The Economical High-Volume Handgun Solution
In the world of competitive and high-volume handgun reloading, Accurate No. 2 has established itself as the premier choice for shooters who demand both economy and extreme precision. As one of the fastest-burning handgun propellants in the Accurate catalog, Accurate No. 2 is specifically engineered to perform with maximum efficiency in short-barrel concealed carry firearms and high-repetition target platforms. Known for its distinct spherical geometry and ultra-low charge weights, this propellant allows reloaders to stretch a single pound of powder further than almost any other option on the market. Whether you are loading for a 9mm Luger defensive sub-compact or a 45 ACP target pistol, Accurate No. 2 provides a unique combination of low recoil, low muzzle flash, and remarkable consistency.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: High-volume target shooting and short-barrel concealed carry handgun calibers.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional metering consistency and ultra-low charge weights for maximum economy.
- Burn Rate: Extremely fast-burning handgun propellant, positioned between Hodgdon Titegroup and Winchester 231.
- What This Guide Covers: Technical specifications, metering performance, a 4-way competitive comparison, and component optimization.
Best For: Action shooting competitors and concealed carry permit holders seeking a clean-burning, low-flash powder for short-range applications.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Accurate No. 2 is a double-base, spherical propellant that utilizes a high energy density to achieve consistent velocities with very small charges. Unlike traditional flake powders, the physical structure of Accurate No. 2 consists of tiny, uniform spheres that have been treated with a graphite coating and specific deterrents to control the initial combustion spike. This spherical shape is the primary reason for its legendary reputation for flow; it is often described by expert reloaders as having a consistency similar to fine volcanic dust or water.
The “Expert Feel” of Accurate No. 2 is characterized by its “snappy” but manageable recoil impulse. Because the powder burns so quickly and completely within the first few inches of the barrel, it generates less gas volume at the muzzle compared to slower alternatives. This results in significantly reduced muzzle flash—a critical benefit for defensive situations in low-light environments. Furthermore, Accurate No. 2 is non-position sensitive, meaning it ignites consistently regardless of whether the powder is resting against the primer or the base of the bullet, which is a common issue in high-volume cases like 45 Colt or 38 Special.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Meters with surgical precision through virtually any volumetric powder measure.
- Pro: Extremely economical; a single 1 lb container can produce over 1,500 rounds of 9mm Luger.
- Pro: Very low muzzle flash and clean combustion in higher-pressure handgun loads.
- Con: Rapid pressure onset requires strict adherence to published load data.
- Con: Can be “dirty” when used in ultra-low pressure target loads that do not allow the case to seal the chamber.
Technical Characteristics
The technical profile of Accurate No. 2 highlights its role as a high-density, fast-acting fuel. Its physical properties make it ideal for the automated environments often used by high-volume reloaders.
| Property | Specification |
| Grain Type | Spherical (Ball) |
| Composition | Double-base |
| Bulk Density | 0.635 g/cc |
| Burn Rate Category | Extremely Fast Handgun |
| Coating | Graphite / Deterrent Treated |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
While handgun powders are generally less sensitive to temperature than large-capacity rifle propellants, Accurate No. 2 features a modern formulation that maintains stable internal ballistics across a wide range of climates. In technical testing, it shows a very linear relationship between ambient temperature and pressure. For most handgun applications, the velocity shift is negligible within standard competition temperature ranges.
Typical velocity deviations for Accurate No. 2 range from 0.8-1.2 FPS per degree Fahrenheit. This stability ensures that a load developed in the cool spring months will still meet “Power Factor” requirements during a mid-summer championship match. Because it is a double-base powder with a high nitroglycerin content, it also maintains reliable ignition in freezing temperatures, provided a quality primer is utilized.
Stability Comparison
The following table compares Accurate No. 2 against a stable benchmark and a more sensitive alternative from the MyReloading database.
| Powder | Stability Rating | Typical FPS Swing (0-100°F) |
| Accurate No. 2 | High | 80-100 FPS |
| Hodgdon Titegroup | High | 70-90 FPS |
| Alliant Bullseye | Moderate | 100-130 FPS |
Powder Comparison (4-Way Analysis)
To understand where Accurate No. 2 sits on the bench, it is best compared against the “big names” of the fast-handgun category.
- Alliant Bullseye: Slightly faster than Accurate No. 2. While Alliant Bullseye has a century-long track record, it is a flake powder that is significantly “dirtier” and does not meter as smoothly as the spherical Accurate No. 2.
- Hodgdon Titegroup: The closest competitor in terms of burn rate. Hodgdon Titegroup is also highly economical but burns noticeably hotter, which can lead to increased barrel heating and smoke when used with lead or coated bullets.
- Winchester 231: Slightly slower than Accurate No. 2. Winchester 231 is a versatile ball powder but often requires slightly higher charge weights to achieve the same velocities, making it less economical for high-volume shooters.
