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Posted: 7/31/2018 4:29:56 PM EDT
Time to buy another 8# jug of pistol powder. I have been using Bullseye for .380, 9mm, .45, and .38 special. I'll be adding .45 Colt to the mix in the future. I like a do all powder I can buy in bulk. Should I buy True Blue instead of Bullseye? Is it worth the $30-40 extra?
Sell me on it boys. Tell me why I should change everything over. 
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Posted: 7/31/2018 4:53:59 PM EDT
[#1]
As the #1 fan of True Blue around here, that's what I recommend.
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Posted: 7/31/2018 5:09:22 PM EDT
[#2]
I took dryflash3 advice when he said True Blue throws exact in a progressive press powder measure and it does.
I've only loaded 9mm with it but it works like charm in the S1050. |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 5:55:44 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I took dryflash3 advice when he said True Blue throws exact in a progressive press powder measure and it does. I've only loaded 9mm with it but it works like charm in the S1050.
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Posted: 7/31/2018 6:04:13 PM EDT
[#4]
Never used True Blue but here's two questions for you:
What would TB do for you that Bullseye cannot? Is there an adequate load database for your chosen calibers if you switched powders? |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 6:18:00 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never used True Blue but here's two questions for you: What would TB do for you that Bullseye cannot? This is what I want to know. I will be loading on a progressive in the near future. Is there an adequate load database for your chosen calibers if you switched powders? I think so? Ramshot has pretty good data. I'm not sure if it is in all my other load books. |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 6:32:04 PM EDT
[#6]
A lot of matches have been won by guys shooting Bullseye powder.
Is there something it isn’t doing for you, OP? |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 6:35:17 PM EDT
[#7]
Way different burn rates.
Bullseye is used for slower target type loads since its a fast burning powder, while true blue is used for loads that your pushing speeds since it a slower burning powder isntead. So unless your looking to push the speed of the loads, then take a look at the differance in the amount of powder used in each of your caliber l loads instead. In some cases, you may be using twice the amount of true blue than bullseye, with not that gain in speed to begin with. |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 6:52:29 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A lot of matches have been won by guys shooting Bullseye powder. Is there something it isn’t doing for you, OP? Plus there are a lot True Blue acolytes around here. Wondering why they love it and whether it is worth the switch over. |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 7:00:02 PM EDT
[#9]
My recommendation is always buy one pound (locally to avoid the shipping). Try it. If you like it then buy the bigger jug.
You may find you don’t like something, not snappy/too snappy a bit of flash, not much cleaner than what you were using etc I am not saying that is the case with True blue but a single pound is enough to wring it out. ETA. I do have preferences for slower slide speeds. To me that is more shootable. Some like a fast fast slide cycle. |
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Posted: 7/31/2018 11:09:25 PM EDT
[#10]
 Loading 9mm aluminum cases with home cast powder coated bullets with True Blue in the pic. Also trying out Fiocchi primers. Case on the left is just sized with bullet sitting on top of case. Case on the right has gone through the Lyman M die to expand the case mouth and allow easy bullet seating. Try a pound before buying a keg. Good advice. True Blue can be loaded light, mid range, and full power with plain cast, powder coated, plated, or jacketed bullets. Very clean burning and the "best" measuring powder out there. In shape is is little spheres and will roll off your reloading bench if you spill some. I just perfected my 357 plinking load with True Blue. 10.0 grs with a cast powder coated SWC, standard pistol primer. Not quite a full load what I call a 3/4 power load. Accurate, fun shooting and wears out the steel targets. In 9mm my plinking load is a cast powder coated 120 gr TC with 5 grs of True Blue. For full power I go up to 6.0 grs. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 5:15:32 AM EDT
[#11]
True Blue is my favorite pistol powder, bar none. I primarily use it in 9mm, but have used it in 380, 38, 32l, 32acp, and 25acp with excellent success.
If I had to choose one powder to buy by the keg, it’d be true blue. That being said, I don’t dislike bullseye; right now I’m working up a 9mm plinking load with it. But to be honest the only reason I’m doing that is because I have 6#s of it sitting in my powder magazine and want to conserve my TB for full power stuff. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 6:38:36 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As the #1 fan of True Blue around here, that's what I recommend. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 8:16:59 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
True Blue is my favorite pistol powder, bar none. I primarily use it in 9mm, but have used it in 380, 38, 32l, 32acp, and 25acp with excellent success. If I had to choose one powder to buy by the keg, it'd be true blue. That being said, I don't dislike bullseye; right now I'm working up a 9mm plinking load with it. But to be honest the only reason I'm doing that is because I have 6#s of it sitting in my powder magazine and want to conserve my TB for full power stuff. I'm presently using 1.3 grs TiteGroup with a 50 gr FMJ in my Titan. @unknownhavoc |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 8:23:08 AM EDT
[#14]
In defense of Bullseye, I've been using it since the 70's.
