
Description
Winchester 231 is a highly regarded, versatile ball-type powder with a fast burn rate of 8.4, making it particularly well-suited for a variety of handgun applications. Its consistent burn characteristics make it an excellent choice for popular calibers such as 9mm Luger, .38 Special, and .45 ACP, where uniformity and reliability are paramount. The spherical shape of 231 facilitates smooth and precise metering, offering reloaders a streamlined loading experience with reduced risk of flow inconsistencies in automatic dispensing equipment. One of the critical advantages of Winchester 231 is its performance stability across a broad range of temperatures, which ensures dependable ignition and consistent pressure levels regardless of environmental conditions. This powder is especially beneficial for precision load development where achieving repeatable results is essential. Handloaders appreciate 231's ability to produce clean-burning loads, minimizing fouling and extending shooting sessions before maintenance is required. Winchester's reputation for quality ensures that 231 remains a staple for reloaders seeking dependable results in their handgun ammunition.
Specifications
Burn Rate
8.4 (Fast)
Bulk Density
0.696 g/cm³
Density
1.550 g/cm³
Temperature Sensitivity
Low
Suitable Substitutes
Powders with a similar burn rate that may be suitable alternatives (also see burn rate chart):
Standard Loads — Winchester 231
Verified load data combinations using Winchester 231.
.30 Super Carry
Berry's .312 | 71gr | Berry's Round Nose 71gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .309 | 71gr | H&N RN HS 71gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .311 | 86gr | H&N RN HS 86gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .314 | 100gr | H&N RN F 100gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .314 | 100gr | H&N RN HS 100gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .313 | 100gr | H&N WC F Match 100gr
.30 Super Carry
Hornady .312 | 60gr | Hornady XTP 60gr
.30 Super Carry
Hornady .311 | 71gr | Hornady FMJ RN 71gr
.30 Super Carry
Hornady .314 | 90gr | Hornady SWC 90gr
.30 Super Carry
Hornady .312 | 100gr | Hornady XTP 100gr
.30 Super Carry
Lapua .314 | 98gr | Lapua Lead Wadcutter 98gr
.30 Super Carry
LEE .314 | 90gr | LEE Mold 314-090-SWC 90gr
.30 Super Carry
LEE .311 | 93gr | LEE Mold 311-093-1R 93gr
.30 Super Carry
LEE .309 | 113gr | LEE Mold C309-113-F 113gr
.30 Super Carry
Prvi Partizan .311 | 71gr | Prvi Partizan FMJ-RN 71gr
.30 Super Carry
Prvi Partizan .31 | 85gr | Prvi Partizan FMJ 85gr
.30 Super Carry
Rim Rock .313 | 75gr | Rim Rock FP 75gr
.30 Super Carry
Sellier & Bellot .310 | 85gr | Sellier & Bellot FMJ 85gr
Subsonic Loads — Winchester 231
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Winchester 231.
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid OTM Tactical 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid Target 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 175gr | Hornady Sub-X 175gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 190gr | Hornady Sub-X 190gr
.30-06 Spring.
Lapua .308 | 200gr | Lapua Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 200gr | MAKER 200 Grain .308 Expanding Subsonic Blackout Bullets 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 220gr | MAKER 300 blackout 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Peregrine .308 | 155gr | Peregrine Subsonic 155gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 154gr | Reichenberg HDB Subsonic 154gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 200gr | Reichenberg Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
Sierra .308 | 220gr | Sierra MatchKing 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 95gr | AERO SUB-I,- smax:11.30 95gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 115gr | AERO SUB,- smax:11.40 115gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 190gr | AERO SUB,- smax:23.90 190gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Barnes .308 | 180gr | Barnes MRX BT 180gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Ferrobull Europe .308 | 180gr | Ferrobull Tripple Expand Jagd 180gr
Community Loads — Winchester 231
Sample load data calculated with Winchester 231.
You need a PRO license to unlock and view all data.
| Cartridge | Bullet | Barrel (in) | Charge (gr) | OAL (in) | Case Volume (GoW) | Max. Pressure (psi) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .356 | 124gr | Berry's HBFP-TP | 19.3 | 8.0 | 1.58 | 25.6 | 41,046 (94%) | 1670 | |
| .356 | 124gr | Berry's HBFP-TP | 5.0 | 8.0 | 1.58 | 25.6 | 41,046 (94%) | 1365 | |
| .357 | 158gr | Hornady XTP | 7.0 | 7.0 | 1.59 | 25.6 | 38,479 (88%) | 1240 | |
| .400 | 155gr | Hornady XTP | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.14 | 21.5 | 28,369 (87%) | 1138 | |
| .355 | 115gr | Sierra FMJ RN SportsMaster | 4.0 | ••.• | 1.17 | 13.8 | 33,069 (97%) | 1201 | |
| .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.14 | 13.8 | 31,285 (92%) | 1198 | |
| .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP | 4.9 | ••.• | 1.17 | 13.8 | 29,559 (87%) | 1188 | |
| .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.14 | 13.8 | 30,052 (88%) | 1181 | |
| .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.14 | 13.8 | 28,892 (85%) | 1168 | |
| .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.14 | 13.8 | 27,673 (81%) | 1148 |
Community Subsonic Loads — Winchester 231
Sample load data calculated with Winchester 231.
You need a PRO license to unlock and view all data.
| Cartridge | Bullet | Barrel (in) | Charge (gr) | OAL (in) | Case Volume (GoW) | Max. Pressure (psi) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .356 | 100gr | Berry's Flat Base Round Nose | 3.1 | ••.• | 0.98 | 11.5 | 17,593 (90%) | 932 | |
| .400 | 150gr | Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense | 4.4 | ••.• | 1.14 | 21.5 | 29,588 (91%) | 1083 | |
| .400 | 150gr | Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense | 4.4 | ••.• | 1.14 | 21.5 | 27,340 (84%) | 1053 | |
| .451 | 230gr | CamPro RN | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.25 | 25.0 | 22,902 (121%) | 945 | |
| .355 | 124gr | Speer TMJ | 4.2 | ••.• | 1.29 | 14.9 | 25,063 (66%) | 1010 | |
| .356 | 115gr | Berry's HBRN-TP | 5.0 | ••.• | 1.14 | 13.8 | 23,438 (69%) | 1083 | |
| .355 | 115gr | Sierra FMJ RN SportsMaster | 4.0 | ••.• | 1.17 | 13.8 | 22,162 (65%) | 1043 | |
| .356 | 147gr | ACME FP-NLG | 6.0 | ••.• | 1.16 | 13.8 | 33,910 (99%) | 1033 | |
| .356 | 124gr | Berry's Plated Flat Nose | 4.1 | ••.• | 1.17 | 13.8 | 24,221 (71%) | 1017 | |
| .355 | 124gr | Speer TMJ | 4.5 | ••.• | 1.17 | 13.8 | 21,611 (63%) | 994 | |
| .356 | 147gr | ACME FP-NLG | 6.0 | ••.• | 1.13 | 13.8 | 29,820 (87%) | 968 | |
| .356 | 147gr | ACME FP-NLG | 6.0 | ••.• | 1.13 | 13.8 | 28,253 (83%) | 951 | |
| .356 | 147gr | ACME FP-NLG | 6.0 | ••.• | 1.13 | 13.8 | 26,701 (78%) | 935 | |
| .356 | 147gr | Berry's RN | 3.6 | ••.• | 1.16 | 13.8 | 25,034 (73%) | 850 |
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