- Accurate No 5: Significantly slower than Accurate No. 2. While Accurate No 5 is better for full-power 9mm Luger and 40 S&W loads, it lacks the efficiency and low-flash characteristics of Accurate No. 2 in short-barrel applications.
Comparison Table
| Powder Name | Burn Rate Rank | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Alliant Bullseye | Faster | 0.520 | 38 Special, 45 ACP |
| Hodgdon Titegroup | Faster | 0.580 | 9mm Luger, 40 S&W |
| Accurate No. 2 | Standard | 0.635 | 380 ACP, 9mm Luger, 45 ACP |
| Winchester 231 | Slower | 0.640 | 38 Special, 45 Colt |
| Accurate No 5 | Slower | 0.810 | 40 S&W, 357 Magnum |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
The physical uniformity of Accurate No. 2 is its greatest technical asset. Because the grains are so small and dense, they settle with perfect consistency in the metering chamber of a powder measure.
Metering Observations
When used with a Mark 7 Reloading Universal Digital Powder Measure or a Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure, Accurate No. 2 consistently throws charges with a variance of +/- 0.05 grains. This level of repeatability is essential when working with the very small charge weights required for calibers like 32 Auto or 380 ACP, where a 0.2-grain swing could represent a significant percentage of the total load. For reloaders using progressive presses like the Dillon XL750, Accurate No. 2 eliminates the “bridging” or “clogging” issues often seen with flake powders.
Cleanliness and Fouling
Accurate No. 2 is optimized for modern jacketed and plated bullets. At standard operating pressures, it leaves very little carbon residue. However, if used in ultra-light target loads (below 12,000 PSI), users may notice some unburnt granules. To ensure the cleanest burn, it is recommended to use a firm crimp and steer the powder toward the middle-to-upper end of the published load data.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Accurate No. 2 excels in cartridges that have a high ratio of bullet weight to case volume, as well as those intended for concealed carry weapons.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 380 ACP | Ideal for pocket pistols and micro-compacts |
| 9mm Luger | The gold standard for high-volume 115-124 grain practice loads |
| 45 ACP | Clean-burning target and “Bullseye” competition loads |
| 38 Special | Non-position sensitive target loads with 148 grain wadcutters |
| 40 S&W | Moderate-recoil “Minor” power factor competition loads |
| 45 Colt | Standard-pressure woods and plinking loads |
| 300 Blackout | Specialized ultra-light subsonic “gallery” or “cat-sneeze” loads |
Bullets
Because of its fast burn rate, Accurate No. 2 is best paired with bullets that do not require high-end magnum velocities.
| Bullet Model | Application |
| Nosler Custom Competition | Precision 45 ACP Target |
| Sierra MatchKing | Reduced recoil practice in 308 Winchester |
| Hornady XTP | Defensive concealed carry loads |
| Barnes TSX | Lead-free defense in 9mm Luger |
| Sierra GameKing | Light-recoil 30-30 Winchester loads |
Primers (The 7-10 Rule)
Accurate No. 2 does not require a magnum primer to achieve full combustion, but it does benefit from the consistency provided by match-grade or high-energy standard primers.
- CCI 500: Small Pistol (The standard choice for 9mm Luger).
- Federal 100: Small Pistol (Ideal for revolvers with light springs).
- Winchester WSP: Small Pistol (Consistent and widely available).
- CCI 300: Large Pistol (Standard for 45 ACP).
- Federal 150: Large Pistol (Excellent for 45 Colt consistency).
- Sellier Bellot V360157: Small Pistol (Reliable international alternative).
- Fiocchi Small Pistol: Cost-effective high-volume option.
- Remington 1-1/2: Small Pistol (Soft cup for easier ignition).
- CCI No 41: Small Rifle (Used in high-pressure 300 Blackout subsonic specialty loads).
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Accurate No. 2 is the quintessential “utility” powder for the modern handgunner. It offers a level of metering precision that makes the reloading process significantly more enjoyable, while its efficiency ensures that you get the maximum value out of every pound. For shooters using short-barrel revolvers or semi-automatics, the low-flash and clean-burning properties of Accurate No. 2 provide a distinct tactical advantage. While it may not be the choice for maximum-effort magnum loads, it is an undisputed champion of the high-volume target range and the concealed carry holster.
Expert Pro Tip: If you are using a progressive press and notice a small amount of “powder spray” as the shell plate indexes, Accurate No. 2 is the solution. Its high density and tiny grain size allow it to sit low in the case, leaving more “headspace” compared to bulky flake powders like Alliant Unique. This significantly reduces powder loss during fast indexing. Additionally, for the most consistent results in 9mm Luger, use a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler to verify your setup on an RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser before starting a high-volume run.
