What about these powders for .38, .357 and 9mm?

[Twisted Chemist]

Background first. I've been handloading since the late 80's, mostly 5.56x45, 7.62x51, 7mm BR and 7mm Mag. Now it is time to venture into pistol territory. My wife is giving me die sets and bullets for 9mm, .38 Special and .357 Mag.
As we are all aware of the component famine, I grabbed the first three powders that were available and were adequate for the calibers. Not telling you how much that spent on them.

Accurate Powder - No.9
3N38 Vihtavuori Powder
Alliant Powder - Green Dot

So, did I waste my money or are these decent? There is loading data for all three calibers from all three manufacturers. Advice, suggestions, load data, ridicule and sacrificial goats are welcome.

 

[DHD]

The AA9 is a winner for me in 327 Federal and 357 Magnum. Both of the memtioned calibers are in Freedom Arms revolvers so what I load may be quite warm for other revolvers (really warm). Regardless, it is a very useful in the 357 Magnum you asked about. It can be downloaded some unlike H110. Personally I use more H110 in the 357, but again this is in a FA83 revolver or the full size Blackhawk's.

The 3N38 is considered a slower pistol powder for use in 9mm, 38 Super, and heavier 40's. Think IPSC, where you want to make Major PF (power factor). I have a jug of it but don't remember why exactly I bought it. I use Sport Pistol almost exclusively for 9mm and 45 ACP.

The Green Dot will work well in the 38, though it isn't really a first choice there. It will work and you just may find a very accurate load easily assuming you want target loads and not +P defense loads.

For a more detailed answer a list of the handguns would be helpful.

The only powder I would question would be the 3N38 as it is quite slow (high velocity) and would not be comfortable in one of the small 9mm's out there. If you run a race gun like a built 2011/Witness Elite/CZ75 TS/etc, then yeah it'll be fine. A faster powder like the Sport Pistol or even Powder Pistol would be more in line for target 9mm.

Everything I typed is my opinion but I do have a lot of time behind pistols and revolvers and rarely shoot factory ammo.

 

[rkittine]

Not sure what kind of handgun shooting you are doing, but at typical hand gun distances, as long as it goes Boom and the Projectile makes it out of the barrel, you should be OK.

 

[Twisted Chemist]

For a more detailed answer a list of the handguns would be helpful.


Everything I typed is my opinion but I do have a lot of time behind pistols and revolvers and rarely shoot factory ammo.

An original '93 Colt King Cobra .357 mag, 6" heavy barrel with full length lug. I would like to take whitetail deer someday but mostly punch paper. However it could be pressed into service for self defense.

A Glock 17 for mostly punching paper but would like to try my hand at competitive shooting. Started using a modified CAR method and would love to try some action shooting.

S&W Shield for EDC, but it stays loaded with factory ammunition.

 

[Twisted Chemist]

Not sure what kind of handgun shooting you are doing, but at typical hand gun distances, as long as it goes Boom and the Projectile makes it out of the barrel, you should be OK.

Now that is my kind of philosophy. Make go BOOM.

 

[Rsadams]

The AA9 is a winner for me in 327 Federal and 357 Magnum. Both of the memtioned calibers are in Freedom Arms revolvers so what I load may be quite warm for other revolvers (really warm). Regardless, it is a very useful in the 357 Magnum you asked about. It can be downloaded some unlike H110. Personally I use more H110 in the 357, but again this is in a FA83 revolver or the full size Blackhawk's.

The 3N38 is considered a slower pistol powder for use in 9mm, 38 Super, and heavier 40's. Think IPSC, where you want to make Major PF (power factor). I have a jug of it but don't remember why exactly I bought it. I use Sport Pistol almost exclusively for 9mm and 45 ACP.

The Green Dot will work well in the 38, though it isn't really a first choice there. It will work and you just may find a very accurate load easily assuming you want target loads and not +P defense loads.

For a more detailed answer a list of the handguns would be helpful.

The only powder I would question would be the 3N38 as it is quite slow (high velocity) and would not be comfortable in one of the small 9mm's out there. If you run a race gun like a built 2011/Witness Elite/CZ75 TS/etc, then yeah it'll be fine. A faster powder like the Sport Pistol or even Powder Pistol would be more in line for target 9mm.

Everything I typed is my opinion but I do have a lot of time behind pistols and revolvers and rarely shoot factory ammo.

Some good advice... The green dot will work in the .38 but will be dirty I have used it in the past.... Who cares these days , I clean everytime I shoot anyways... Just be careful and load with a loading manual or powder makers data...

 

[DHD]

The King Cobra is more of a midsize revolver and while I suspect they are strong for their size, rocks and dynamite loads wouldn't be advisable. However, AA9 will still be a very good choice.

The G17 needs no particular kindness as they can take some pressure. Try the 3N38 and see how it works. A step or two down is N350 and I have used it and a step or two down from N350 is HS6 and I've used a lot of it. They both want some pressure before they clean up and accuracy is found. I suspect 3N38 will act in a similar way.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!