Is anyone else out there using Hogdon's Universal Clays powder in their .38 special reloads? I chose it because of the wide range of load weights available for the 158 gr cast bullets I'm shooting. I'm new to reloading and a bit skitterish with scoops and scales, and like the lattitude the Universal provides. I also expect it'll help as I learn to develop hotter loads. Seems somewhat smoky though; my brass and gun are getting all sooted up. Perhaps as I work the load up, things will settle down and clean up a bit. Trouble is, no one out there (you guys) ever mention it. Anybody?
I dont use it but it is a good powder. Alot of shooting buddies of mine swear by it. It is especially suited to target loads and as you say a very wide range of data.. The sootyness is partly due to the low pressure and the cast boolit lube. The hotter you go the cleaner they should burn. Careful heating up cast loads tho, you coud end up with a lead plated bore instead of a sooty one..
I have some and have worked up loads in both 38 and 45 with it. Load work-up was about as far as it went. It's not a bad powder at all, I got good results from it. Here's the downside and why I chose not to use it:
1 - Too easily confused with the other Clays products; just one misread can be a big ooops. This one major WTH? on Hodgdon's part is why I do not use it any more.
2 - It is a little on the sooty side as you mentioned.
3 - I get equal/better results in both calibers from Unique, Titegroup or W231.
4 - Universal Clays isn't as available as other powders from what I've seen.
What's yer barrel length? Long barrels allow slower powder vs. shorties that like fast explosions. Also, are you doing high power loads or softies that are fun & cost less? My wife likes her low speed leads. Going to get her a longer barreled revolver so she can develop her target work without the kick.
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