I purchased 4 of the Lee loader kits and since I'm not normally a reloader would like to know what would be a good powder for the 4 calibers that I plan to reload? They are 9mm, 38, 357, and 44 mag. The kits make it very easy to make bullets abet slowly, but I can get cartridges in these calibers so I thought I'd give it a try. I just don't know what powder to buy.
Reloading with the Lee loader kits
- Thread starter larry8
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Fire Chief
Bearcat
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2014
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- 36
HS-6 or HP-38 can be used on all 4 of the calibers you plan to reload.
+1 on HP-38
Don't the Lee Loader kits come with a powder scoop and a list of loads/powders? Been a long time (45 years) but I think I remember that being the case.
GasGuzzler
Hunter
No one powder is the best for that group. You can get by with one for .38 Special and .357 Magnum but 9X19 Luger is a high pressure, small case that needs a faster powder in less amounts. .44 Magnum is there and again a way different animal than the others. Sure, there are powders that are fine for both .357 (not .38) and .44M but no simple answer.
Yes. They do. There will be some crossover but not much.
You may be able to find a powder that's useful for moderate level loads in all 4 cartridges but won't be suitable for heavier loads in the 357 and 44 magnums.
As mentioned, check the loading suggestions included with the LEE kits to see if there's something listed for all four.
As mentioned, check the loading suggestions included with the LEE kits to see if there's something listed for all four.
DGW1949
Hunter
Gas Guzzler is telling you right in that there is no one powder that is "best" for all of the cartridges you listed....There is however, one powder that will work purty-well for all of them. Thing is though, you'll have a time trying to find it these days. If you can though, Alliant's "Unique" is what to use in a case like yours.
DGW
DGW
contender
Ruger Guru
I second the advice of using "Unique" powder. It has over a century of history of use,, and can perform quite well in those calibers.
I use it in my competition guns in .9mm, .40 S&W & .10mm.
I use it in .38 and .357.
I have in the past used it in .44 magnum & still load some other big bores with it,, including .44 Spl.
A good all around casual use powder.
If I want heavier loads or such,, then I look at different powders.
I use it in my competition guns in .9mm, .40 S&W & .10mm.
I use it in .38 and .357.
I have in the past used it in .44 magnum & still load some other big bores with it,, including .44 Spl.
A good all around casual use powder.
If I want heavier loads or such,, then I look at different powders.
freakindawgen
Blackhawk
No idea on smaller calibers, but I used Blue Dot in 44mag and Winchester 231 for light loads.
GasGuzzler
Hunter
Yep, Unique does okay in everything and great in nothing. Everyone should keep some.
A word of caution: if/when using one of the 'faster'' powder in the magnum cases, be careful not to 'double charge' a case. Long ago when I was still loading with a LEE loader kit, I did this with Red Dot and the results weren't pretty.
GasGuzzler
Hunter
Yeah, like Unique is faster than it should be for .357 and .44. Takes 1/3 case or less. Can possibly be tripled to extreme disaster.
loaded round
Hunter
I recommend Unique powder also. That's what started with 45 years ago when I started reloading.
contender
Ruger Guru
"Unique does okay in everything and great in nothing."
Actually it does do great in several calibers/loads. I use it in my USPSA match loads. And it's a well documented great load in .44 Spl,, the "Skeeter" load as many call it.
It's a very versatile powder and is used a lot by many. But as all of us who reload,, each & every gun is a machine unto itself. Experiment with loads to find the best for each gun. This includes different powders.
And as mentioned,, in some calibers, use caution & NOT double charge a case. Using a loading block, fill a case with the proper amount, put the case in the loading block. Once you have the quantity you desire,, a good light, and a physical exam of each case from above will allow you to make sure you have the same level of powder in each case.
Actually it does do great in several calibers/loads. I use it in my USPSA match loads. And it's a well documented great load in .44 Spl,, the "Skeeter" load as many call it.
It's a very versatile powder and is used a lot by many. But as all of us who reload,, each & every gun is a machine unto itself. Experiment with loads to find the best for each gun. This includes different powders.
And as mentioned,, in some calibers, use caution & NOT double charge a case. Using a loading block, fill a case with the proper amount, put the case in the loading block. Once you have the quantity you desire,, a good light, and a physical exam of each case from above will allow you to make sure you have the same level of powder in each case.
A warning . . . be sure not to confuse the dippers. Using the wrong dipper for any particular powder in any particular case can be another disaster. 
J. Yuma
Single-Sixer
wear a leather glove when you're setting primers
NikA
Hunter
No reload data. Not a good plan for starting out.
deth-jeep
Bearcat
Hodgdon Clays would also cover all 4 of the listed cartridges.
Load data available from the Hodgdon reloading data center.
Load data available from the Hodgdon reloading data center.
