pistol powder

splatter · Jan 19, 2020

Just looking to see what anyone else uses. I load for 38spl., 9mm, 40sw, been using cfe pistol but it seems to be a lot dirty. Is there something else that will give good vel. that burns a little cleaner?

DaveB · Jan 20, 2020

We are also using CFE pistol.

It meters about as perfect as I have ever seen. That is a big reason why I keep using it.

As for dirty I have noticed some buildups but not enough to make me change.

MUP · Jan 20, 2020

I don't load for pistols, yet, but a coworker does, and he's been in the game for a long time. He uses Unique in about all those calibers.

EastTNHunter · Jan 20, 2020

I've always used Unique, but it's pretty dirty. I really only use it because I inherited a big jug of it that I don't think I will ever be able to empty. Meters like crap, but very versatile

Hunter 257W · Jan 22, 2020

Unique is what I use most, 2nd would be Red Dot. I have a LOT of each and they work well for most of my handgun shooting. You can buy an 8 lb keg of Unique and shoot forever.

I got into reloading shotshells before metallic cartridges so the faster burning Hercules powders such as Unique, Red Dot and Green Dot where already on hand when I started loading 44 Magnum a few years later. It just made sense to use them for lower power loads for the big revolver. So much more so for the lower pressure 38 Special and 45 Colt.

Back when I was shooting a lot of full power 44 Magnum, I used H110.

ROVERBOY · Jan 25, 2020

Another great powder for general use is Alliant Herco. Its slightly slower than Unique but pretty good stuff. I use it in .38 Spl. For .357 magnum I mostly use 2400, H110, or IMR4227. Good luck in whatever you decide.