ACCURATE POWDER?

[mgatc]

Thinking about changing to Accurate powder for pistol loads. I can use Accurate #2 or #5 in the .380, .357mag, and .40.

Pros and cons? Accuracy? Clean? Does it meter well?

Other options with similar range of calibers and loads?

Thanks,
m

[JLA]

You wont find a cleaner powder
You wont find a powder that meters better
There are more accurate powders out there but the difference is neglegible
#2 and #5 can be loaded in just about anything that shoots from a pistol (its alot like unique and titegroup that way)

[mgatc]

Nice endorsement JLA.

Now, if you had to pick between #2 and #5??? What is the primary difference between the two?

[steve4102]

Nice endorsement JLA.

Now, if you had to pick between #2 and #5??? What is the primary difference between the two?

Not a lot of data for #2 in the 357, so between the two #5 is it. Me, I like #7 in the 40 and the 357, the 380 I do not have, but if I did I would go with #5.

[JLA]

steve nailed it. #2 is the faster of the two and is best suited to little rounds like the .25ACP, .32ACP, and the .380ACP. #5 is the most versatile of the accurate powders 2 thru 9, finding applications in just about everything that fits in a handgun... 7 and 9 are best suited to magnum class handgun rounds.

[Alpo]

I've got 2 and 5. I think of 'em like Bullseye and Unique. 25, 32 and 380, maybe 9mm. And 380 up.

[carver]

I've been using Accurate powder for over 20 years, it's all I use in handguns. #2, #5, #7, and #9 will load any pistol cartridge out there. (Not for TC loads) As stated above, the higher the # the slower the burn. One of the things I really like about the Accurate powders is that you will find a load that will use less powder than most others.

[JLA]

thus making it a more bang for your buck powder.

[carver]

And that's what reloading is all about! Saving money!

[JLA]

not so much for me, it does allow me to shoot alot more and shoot far more accurate ammo.

[carver]

Well if it isn't accurate, then why bother, no matter the price! I do agree with you. It allows me to shoot more, and do it accuratly, and still spend less!

[Boris]

DO NOT use #5 in 40S&W. It was responsible for numerous Kbs in 40 cal back in the day and Accurate even warns to not use #5 in 40 caliber. I would also not use #2. AA7 on the other hand is a spectacular 40 caliber powder.

The only other powder I can say is better is the Viht powders, but they cost alot more.

[noylj]

231/HP38 and AA2 are very close to being universally accurate in handgun cartridges at target/mid-range loads (700-850fps). This is particularly true in .45ACP and .38 Special Wadcutter.
AA5 is amazingly accurate in .40S&W.
AA7 and AA9 can be very accurate in 10mm Auto and .45WinMag.
In 9mm, I find 231/HP38, Red Dot, and Silhouette to be accurate.

[gdmoody]

You wont find a cleaner powder
You wont find a powder that meters better
There are more accurate powders out there but the difference is neglegible
#2 and #5 can be loaded in just about anything that shoots from a pistol (its alot like unique and titegroup that way)

I have to completely agree with these statements, with the exception that I have never used #2
I use #5 and #7

[mgatc]

Accurate even warns to not use #5 in 40 caliber


Contacted Accurate and they said the problem was not with the powder or the round, but with un-supported chambers. Company's response below:

"That’s not true.
It was due to the fact of un-supported chambers and can happen with any powder.
Because our Ano5 is one of the most popular powders for high performance semi auto handguns it occurred more often with that"

m

[carver]

DO NOT use #5 in 40S&W. It was responsible for numerous Kbs in 40 cal back in the day and Accurate even warns to not use #5 in 40 caliber. I would also not use #2. AA7 on the other hand is a spectacular 40 caliber powder.

The only other powder I can say is better is the Viht powders, but they cost alot more.

Can't find that warning Boris, where is it located?
http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/accurate_load_data_3.4.pdf

[chrislind2]

My understanding is that Bullseye is kind of a "beginners" powder? At least thats what I was told when I reloaded 27 years ago for the first time. So when I started again after so long that I had to learn it again, I used Bullseye. I see in the book that if you want a "hot" load you need something other than Bullseye. I have loaded and fired maybe 1000 rounds in the last three years and have had excellent results with the Bullseye powder. At this point if I wanted to load hotter rounds or maybe magnum rounds, I might move up to a different powder. I load 9mm, .40, .38 special, and .45acp. I just bought a new container of Bullseye and that will last me a very long time.
I enjoy reloading and really like shooting my own bullets, if it also saves me money then that is an extra benefit.

[mgatc]

Carver,

Check my post right above yours. I got this quote directly from Johan at Accurate Powder.
In his e-mail he asked me to please post this on the forum.

Mel

[Boris]

Carver,

Check my post right above yours. I got this quote directly from Johan at Accurate Powder.
In his e-mail he asked me to please post this on the forum.

Mel


Awesome info. Thats why I love this place.

[medalguy]

Chrislind2 I don't know where you got the idea that Unique is a "beginner's" powder. It's one of the most versatile handgun powders out there. The fact that it can be used in virtually any common handgun load is what makes it so unique and gave it its name. I have been using it for handgun loading for nearly 45 years now and I have used other powders but really haven't much of anything that comes close to the variety of calibers I can use it in.

[JLA]

My understanding is that Bullseye is kind of a "beginners" powder? At least thats what I was told when I reloaded 27 years ago for the first time. So when I started again after so long that I had to learn it again, I used Bullseye. I see in the book that if you want a "hot" load you need something other than Bullseye. I have loaded and fired maybe 1000 rounds in the last three years and have had excellent results with the Bullseye powder. At this point if I wanted to load hotter rounds or maybe magnum rounds, I might move up to a different powder. I load 9mm, .40, .38 special, and .45acp. I just bought a new container of Bullseye and that will last me a very long time.
I enjoy reloading and really like shooting my own bullets, if it also saves me money then that is an extra benefit.

I can see why bullseye may be termed by some to be a 'beginners' powder, its a very versatile use powder, like unique, AA#2 and titegroup finds applications in most anything that fits in handguns.

'Beginners powder' is just ones own interpretation of the use of the powder. It is in reality a powder suitable for use by anyone wanting an efficient and versatile propellant for loading their handgun rounds, both beginner and professional alike...