Hodgon powders for pistol cartridges

[bdybdall]

I have a chance to buy some powder at a decent price. The choices are Clays, Universal, and International. I've never used any of these. What are they good for? I used to load for .38/.357, 9mm P, .45 ACP, .44 Spl/.44M, and 12 and 20 gauge. I should say I have the equipment to do so but haven't reloaded for years. Previously I used powders like Unique, Bullseye, and 2400 and WW powders for shotshells.

 

[Trapper Jim]

I have a chance to buy some powder at a decent price. The choices are Clays, Universal, and International. I've never used any of these. What are they good for? I used to load for .38/.357, 9mm P, .45 ACP, .44 Spl/.44M, and 12 and 20 gauge. I should say I have the equipment to do so but haven't reloaded for years. Previously I used powders like Unique, Bullseye, and 2400 and WW powders for shotshells.

Hogdon Powders ok but I Try not to use imported stuff.

 

[t-squared]

Try here: Hodgdon Reloading | Home

Select a cartridge...say .38 Special
Select a bullet weight...say 158gr
Select a brand...say Hodgdon
Select a powder/s...say Clays and Universal
Click get data.
You should see both powder's load recipes for the XTP and LSWC

I like that their load data is more complete than others...like Alliant.... and has the pressures and start weights for comparison.

 

[AmmoManAaron]

All three are fairly versatile powders. With the calibers and gauges you listed you should be able to find multiple uses for each of those powders.

 

[VERT]

I like Clays for .45 ACP. Dad uses it for powder puff .44 loads.

 

[crewchief888]

ive been running universal in my 45acp loads 155gr SWC for USPSA open.

I think clays has a softer recoil, but I wasn't getting the velocities I wanted.

I have a bunch of 12g loaded with both clays and universal

 

[HCRMPD1]

I agree with T-Squared, with the addition that it has a lot to do with personal preference and what kind of shooting that you do.

If the price is that good, buy them and run a few test loads to determine what ones you like and what ones you do not.

For me I prefer Tite-Group for my .45ACP pushing 230gr paper killers; for me it burns cleaner and provides a nice, yet controllable recoil.

Happy reloading.........