I have found no better powder that gives the accuracy of Bullseye in 38/357 with wadcutter loads. (very light target loads) Also the only powder that works for me with 45 ACP shotshells to make loads that function. So I'm 98% True Blue and 2% Bullseye. It does measure fine but burns dirty. (still using on my stock of "old" Bullseye) But if you want full power loads, Bullseye is beat by so many slower burning powders. So last choice here. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 10:48:28 AM EDT
[#15]
An older article, but it backs up what's being said here and makes a strong case for True Blue Western Powders Blog - True Blue
I've never seen True Blue on the shelf at any of the shops I visit. I may need to toss in a pound on my next bulk powder order. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 11:03:13 AM EDT
[#16]
Sounds like an interesting powder to try. I did notice that .45ACP and .40 S&W was not mentioned by any of you? Is there a reason for that? Not so suitable for them? Curiouser and curiouser.
Just read the link in AeroEngineers post (one sentence quoted below) Nonetheless, I have found with my own handloads that True Blue can be the best powder choice in some applications such as jacketed hollowpoint loads in .45 ACP and it’s a good choice to use as an example for why there is no single powder that can do it all. My next auto is probably going to be a 10mm, and I'm doing some reloading research on it. Maybe that's on the too much side for True Blue, and yet it works great for .357. Would be nice to have a powder like True Blue that measures like water for most if not all pistols. I'm old and old fashioned.....Unique has filled that role pretty much for me since before some of you were born (except 2400 for .357)......now they are talking this powder up as a do all powder too. And yet ...... the last line of the quote above ...... I'm am perked up and listening in learn mode. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 11:20:03 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm pretty happy with it for the most part. It's pretty dirty. I'm also not sure how well it will meter in a progressive. Plus there are a lot True Blue acolytes around here. Wondering why they love it and whether it is worth the switch over. There could be reasons to switch to True Blue. Metering and accuracy are both positive attributes of Bullseye powder. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 11:32:46 AM EDT
[#18]
Not the same focus. Different shooters, different needs ..... a lot of us are s.d. practicers with full or 3/4 loads, not target shooters of lighter target loads of the bullseye variety.
Nothing wrong with Bullseye for what it does best. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 12:10:34 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not the same focus. Different shooters, different needs ..... a lot of us are s.d. practicers with full or 3/4 loads, not target shooters of lighter target loads of the bullseye variety. Nothing wrong with Bullseye for what it does best. If the OP has Bullseye, it’s a versatile powder. If he wants to switch that’s fine too. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 12:39:16 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sounds like an interesting powder to try. I did notice that .45ACP and .40 S&W was not mentioned by any of you? Is there a reason for that? Not so suitable for them? Curiouser and curiouser.
Just read the link in AeroEngineers post (one sentence quoted below) That appears to answer the question on .45ACP. if not .40S&W...... My next auto is probably going to be a 10mm, and I'm doing some reloading research on it. Maybe that's on the too much side for True Blue, and yet it works great for .357. Would be nice to have a powder like True Blue that measures like water for most if not all pistols. I'm old and old fashioned.....Unique has filled that role pretty much for me since before some of you were born (except 2400 for .357)......now they are talking this powder up as a do all powder too. And yet ...... the last line of the quote above ...... I'm am perked up and listening in learn mode. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 4:53:10 PM EDT
[#21]
I placed an order for a bunch of primers and 4lb of True Blue. Plan to use it almost exclusive in 9mm. I got plenty of WST for 45. I feel so dirty for leaving W231.
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Posted: 8/1/2018 5:04:20 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I placed an order for a bunch of primers and 4lb of True Blue. Plan to use it almost exclusive in 9mm. I got plenty of WST for 45. I feel so dirty for leaving W231. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 10:59:33 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dirty is staying with W-231. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I placed an order for a bunch of primers and 4lb of True Blue. Plan to use it almost exclusive in 9mm. I got plenty of WST for 45. I feel so dirty for leaving W231. |
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Posted: 8/1/2018 11:48:30 PM EDT
[#24]
True Blue is much cleaner than W-231.
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Posted: 8/2/2018 4:14:04 AM EDT
[#25]
I’ve used True Blue in 9mm, 40 s&w, and 45 a.c.p. It has worked well in all of them. Meters very well, pretty clean, and doesn’t give off a huge flash.
