I started reloading in '62 (.38 Spec.) & finances were slim. I used BE because it allowed more loads/lb. with. hand cast 158 SWC. I was happy. Then I tried Dupont P5066 & I switched. It was cleaner burning & bulkier & I felt safer with the slightly more powerful loads. Like everything else in life: P5066 was so good that it was discontinued, so I started using Unique. Unique didn't burn as clean as P5055. but we (my son & I) could use it in shot shells also (a plus). In '77 a deal ($2.00/can) on PB was available (bought a case). It looked like P5066, was clean burning like P5066 & shot better than I did. I was getting into IPSC @ that time & on night matches we noticed much reduced muzzle flash (an advantage). In '81 my shooting buddy finished 14th. in the IPSC Nationals (made the "shoot off") using my cast bullets & PB. Everyone asked what kind of load was he using & he replied "5.5 gr. of Martha White". PB apparently has passed into history (I guess it just worked too well) because I can't find any.
During the "Clinton years" I got 8 lbs. of Unique & it's still in my closet (unopened).
During the Obama "powder/primer shortage years" I was able to get HP-38 & used it for .38 Spec., .45 Colt & .45ACP. It was OK. By accident I came to own 8 lbs. of WST & I love it. It's bulkier than HP-38/WW231 and burns cleaner. It occupies more space inside the case than an equal charge of HP-38/WW231. I use it only for the .38 Spec. & .45ACP
I used Red Dot in the .45 Colt & it works fine in the .38 Spec. also. For the .38 Spec......... my vote:
1. WST
2. Red Dot
3. HP-38/WW231
Incidentally, I lucked into some Alcan powders many years ago (discontinued long ago). AL-5 is a good .38 Spec. powder (I have 3 lbs. left). AL-8 is my all time favorite .357 Mag. powder & unfortunately I've used all of mine. 2400 is excellent for heavy .38 Spec. & .357 Mag. loads: but......I can't find any........is it now discontinued?
I did not mean to ramble.
Henry
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A real sport involves either gasoline or gun powder.........anything else is just a game.