HP38 Powder Burn

[black43]

Background -

Reloading for P-01. Using federal spp, federal cases, 4.2 grains of hp38 to 1.13. Bullet is 124 grain round nose copper plated berry’s. #76848.

When I picked up the cases, the inside was very dirty. I don’t have access to a chronograph, but based on info from this site and reloading manuals, 4.2 is just below max. Should I go up to 4.3? I like the way 4.2 shoots and I don’t mind cleaning my gun. I just wonder if the combination of components listed above is inefficient and not getting a full burn?

I’m new to reloading, just looking for some insight.

Thanks.

[black43]

One thing to add.. the federal cases seem to resize very easily in my Lee dies. I taper crimp to .377 and that’s pretty consistent. Is there a chance I’m not getting full expansion of the brass?

[noylj]

Unless the exterior is black, you are getting chamber seal.
Personally, you are over thinking things.
I also hope you worked up to that load and didn't just start there.
The only powder that ever left my cases completely clean was "PB," and it dies due to lack of interest. Great powder.
Soot on the inside is of no concern and it actually acts as a dry lube during expansion.

[Wobbly]

HP-38 (aka Win231) is an extremely versatile powder. It meters well, has good case fill, shoots good in lots of pistols, has a wide load range, is fairly forgiving, etc, etc. All these contribute to making it a top choice for novice and advanced reloaders. Everybody should have a can in their stock pile. However, "perfectly clean cases" is not among its better known attributes.

Typically in my experience, it begins to shoot really good right below or at it's optimal pressure point in 9mm. The pressure inside your case is sub-optimal if you still see a black color to the interior soot. At 4.3gr it may indeed lighten up the color to tan or gray, indicating the powder is creating enough pressure to burn efficiently. However, we are loading for accuracy, not optimal burn characteristics. You might load 5-8 rounds of 4.3gr at the same OAL and bullet, and then see if accuracy and color improves. That won't hurt anything. You are not over pressure, and even if you were in +P territory the P01 can safely handle it. 4.2 to 4.3gr is where most shooters end up with HP-38 in 9mm.

If you want to see cleaner cases, then (when they return to the store shelves) you can try Alliant Sport Pistol, VihtaVuouri N320 or N330, or even Winchester WSF. If you are not a competitor, then even Hodgdon Clays is a great one.

HP-38 (aka Win231) is an extremely versatile powder with lots of good qualities for the new reloader. But it is not the end-all, ultimate, best powder in the world. It's simply easy to find, easy to get load info on, and can be used safely in numerous calibers.

All the best.

[huskerlrrp]

HP-38 (aka Win231) is an extremely versatile powder. It meters well, has good case fill, shoots good in lots of pistols, has a wide load range, is fairly forgiving, etc, etc. All these contribute to making it a top choice for novice and advanced reloaders. Everybody should have a can in their stock pile. However, "perfectly clean cases" is not among its better known attributes.

Typically in my experience, it begins to shoot really good right below or at it's optimal pressure point in 9mm. The pressure inside your case is sub-optimal if you still see a black color to the interior soot. At 4.3gr it may indeed lighten up the color to tan or gray, indicating the powder is creating enough pressure to burn efficiently. However, we are loading for accuracy, not optimal burn characteristics. You might load 5-8 rounds of 4.3gr at the same OAL and bullet, and then see if accuracy and color improves. That won't hurt anything. You are not over pressure, and even if you were in +P territory the P01 can safely handle it. 4.2 to 4.3gr is where most shooters end up with HP-38 in 9mm.

If you want to see cleaner cases, then (when they return to the store shelves) you can try Alliant Sport Pistol, VihtaVuouri N320 or N330, or even Winchester WSF. If you are not a competitor, then even Hodgdon Clays is a great one.

HP-38 (aka Win231) is an extremely versatile powder with lots of good qualities for the new reloader. But it is not the end-all, ultimate, best powder in the world. It's simply easy to find, easy to get load info on, and can be used safely in numerous calibers.

All the best.

Well said! I shot a lot of Winchester 231 back in the day. There is nothing wrong with a dirty gun or a few extra hours in the tumbler and it works for so many handgun calibers.
However, once I tried VihtVuori N320, I never went back. Soft shooting, clean, and a unique smell to distinguish your ammo from others:D! It did require horder like tendencies to keep around, but I'm extremely happy with it in 9mm and 40S&W. I've heard "Sport Pistol" is nearly the same as N320 but I've never tried it.