Pistol reloading

[Lapuatom]

I know this site is primarily dedicated to rifle shooting but I thought that maybe somebody could help me with my issue. I have a "plinking load" for my handguns but it produces a lot of carbon fouling. I use Unique at a reduced volume per load,just for plinking. Does anybody have any suggestions for another powder to be used for plinking that would be acceptable for that purpose and would make less fouling.
thank you in advance ,
Lapuatom

 

[Webster]

Check out this website for comments on clean burning pistol powders.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57018

 

[jonbearman]

I have used clays and others that are way cleaner burning than unique like 2400 powder,700x etc.

 

[bheadboy]

AA 5 works for me, the question is what do you call "plinking" it terms of cartridge capability.

45acp plinker to me is 800fps with a 200gr Keith style, using a lighter recoil spring
40sw it is 900-950 with a 180 cast

the judgment of what is a plinker is subjective. thus the powder that burns faster for the load is usually cleaner, however some fast powders are dirty, (bullseye and unique for example)

Bob

 

[BigDMT]

IMR 800x.

What type of fouling are you talking about? Is it an auto loader and the fouling is messing up cycling operation? Because that i can understand. But barrel fouling shouldnt be that big of deal in a hand gun.

 

[gaboon]

Bulleyes powder or power pistol second.

 

[MK 19]

It really depends on the cartridge your shooting to what will shoot best, I love Unique and it is a little dirty with 4.2gr under a Cast 125gr FP, but it does clean up with an increase to 5.5-6.0gr, but then it is no longer a plinking load. PB was a great alternative, but it is no longer being made, so for my revolver I stick with Unique. I do prefer Power Pistol for most of the autos (9, 40 & 45) and it is very clean, it just has not given me the accuracy I like in a 38spl

 

[mjoplin]

A bit more information would help... gun, caliber, bullet weight, etc.

For my 1911 in .45acp, my favorite plinking load for the indoor range is a low recoil, clean burning solution. 3.9 gr. Clays (regular, not Universal Clays), with a 230 gr. coated LRN bullet from Bayou Bullets over Federal large pistol match primers works great.

The gun is stainless and powder residue shows up quickly with dirtier powders like Unique. This particular recipe, in my Kimber, has low recoil, near zero barrel leading, and leaves nearly no residue after a day at the range. Your mileage may vary.

 

[tjtjwdad]

IMR 800x.

What type of fouling are you talking about? Is it an auto loader and the fouling is messing up cycling operation? Because that i can understand. But barrel fouling shouldnt be that big of deal in a hand gun.

...and what caliber?

 

[BigDMT]

IMR 800x.

What type of fouling are you talking about? Is it an auto loader and the fouling is messing up cycling operation? Because that i can understand. But barrel fouling shouldnt be that big of deal in a hand gun.

...and what caliber?

Right, caliber would help.

Lil Gun is a pretty versatile powder that burns clean as well. Works good in rounds that like the faster pistol powders and the rounds that like slower burn rates. Meters really well too because it is a spherical powder. Meters WAY better than the flake style IMR 800X I mentioned earlier.

 

[tjtjwdad]

For my target .45 ACP, I started off with Bullseye and used it for years. No doubt, its very accurate, Someone told me to try some WST and to tell ya' the truth, after 100 rounds I couldn't hardly tell it had been fired in comparrison to Bullseye; and it was equally as accurate.

Never tried Lil Gun but have heard good things about it as well as Clays.

Before I got into target shooting I liked Unique but it was dirty. I've heard that has been corrected but can't say on a personal note. For peppier loads, I've used Blue-Dot from time to time.

This info is based on uses with a 45 ACP. Naturally, other calibers use different powders.

HTH

 

[BigDMT]

I think the OP is M.I.A. and we're just talking to ourselves

 

[amlevin]

My "plinking" loads are the same as my "defense loads". I load for 9mm using a 124 gr JHP and Power Pistol. Nice and clean.

When loading for 'plinking' I use a Montana Gold 124 gr JHP and if I need more "defense loads" to keep the carry rounds fresh I just substitute a Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point in 124 gr for the MG.

I quit using Unique a long time ago due to it's "filthy burn". Ditto for HS-6 which used to be the "in powder" for 9mm.

 

[BigDMT]

+1 on Montana Gold bullets. The 165gr FMJs are ridiculously accurate in my 40 S&W with 8gr of IMR 800x

 

[M14AMU]

Try some Goex 3F!

 

[Lapuatom]

the 357 loads are 5.5gr of Unique,158gr lrn and after 150-200 rds, can't push loads into the cylinder because of all the powder fouling. The loads are full length sized and feed fine at first but get progressively tighter till they wont go into the cylinder at all.After a good cleaning,all is well till the round count gets back up there

 

[bigedp51]

You can try upping the Unique load to get a cleaner burn "OR" switch to plated bullets and 231 powder for a cleaner burn.

You could also read up on Skeeter Skelton and shoot gas checks and some "warmer" unique and 2400 loads.

 

[artbosco]

I have a "plinking load" for my handguns but it produces a lot of carbon fouling. I use Unique at a reduced volume per load, just for plinking. Does anybody have any suggestions for another powder to be used for plinking that would be acceptable for that purpose and would make less fouling. thank you in advance, Lapuatom

There's nothing wrong with Unique. It, like a lot of other powders, when loaded light, produce inordinate carbon fouling. Work up loads in 2/10th increments, until the carbon fouling begins to subside. You shouldn't get anywhere near max for that to happen. Consult a reloading manual for the range between starting and max load for the caliber and bullet weight being shot. Powder is hard to find these days and expensive. Learn to load for complete combustion with what you have on hand.