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Offline Frank75B

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Problems Downunder.
« on: May 04, 2021, 04:18:34 AM »
Since Winchester stopped importing powder into Australia we have only been left with Australian powder made by ADI and Alliant.  We have been informed by ADI that they have ceased making pistol powder for the foreseable future due to technical issues.  For a bit of history, ADI closed the plant that made double based powders a few years ago an built a new factory to make single based powders.  They say that they are havings problems getting moisture out of there mix during manufacture, due to high humidity.
They say they can't make the old powders in the new plant as it is a different process.
They reason for the post is that every man and his dog is trying to get pistol powder without much success. Alliant is not imported in large shipments so the demand far outstrips supply.  I live in a semi rural community and my nearest gun shop is 400 Klms. away (240 Miles).
As under Australian regullations you have to go to the store and pick it up my chanses are limited.(Cannot be freighted)
Enough of our problems and ask the following.
Has anybody had any success with using fast burning rifle powders in pistol cartridges. Mainly 9mm, 38 Special and 38 Super.
Thanks in advance.  (Hope I didn't bore you with my problem.
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Offline SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM

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Re: Problems Downunder.
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2021, 05:14:41 AM »
I've never even considered a rifle powder for handgun use so I can't speak to what could even possibly work. I did use some IMR4227 years ago but that was in full power .357 mag loads and I wasn't happy with the results.
Shotgun powders would be much more adaptable for pistol if you have anything like that down there. I used Herco ALOT for 9mm 30 years ago with very good results. Blue Dot is another shotgun powder that's good for 9mm.
« Last Edit: May 04, 2021, 10:31:07 AM by SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM »
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Offline Earl Keese

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Re: Problems Downunder.
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2021, 06:08:11 AM »
Alliant E3 is another that can be used for 9mm.
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Offline jwc007

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Re: Problems Downunder.
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2021, 02:03:15 PM »
I've had excellent results with Shotgun Powders Alliant Red Dot, Green Dot, Unique, and Blue Dot.  These would be very good choices if you can get them.
The Lyman Reloading Manuals have Load Data for them.
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For all of those killed by a 9mm: "Get up! You are not dead! You were shot with a useless cartridge!"

Offline bang bang

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Re: Problems Downunder.
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2021, 03:46:47 PM »
welcome,

sorry to hear about the supply issues down there.  Im surprised people reloaded outside of the USA since i dont hear/read much about it.

good luck
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Offline Wobbly

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Re: Problems Downunder.
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2021, 03:51:32 PM »
The challenge is chamber pressure. People make practice rounds or "play rounds" all the time with shotgun powders and pistol powder to shoot in 1900's era rifles. That is... rifles that they love to shoot, but don't want or need full velocity or full pressure to enjoy. But I seriously doubt you can go the other way... that is to say 30-06 powder in a pistol.

Some ideas...
  • Powders good in 7.62x39, 300 Blackout, and M1 Carbine are also good in magnum pistols, such as 357Mag. Some of those might be able to be paired down, but the load range is going to be very low and very narrow. 
  • As previously mentioned, your best bet is going to be shotgun powders. Hodgdon imports an ADI powder called Clays which is excellent for plinking, but it won't make power factor. See if you can find out what that equates to. ADI suggests AD50N for 45ACP, which is a good starting place. AD70N might be as slow as I'd go in 9mm.

I'm looking at this chart... http://www.adi-powders.com.au/burning-rates/   There must be other load info on the web for other ADI powders.

And don't worry about Alliant... we can't even get that here for the last 12 months !!

Hope this helps.
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Offline Frank75B

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Re: Problems Downunder.
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2021, 10:36:56 PM »
Thanks for the answers guys.  Although ADI show AS30,AS50,AP50,AP70 and AP100 on their burn rate chart, they are the powders that were made at their old plant.  There are no other shotgun powders available.  After spending 2 hours this morning ringing gun shops it seems that we are in the same boat as you regarding Alliant powders.
Regarding reloading in Australia the cost of factory ammunition is about 5 times the cost of loading your own.  Under Australian regulations we can only shoot at Pistol Clubs in competition.  Saying that I usually shoot about 8000 rounds a year.  If I had to use factory ammunition  I would need a job to shoot (I am retired).
If you want to know what we pay in Australia here is a link to the cheapest gun shop in Queensland.
https://www.cleaverfirearms.com
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