Now, I’m still pretty new to reloading and haven’t tried most of the powders out there but have tried quite a few so far and really like True Blue, especially for 9mm and 45 a.c.p. |
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Posted: 8/2/2018 8:36:06 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would love to hear about your use of True Blue in 25 ACP. I'm presently using 1.3 grs TiteGroup with a 50 gr FMJ in my Titan. @unknownhavoc I know I had to email Ramshot and they gave me the data, just have to dig it out. As for the metering characteristics of BE vs TB, my Standard Deviation for True Blue tends to be 6-8. Bullseye tends to be around 8-12. So TB is more accurate, but for my needs, I consider 8-12 SD more than acceptable in any application, especially on a progressive. |
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Posted: 8/2/2018 9:22:30 AM EDT
[#27]
True Blue!!!!!!!
(Thanks dryflash) |
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Posted: 8/2/2018 10:22:03 AM EDT
[#28]
True Blue is one of the SAFE choices on loading 5.7x28.
Some powders have been reported to “spike” in pressure as you increase the powder charge in 5.7x28 whereas True Blue tends to stay more linear. |
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Posted: 8/3/2018 9:03:37 AM EDT
[#29]
Thanks guys. This is going to be put in with a bulk powder order so I'm thinking that I should get a 4# keg of True Blue and a 4# keg of Bullseye as a safe backup. I already have loads worked up for the Bullseye, so it shouldn't go to waste.
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Posted: 8/3/2018 10:05:22 AM EDT
[#30]
Ah, the Arfcom wisdom of "get both".
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Posted: 8/3/2018 7:29:49 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ah, the Arfcom wisdom of "get both". |
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Posted: 8/8/2018 10:10:02 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would love to hear about your use of True Blue in 25 ACP. I'm presently using 1.3 grs TiteGroup with a 50 gr FMJ in my Titan. @unknownhavoc Sorry it took so long. Data from Ramshot for True Blue: 50gr FMJ COL: .890” WSP Start 1.8gr @700fps Max 2.1gr @ 850fps. I tested these before I had a chrono so can’t give you that data. I found 2.0gr was giving me 3” groups at 12 feet. |
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Posted: 8/8/2018 11:43:18 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @dryflash3 Sorry it took so long. Data from Ramshot for True Blue: 50gr FMJ COL: .890" WSP Start 1.8gr @700fps Max 2.1gr @ 850fps. I tested these before I had a chrono so can't give you that data. I found 2.0gr was giving me 3" groups at 12 feet.
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Posted: 8/9/2018 8:26:09 AM EDT
[#34]
I started with 231, loading mostly 9mm, and a few 45s. It's getting close to time to order some powder.
It seems everyone around me locally is using Titegroup. For those that have used Titegroup and True Blue, how do you see the comparison? I'm usually loading 124s in 9MM. |
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Posted: 8/9/2018 8:33:37 AM EDT
[#35]
True Blue is what you want.
I like TiteGroup but you have to be very careful to not double charge. Not an issue with True Blue the best measuring of all ball powders. For me TireGroup is a niche powder, not a every cartridge powder like True Blue. |
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Posted: 8/9/2018 4:55:08 PM EDT
[#36]
I think you will be happy with true blue when you add 45 colt into the mix.
My personal experience with bullseye in that caliber was that it was very position sensitive. Giant case little itty bitty charge. Still use bullseye for my .38 spl loads. Over 2k rounds a pound is hard to ignore for cost per round. But am in the process of switching every other round to different powder. |
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Posted: 8/9/2018 11:31:16 PM EDT
[#37]
I've been a fan of Bullseye in all those calibers since the 1970's. Personally, I would suggest you consider Sport Pistol instead since it is similar to Bullseye but shoots cleaner.
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Posted: 8/10/2018 5:00:37 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
True Blue is what you want. |
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Posted: 8/10/2018 8:15:17 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Howzit measure through a disk measure like the Lee Auto Disk Pro? Any leakage? How does your PM handle ball powder, your answer is there. |
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Posted: 8/11/2018 7:46:03 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No idea. All of my PM's are metal. How does your PM handle ball powder, your answer is there. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Howzit measure through a disk measure like the Lee Auto Disk Pro? Any leakage? How does your PM handle ball powder, your answer is there. |
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Posted: 8/11/2018 7:55:49 AM EDT
[#41]
I agree with Dano523
apples & oranges fast target powder vs medium burn rate OP was wise to “get both” also....nothing wrong with having a shelf full of different powders to test with |
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Posted: 8/11/2018 10:15:16 AM EDT
[#42]
Bullseye is a great powder for some things, but it is pretty “dense,” so you use only a tiny amount for just about any load. Tightgroup is also fairly dense, and like Bullseye, you use only a little. Both powders are easier to over- or double charge with. True Blue is less dense, meters wonderfully (at least as well, if not better than Tightgroup), and burns pretty clean. I use it in 9mm, .40, and I’m looking at .45 loads with it.
