Minor load powder

[blacklab]

I've gotten comfortable with using SNS 115gr coated bullets with 4.3gr of universal for 9mm minor loads in a 2011 open gun and thought I'd just always stick with it forever, if it's not broke don't fix it. Unfortunately, my system broke recently, Universal is nowhere to be found. I've been doing some reading online and Unique, Sport Pistol, N340 and WST all seem to be somewhat of a good substitute from what I can tell. I'm trying to not have to buy a ton of different powders to try and was hoping someone would chime in and share what they found that works best in their gun. I know each gun acts differently, but I'd like to start with the one's that people had the best luck with and go from there. If I could find a close alternative in the first or second try that'd be a huge time and money saver.

[GrumpyOne]

What PF are you trying to make? 

[GrumpyOne]

Unique might work. 

[Squirrel45]

Sport pistol or N320 would work nice 

[radny97]

RS Comp is also a good option

[HOGRIDER]

Loading 115g or 124/125g I would definitely take a look at VV N330!

 

https://www.vihtavuori.com/powder/n330-handgun-powder/

 

[blacklab]

2 hours ago, GrumpyOne said:

What PF are you trying to make? 

Power factor isn't an issue, my current load is only around 115PF. 3 Gun doesn't have a minimal power factor so the softer/flatter the better.

[blacklab]

37 minutes ago, HOGRIDER said:

Loading 115g or 124/125g I would definitely take a look at VV N330!

 

https://www.vihtavuori.com/powder/n330-handgun-powder/

 

Thanks, I'll look into that one, it never came up in any other sources I looked at.

[Squirrel45]

11 hours ago, blacklab said:

Power factor isn't an issue, my current load is only around 115PF. 3 Gun doesn't have a minimal power factor so the softer/flatter the better.

Is there any knock downs in 3 gun ?

[blacklab]

13 hours ago, Squirrel45 said:

Is there any knock downs in 3 gun ?

Depends on the stage, but you usually have the option of handgun or shotgun for the knockdowns, spinners and stars.

[perttime]

Without compensators, Vihtavuori N320 should be great for Minor loads.

N330 or N340 would give a little more gas to work a comp.

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/?cartridge=89

[ysrracer]

Win 244, I see it everywhere.

[Kilrb]

I use Sport Pistol works well

[Leezway]

6 hours ago, Kilrb said:

I use Sport Pistol works well

^ ^ ^
^ ^ ^
what he said…

[Joe4d]

for coated,,, sport pistol, AA2, cleanshot, e3, 320 330 244,  which ever is cheaper and you can get a bunch of will all make good 9mm minor ammo. And all will be softer than your Universal loads.

[Dr. Phil]

I use Winchester 231 for everything in my 9mm and 38 mid rounds. Nice feature is that HP38 is the same powder in different packaging but is usually $1 cheaper per pound, even in the same store. Never knew why that was.

I go from 2.8gr under a 96 gr coated bullet in my revolver for SC to around 5 gr with a 135 coated for plate and USPSA loads. It runs about the same fps per charge as Tightgroup but is somewhat cleaner.

[ysrracer]

231, 232, what ever it takes

[Service Desk]

231 and WST will do the job for you. 

[old558]

On 9/30/2023 at 4:07 PM, Dr. Phil said:

I use Winchester 231 for everything in my 9mm and 38 mid rounds. Nice feature is that HP38 is the same powder in different packaging but is usually $1 cheaper per pound, even in the same store. Never knew why that was.

I go from 2.8gr under a 96 gr coated bullet in my revolver for SC to around 5 gr with a 135 coated for plate and USPSA loads. It runs about the same fps per charge as Tightgroup but is somewhat cleaner.

Is this a load for short colt?

[Joe4d]

2 hours ago, old558 said:

Is this a load for short colt?

I am thinking he means Steel challenge. 

but eh,, who knows we got SC for steel challenge, super comp, and short colt,, maybe others.. 

 

[ysrracer]

19 minutes ago, Joe4d said:

I am thinking he means Steel challenge. 

but eh,, who knows we got SC for steel challenge, super comp, and short colt,, maybe others.. 

 

 

My mom thinks I'm Sweet and Cute.

[lll Otto lll]

I own every powder mentioned so far.   But what I’m presently using the most of is Autocomp. 
5gr under a 124 Match Winner is a pleasant range load to shoot. 

[photog]

No power factor 9mm, 3.2-3.4 gr of American select works. For what you are talking about an 8 lbs jug of red dot, amselect, or other mid fast shotgun powder is fine and will last a LONG time. I doubt there is a bad choice just stay W231 and slower.

[Dr. Phil]

On 10/4/2023 at 5:39 PM, old558 said:

Is this a load for short colt?

Steel Challenge.

No PF. No recoil.

Just have to wait for the bullet at 35 yards. But then< I call shots so no waiting.

[old558]

12 hours ago, Dr. Phil said:

Steel Challenge.

No PF. No recoil.

Just have to wait for the bullet at 35 yards. But then< I call shots so no waiting.

Sorry I should have been clearer. You mentioned your revolver so I was wondering if your load is for 9mm, 38 special or 38 short colt.