Power Pistol seems to be a big player in many commercial lineups but we don't hear much about it. It seems to do a pretty good job from light to heavy although nobody has driven a heavy bullet real fast. I also find it interesting PBR switches to #9 at 180gr up and it works well! Wonder why? Many of the others use the same powder for every load and even 800-X did well from one end to the other. As far as price what is the best bang for the buck?
800-X
Long Shot
Power Pistol
#9
#7
Blue Dot
Kevin generally stayed with 800-X for a long while for some reason. Anyone have a grain vs pressure curve or some specs?
I always wondered which powder gives the lowest pressure per grain versus output in FPS? Having three barrel lengths has showed me some powders seem to act different in longer barrels and also straight cut versus Polygonal.
Power Pistol is a relatively fast pistol powder, so the upper velocities will be limited, but is very economic (less powder weight per round, compared to slower powders). This is ideal for the major commercial manufacturers, allowing for fewer component variations within a loading process and inventories, and fewer retooling requirements. The major manufacturers (not the boutiques) stay well away from the maximum performance end, so they get away with using the faster powders over a wide range of cartridges. The same applies with Underwood and 800X, which is slower of the fast powders, allowing for a wide range of cartridge use. In my opinion, this is good for economics, but fails in cartridge efficiency when outside the ideal component selection range. Of the powders in your list, AA9 is the least economical, but offers several advantages in regard to cartridge efficiency, consistency, and is able to take greater advantage of longer barrels (carbine, for example).
Barrel length/design and bullet fit/design take advantage of specific powder characteristics differently, as you've seen. A good example of this is comparing XTP's with Gold Dots. Similar bullet weights and powder charges will yield very different results, although the bullets are externally very similar in regard to how they engage the throat, bore and powder charge.
I agree with DM1906 on the reasons, Power Pistol meters very consistently so shot to shot variances should be great.
It is on the faster side and many say it is flashy.
I think Longshot and Blue Dot hit the best "value" for achieving true 10mm loads at good economy.
I also agree that for all out best performance, it is hard to beat AA#9. But it works out to be about 30% more expensive per round loaded.
I prefer Longshot for making my stash of "shit hit the fan" stuff I keep around. A 1lb bottle goes a long way. These are usually moderately powered hollow points 180-200 gr (mostly Noslers). I like to keep around 500-1000 of these loaded and stashed. I have a bunch at my house, some hidden out where I camp in waterproof containers and a few hundred in my storage a few miles from my house. I feel comfortable with this load to do what I need it to. Hunting, self defense etc. 550-600 ft/lbs should get the job done in all situations. For my every day carry stuff I use 800x, in both my 175 gr silvertip load and my hard cast bear load, both over 700 ft/lbs.
2 months ago I scored an unopened #12 metal keg of 800x for $50. ... No reason for me to look further
I used to get to Owensboro KY for work and purchased the surplus equivalent of #9 from Bartlet and used a bunch of that
I believe 800-X is top notch bang for the buck, it just sucks to work with.