When I started figuring out .380, I was told to use 231 for just about any bullet weight. Loads of 231 for 90-100gr bullets are small, starting at about 2.8gr for 100gr bullets and maxing out at 3.5gr for 90gr bullets. That much 231 powder looks more like “a pinch”, even in a .380 case. I researched volumes and densities and such, and wound up buying AA#5 specifically for .380, because the load range is wider and it’s impossible to double charge a .380 case with it. Point is that “an ideal powder” would fill most of the available space in a case. I read that somewhere, but I agree. This helps prevent loading mistakes, and usually optimizes the powder’s burning characteristics. |
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Posted: 8/16/2018 11:58:49 PM EDT
[#43]
Just got a pound of Ramshot True Blue. Ramshot has VERY comprehensive load data!
I loaded some in 9MM with 124 gr RN Berry's plated. Very fine grained ball powder, meters excellent from my old RCBS Powder measure (pre-UPC code box with prairie dog in crosshairs....) I did not have time to set up the chrono and was doing some preliminary comparisons. In comparison to a max load of HP-38 (Same as 231) I noticed the recoil was snappier, sharper report, and ejected casings noticeably further. So different, I am going to try a batch of 231 to confirm. Compared to CFE Pistol, recoil, etc. was similar to True Blue. True Blue was definitely very clean burning with almost no soot on the outside of the brass. All indications are you could do a days shooting without making the insides of the gun look like a public BBQ pit. My 30 +/- year search for a clean-burning pistol powder is officially over. I like it! |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 12:45:45 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just got a pound of Ramshot True Blue. Ramshot has VERY comprehensive load data! I loaded some in 9MM with 124 gr RN Berry's plated. Very fine grained ball powder, meters excellent from my old RCBS Powder measure (pre-UPC code box with prairie dog in crosshairs....) I did not have time to set up the chrono and was doing some preliminary comparisons. In comparison to a max load of HP-38 (Same as 231) I noticed the recoil was snappier, sharper report, and ejected casings noticeably further. So different, I am going to try a batch of 231 to confirm. Compared to CFE Pistol, recoil, etc. was similar to True Blue. True Blue was definitely very clean burning with almost no soot on the outside of the brass. All indications are you could do a days shooting without making the insides of the gun look like a public BBQ pit. My 30 +/- year search for a clean-burning pistol powder is officially over. I like it! Glad you like it.
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Posted: 8/17/2018 7:50:32 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Still trying to get rid of a 4# jug of Universal. Then I have a 1# jug of 231 to try. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted: Howzit measure through a disk measure like the Lee Auto Disk Pro? Any leakage? How does your PM handle ball powder, your answer is there. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 8:06:37 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Compared to CFE Pistol, recoil, etc. was similar to True Blue. I picked up 2 lbs of it at a local Academy couple months ago and just started reloading it to use it up.. I picked up 1lb true blue to try along with 1 lbs of Unique since the Unique was cheap and used it for years and already know how dirty Unique is.. I had to travel in hour from my house to get the true blue since no one local sells it.. (Typical ar fashion get both, well several different powders since I had to travel)... Trying to get to pretty much 2 powders for all my pistols if i can. I reload 25acp, 380, 9mm, 357 mag, 44 mag, 45acp long with 45 lc.. Mostly shoot 9mm and 45acp.. Right now leaning towards win296 for the "Mag hunting loads" and another powder True blue seems to be very promising from what I'm reading from everyone here. I hope it goes on sale like Tac did and ill buy a couple 8 lbs to last long time. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 8:12:21 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Turns out that my measure really likes 231 so I will definitely be trying True Blue (if I can find it) after I use up my 1# of 231. True Blue's shape is small spheres, making it the best measuring powder. If you spill some on your bench, the little balls will roll right off the edge. Don't waste it. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 8:19:16 AM EDT
[#48]
I've been trying Shooter's World Clean Shot in place of Bullseye and getting very good results. Charges are same as Bullseye (IE 2.8 for a 38 wadcutter load). I've used it in 38, 45ACP & 44 Special so far.
Midsouth has a no hazmat sale right now on 4 lbs or more on SW powders. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 8:30:29 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been trying Shooter's World Clean Shot in place of Bullseye and getting very good results. Charges are same as Bullseye (IE 2.8 for a 38 wadcutter load). I've used it in 38, 45ACP & 44 Special so far. Midsouth has a no hazmat sale right now on 4 lbs or more on SW powders. |
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Posted: 8/17/2018 8:42:00 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A lot of matches have been won by guys shooting Bullseye powder. |
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