Any current reloading manuals with data for W244 powder?

[Gneiss]

Hi there, I'm new to the forum but not new to reloading.

Due to the ongoing component shortages, I'm getting what I can find and recently picked up a 4 lb jug of W244 with the intent to reload 9mm and .38 special. I've been using the Hodgdon website to get load data for this powder, but am also looking for some other sources since I prefer to have multiple references.

My reloading manuals were all 10+ years old, so I recently purchased the latest editions of the Hornady and Sierra reloading manuals, only to find that neither of them had load data for W244. I realize it's a fairly new powder, but it has been out since 2018 so I was a bit surprised that it wasn't included. Are there any current manuals that list loads for this powder?

Thanks

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Having never heard of this powder, I had a look at Hodgdon's data for 38/150 g or so bullets to see a difference of .3 of a grain between top and bottom loads. I think that it's a fair indication.

I wonder what you expect to see in another manual?

 

[358WCF]

The Hodgdon 2021 Annual is the only data I've seen. I bought a # of W244 to try & it's very similar to W231. After asking this same question on another forum I was told it was a touch slower than 231. My results show it's a touch faster.

For 45ACP/230 cast the Hodgdon manual shows:
W231-4.3 start load @699fps & 5.3 max @834fps.
W244-4.1 start @761fps to 4.9 max @868fps

Before getting the Hodgdon book I worked up a load with W244 in 45ACP with 230 cast RN to equal my usual load of W231... 5.3 gr. of each powder gave me...

W231=818 fps
W244=879 fps

... showing no unsafe pressure signs with the lots of components used.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Gneiss]

Thanks for the responses.

To NZ_Fclass: I keep copies of several reloading manuals around and I'm in the habit of looking at all of them when I try out a new powder to get an idea of the variation in min/max powder charges when I start working up a load. No big deal, it's just me.

To 358WCF: I appreciate the input. I've heard this powder is pretty close to W231 but haven't used that in the past. I just picked up a 9mm pistol and am reloading that cartridge for the first time. For 38 special, I typically used Bullseye. I've only had one round of initial loads with W244 but so far I'm pretty happy with it. It definitely burns cleaner than Bullseye.

 

[Rsadams]

Might pop over to Sierra website... If it's not in the new manual they will have updates you can download for free....

 

[Gneiss]

Thanks, I didn't see any updates on their site so I sent them an email to see if they have any data available.

 

[KMart]

Here is a burn rate chart that shows the W244 as slightly faster than AutoComp.
Burn rate charts being what they are, nothing always lines up with other published charts.
Maybe this will help a little.

http://www.theballisticassistant.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Powder-Relative-Burn-Rate-1-30-2020.pdf

Thanks, I didn't see any updates on their site so I sent them an email to see if they have any data available.

 

[Flouncer]

I just got a pound of this for 9mm and 380 auto so I'll check back in after i let some go down range

 

[Old3GNR]

I just got a pound of this for 9mm and 380 auto so I'll check back in after i let some go down range

I usually use Titegroup for my 9mm loads but couldn't find any and tried W 244. From my H-K VP9 pistol with 124 JHP I'm getting 981 fps with 3.9 gr. and 1024 with 4.1 gr. Using the same bullet in my PCC I'm getting 1040 with the 3.9 load and 1098 with 4.1

 

[Frankm]

From my research and limited experience 244 is real close to 231.

If I find 231 data on a cartridge I m not afraid to use 244 with STARTING listed loaded. Work up carefully and if you ve got a chronograph all the better.
Be careful if you proceed and do it at your own risk. YMMV

 

[Flouncer]

I usually use Titegroup for my 9mm loads but couldn't find any and tried W 244. From my H-K VP9 pistol with 124 JHP I'm getting 981 fps with 3.9 gr. and 1024 with 4.1 gr. Using the same bullet in my PCC I'm getting 1040 with the 3.9 load and 1098 with 4.1

Thanks 3GNR. I'll start at 3.9 with my 9mm. Ruger P95 BTW. Any .380 auto experience ?