Which powder to keep 550B Powder funnel from getting gummed up?

#1 · December 11, 2009, 6:34 am

I've been reloading for 380 ACP, 9MM, 40 cal, 357 SIG and 45 ACP. I've mostly used Unique powder and I do QC checks every 100 rounds or so to check the powder throw weight is accurate. I've noticed that it can vary between 0.1 to 0.5 of a grain and I'm not as concerned when it's 0.1 grain off but when I start seeing 0.5 grain difference I've emptied the powder die and checked the powder funnel and found it coated with a quite a bit of powder. Do you think this could be causing the variances in powder throw weights?

Any recommendations on powder to use with 380 ACP, 9mm, 40, 357 Sig and 45 ACP?

Thanks,
Scott

#2 · December 11, 2009, 1:30 pm

I use Bullseye and have had no problems. It seems to be cleaner than Unique.

#3 · December 11, 2009, 4:33 pm

Unique is a large flake powder, and typically meters within +/- .2 grains.

AA 5 is a spherical powder with similar burning rate, and therefore similar versatility. Otherwise, 40 S&W and 357 SIG usually require a slower burning powder than do .380, 9mm and 45 ACP.

It does help to periodically swab the interior of the funnel and drop tube with a cotton swab wet with alcohol.

#4 · December 11, 2009, 7:55 pm

Thanks for the reply. I've heard that Winchester 231 powder works well too, although I haven't given it a try yet. I'll check on AA 5 to see how that meters.

Thanks again,
Scott

#5 · August 13, 2010, 12:26 am

I have loaded at least a ton of 231 in .45acp and have never had any trouble with charge weight or funnel gumming up.