Optium powder(s) for cast bullets

Yup, use what is recommended in Reloading Manuals! (just kidin')  Handgun loads covers a broad range now days. Some talk about load accuracy for Bullseye Competition, some for Steel Silhouette and others Cowboy Action. They all possess a little different criteria for what they want to achieve.

I like to stick with what the competition shooters are using, with them using the best performance loads. For years Winchester 231 has been the successful powder in the 45ACP for both jacketed and CBs, it just works great. Then in the 38 and 44 whether your talking again about magnum loads or gallery loads? Unique has always been an all-around powder, but is dirty. My accurate load in the 44 mag in 7grs with a 240gr cb or 5.5gr Bullseye. In the 357 I use 4.5gr Bullseye with a 148gr wad-cutter cb. These are gallery loads, fun to shoot and won't beat you up.

Faster or slower powders out of the load manuals will all work, but it takes time and money to work up the best loads. I know of many shooters over the years have seemed to always come up with a successful load with an odd pistol powder not many shooters use. Not sure if this is what you want to know? Maybe it would be interesting to do a survey and see what everyone's favorite powder is in these calibers?.................Dan