Looking for AA #9 substitute

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

I am wondering what would be the closest powder to substitute for AA #9 in 357 mag loads using 180gr cast boolits. Keep in mind that I'm not looking for top speed, just moving along at around that 1,000fps range.

I tried some with Unique, and while it shot well, was much happier with the AA #9 load as far as recoil, noise, and cleanliness. The Unique was way snappier and louder, while the AA #9 was more of a push, nicer to shoot 100+ times in a row.

I do have True Blue, IMR4227, 2400, and red dot on hand. But if there is another good substitute for the #9, I will not be opposed to buying some to try.

I have been thinking about H110, but from what I have read it needs to be pushed to the upper end, and that is not where I want to be with these loads.

[Nocturnal Stumblebutt]

Try hodgdon longshot. It is between AA 7 and AA 9. There is a decent amount of data for it in the new hodgdon manual and best of all it is somewhat easy to find these days.

I am currently experimenting with it in my marlin camp 9 as a substitute for power pistol.

[Wayne S]

"google" powder burn rate charts, most will show 2400 as being just behind or just after # 9, and Blue Dot is just a bit faster depending on which chart you look at. Or check Hodgdon's data;
http://http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

[saleen322]

Blue Dot will do what you looking for. It is a bulky powder so even the lower charge weight will fill more of the case than many others. I am curious, are you having trouble with AA#9?

[Bzcraig]

The previous suggestions are excellent, in addition I really like 4227 loads. I have used it in 38spl and 357 with a NOE 180gr Boolit which shot excellent through my GP100 6" the 357 data came from Lyman's 4th and the 38 from and old Lyman on Castpics for 195gr boolit

[madsenshooter]

Your True Blue would be closest to #9 in burn rate. I can't say how it does at lower pressures, but I see 38 special loads on Western's site. Since Western and Accurate are the same company now, the powders might even be the same. Since you already have it, it's the easiest to try out. Guess it isn't the same, slightly different bulk densities between the two.

[sghart3578]

I use a lot of Accurate #9 under a 180 gr NOE 360-180. That is, when I can get it. I have found Accurate #7 to be equally accurate and manageable. If I can't get that I go to 2400.

I did extensive testing with the 180 gr bullets in my Marlin 1894CS as well as my S&W N frame revolvers. A#9 and A#7 are my two favorites.

2400 is very good. True Blue is good. VV340 is also very good but performs so closely to the Accurate powders that I can't justify the extra expense.

There are several more powders that I want to test when they become available.

The 357 magnum round with a 180 gr cast bullets is my favorite.

[RobS]

Enforcer or AA4100 is what I went to.

[John Boy]

I am wondering what would be the closest powder to substitute for AA #9
Norma R-123 - Vectan SP3 - Alliant Steel - Hodgdon HS7 Ball - Vihtaviouri 3N38 or Winchester W630
Source: ADI Burn Rate Comparison Table

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Blue Dot will do what you looking for. It is a bulky powder so even the lower charge weight will fill more of the case than many others. I am curious, are you having trouble with AA#9?
No problems, just trying to plan ahead if I can't find any more #9 locally is all. I really like it, that's why I am wanting to find a substitute in case.......

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Thanks for all the ideas on substitute choices in case I can't find more #9, though. I am writing these down so I can make a cheat sheet for in the stores.

[orrwdd]

Enforcer or AA4100 is what I went to.

this ^^^^

BUT they are both Accurate or Rimshot products and have been rare around here.

I would also look for Alliant 4100 or 2400 to substitute for AA #9.

Bill

[JSH]

For what is worth. Had two different lots of WC820. One mirrored AA9 they other did the same with 2400. Exact same load and bullet chronoed within a few feet of each other on both.
Just real world experience. I have found burn charts vary a lot from source to source.

[RobS]

AA4100 and Enforcer are the same powder

[Petrol & Powder]

IMR4227 is probably the closest you're going to get if you stay in your 180gr/1000fps range. H110 is the clear winner but you are absolutely correct that H110 doesn't like to be downloaded. H110 is a great magnum velocity powder when you want velocities at the top end of the scale but it does not tolerate downloading.
That 180gr bullet would be way too heavy for me in a 38/357. If you drop that bullet weight down to 158gr, your goal of 1000fps becomes VERY obtainable with LOTS of different powders.

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Believe it or not, I am experiencing more happiness shooting the 180gr boolits than the 158, 125, or 147`s that I've tried through the years. and all I am putting under the boolit is 9.3gr of AA#9.

Like I said, not looking for overkill by any stretch of the imagination, but having fun.

BTW, many of my lighter bullet weight loads are pushing faster fps's than my cast 180's are. I find those are not as enjoyable for me to shoot downrange anymore, especially when shooting 100+ rounds per trip out of same gun.