I now run it all with just two powders. For cast and jacketed both. Ramshot True Blue and Accurate No. 9.

If ever limited to just one powder, it would be True Blue!

Mark in GA

Ditto +100 on True Blue.

I've never felt a need to limit my powder choices; I try to find what's optimum for my load requirement.
I probably have 7 or 8 pistol powders in stock presently.

Unique and 2400.

AA#5 and AA#9

I suppose I'd get by with Universal or W231 and Alliant 2400. I've had some very good results using Accurate 4100 in place of 2400, but I'm not sure it's as versatile in my cartridge lineup.

these days it pays to keep your powder options open. For example, I have not found Unique in over a year, and have switched for the time being to Tight Group.

PV and Natchez have had Unique in a few times this year, but it sells out super fast. All the Alliant powders disappear quick anytime they restock. I still need to snag some 2400, been too slow on the draw for it online a few times now.

I've gotten really fond of CFEP of late. I got it just to fiddle with in a picky 45 Colt, but it has ended up shooting really well in several cartridges for me. The velocity isn't quite up to par with 2400, being faster burning, but the accuracy has been just as good or better in everything I've tried it in. The stuff was super plentiful online a while back, so I loaded up on it just in case I end up burning up all my 2400 before I get more.

That's no lie, Sam. I bought a 4 or 8 pounder of Universal for shotshells a long time ago, then mistakenly bought another shortly thereafter due to a brain fart of some kind. I scolded myself when I discovered my error, but just a few months ago decided to try the stuff in my New Frontier in .45 Colt. Results were very good and I have a dandy load for that fun shooter, so I have forgiven myself.

Yep.

I'd go with 2400 instead of H110/296 for the slow powder because 2400 has a broader range of use and does not need to be loaded to max. or near max. like the manufacturers recommend. 2400 works well with standard primers as well.

It’s hard to go wrong with so many mentioned. Unique is dirty but very stable with results, bullseye is also stable. H110 if you demand max, but 2400 covers a lot of ground. It’s really hard to go wrong.

+1 here
Those do everything I need to do

W231 and Enforcer would cover me if I had to go that route.


I could sub Universal for the 231
I’ve become very fond of the Enforcer for all the same reasons as others list 2400. They are side by side on the burn chart which I never noticed till this thread.

H-110/296 & Ĺongshot

All my needs for 45 ACP, 44 Special, 44 mag, 480 Ruger can be handled with Power Pistol and H110/W296. In my 1911s I can get +P speeds comfortably and even better in the 44 special with Power Pistol. Full power loads from H110 get used for hunting and familiarization

CFEP and H110, covers ,"mild to wild." But, I use alot of TrailBoss and 2400. On the plus side, H110 works great in .300BLK.

Unique, 2400.

Green Dot for
9mm
38
357
45 acp
40 sw
12 gauge

I use Power Pistol and H110.
9mm
38 Special
357 Magnum