What would you consider the best powder for defense loads?

[copemech]

I am open to suggestions. I figure a medium powered load with 124 XTP at around 1100 fps will do. Not sure I can push  that with 231.

[armoredman]

I use Accurate Arms #7 for most applications. 1100FPS is over the threashold of expansion handily, and I have several loads that wil do that - I'm fond of the 124 gr XTP, myself. Not near the home computer, or I'd post my load.

[Wobbly]

You'll want a slightly slower powder than used for target shooting, such as...
N330, N340, Unique, BE-86, No.7, Silhouette, Blue Dot, Power Pistol, etc

[Towns]

I had good results using Silhouette adn 147 gr bullets a few years ago. 
With 124 gr bullets, Autocomp worked well. 

[M1A4ME]

A lot of times, over the years, people will recommend to go with fast burning powders over slower burning powders to reduce muzzle flash.

I've never been in a defensive (or offensive) shooting situation so I have no experience with either.  I just like to load/shoot whatever gives me the best groups and is reliable in the gun.

Check out Blue Dot.  It'll be a compressed load but the pressures (according the the reloading data) will still be lower than some of the other powders. 

[olfarhors]

I like Accurate #5 or #7, HS-6 should likely get you there as well.
all three powders are fairly clean burning and meter well.
I generally use Accurate #5 simply because I use it for the 9MM, 38 Super, 10 MM and 45 acp, so got it on hand normally.

[snakeye]

I use 124gr XTPs  wit Poer Pistol...I will never change it

[jwc007]

6.8 grains of HS-6 will deliver 1180 fps or better and would be my choice.  Very Low Muzzle Flash, too!
Note that this loading is at Maximum!

5.8 grains of Alliant Unique will also work, but has more Muzzle Flash.
Note that this loading is at Maximum!

5.0 grains of Alliant Green Dot will deliver 1160 fps or so, with low Muzzle Flash.
Note that this loading is at Maximum!

As always, start low and work up to these recommended loads.

[copemech]

6.8 grains of HS-6 will deliver 1180 fps or better and would be my choice.  Very Low Muzzle Flash, too!
Note that this loading is at Maximum!

5.8 grains of Alliant Unique will also work, but has more Muzzle Flash.
Note that this loading is at Maximum!

5.0 grains of Alliant Green Dot will deliver 1160 fps or so, with low Muzzle Flash.
Note that this loading is at Maximum!

As always, start low and work up to these recommended loads.

Funny you say that, as I do have a 30 year old pound of green dot unopened. Been putting off doing something with it. It is not even listed in newer manuals. Not sure why. Seems some dislike it. I cannot recall that far back.

[Wobbly]

Funny you say that, as I do have a 30 year old pound of green dot unopened. Been putting off doing something with it. It is not even listed in newer manuals. Not sure why. Seems some dislike it.

Like Red Dot, it's a large flake powder that doesn't meter well in small amounts. It has largely been replaced by smaller grain powders that meter much more accurately.

What appears in your load manuals is largely donated to the testing lab. If none was donated, then none was tested. So if the marketing dept decides that it's much better to have the newer powders tested, then they send the new stuff over. They're probably thinking the old guys got their loads already worked up, and aren't going to change anyway.

 

[1SOW]

I use n340 for low flash cool burning loads under 124 GR Gold Dots and XTPs.
5.8 grs out of a 4.6" "3.6"" Sig bbl measures 1165 + fps.
1_shot out of my full size CZ chrono'd over 1200 fpm.

Oops,  CZ habit,  but these are for my Sig 239

[motosapiens]

I use n340 for low flash cool burning loads under 124 GR Gold Dots and XTPs.
5.8 grs out of a 4.6"  bbl measures 1165 + fps.

this is what I use as as well. ( I think I'm actually using 5.6gr at 1.08OAL, and getting just over 1100 fps from a p01).

[jwc007]

Funny you say that, as I do have a 30 year old pound of green dot unopened. Been putting off doing something with it. It is not even listed in newer manuals. Not sure why. Seems some dislike it. I cannot recall that far back.

A 30 year old pound of Green Dot?     Wowsers!    I would have burned through that a loooong time ago!
It's a good powder, in spite of possible metering issues and a favorite of mine.
Have used it in Cast, Plated, and Jacketed 9mm 124 grain Bullet loadings.

I've also used it for 200 grain Bullet loadings in the .45 ACP.

[tdogg]

I have a jug of Viht 3N37 that I was able to get velocities up around 1200 fps with 124gr Gold Dots.  Chronicled here:  http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=62566.msg422224#msg422224

Aside from Viht being really expensive it is really clean and meters like water.

Cheers,
Toby

[copemech]

I did manage to call around locally and find some N-340, as Vit is like really scarce around here it seems.

The Power Pistol I have been running for full power target loads at around 140 PF does seem to have a lot of flash, which concerns me in a defense load, add I wanted to get a bit softer at closer to 130PF and not run too dirty.

But if you guys think the Vit is good to go, although it is rated similar to the PP on the burn rates, then I may just splash out the $40 for a pound and get some. I guess I can allwaways run them a bit faster than 1100 if needed, but that seems about average for most factory loads in the range, without going to a plus P load.

Thankfully, I now have some 124 PD JHP bullets to develop loads with, which seem to directly interchange with the 124 XTP expensive bullets.

I am liking the PD bullets, and they will be my main range bullets for a while, no need for anything else.