The High-Performance Mid-Range Handgun Specialist
In the hierarchy of handgun propellants, Accurate No. 5 has long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and reliable choices for high-performance semi-automatic cartridges. Originally engineered to bridge the gap between fast-burning target powders and slow-burning magnum fuels, Accurate No. 5 is a double-base spherical propellant that offers a unique combination of high energy density and manageable pressure curves. It is the definitive “gold standard” for the 9mm Luger and 40 S&W, providing the necessary gas volume to ensure reliable cycling in duty-sized firearms while maintaining the precision required for competitive action shooting. Whether you are loading for law enforcement training or high-volume range practice, Accurate No. 5 delivers a level of consistency that few other powders can match.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: High-performance loading for standard and high-pressure semi-automatic handgun cartridges.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional metering through automated equipment and optimized pressure for semi-auto cycling.
- Burn Rate: Medium-burning handgun propellant, positioned between Accurate No. 2 and Accurate No. 7.
- What This Guide Covers: Physical profile, temperature stability metrics, competitive 4-way analysis, and equipment recommendations.
Best For: Shooters seeking maximum reliability and “factory-equivalent” performance in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Accurate No. 5 is a double-base propellant, meaning its chemical composition incorporates both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin to achieve a higher energy-to-weight ratio than single-base alternatives. Its physical form is a fine spherical (ball) grain, which is the primary reason for its legendary status among high-volume reloaders. Each grain is treated with sophisticated deterrents that allow for a controlled, progressive burn, ensuring that the pressure peak occurs at the optimal point for modern semi-automatic timing.
The “Expert Feel” of Accurate No. 5 is one of balanced authority. Unlike faster powders that produce a sharp “snap,” Accurate No. 5 provides a firm, consistent push. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in 9mm Luger, where it helps the brass expand and seal the chamber effectively, reducing blowback and keeping the firearm cleaner during extended strings of fire. Furthermore, its high density makes it very difficult to accidentally double-charge a case, as the second charge would be immediately visible during a visual inspection of the loading block.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Flows through volumetric measures like water, with virtually zero charge weight variance.
- Pro: Ideal for achieving full “factory” velocities in the most popular defensive handgun calibers.
- Pro: Low muzzle flash compared to many other mid-range propellants, making it suitable for low-light practice.
- Con: Can be slightly “dirty” if used in very low-pressure loads that don’t allow for complete combustion.
- Con: Requires a solid crimp to ensure consistent ignition and velocity.
Technical Characteristics
The engineering of Accurate No. 5 focuses on high-volume production efficiency and internal ballistic stability.
| Property | Specification |
| Grain Type | Spherical (Ball) |
| Composition | Double-base |
| Bulk Density | 0.810 g/cc |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium Handgun |
| Coating | Graphite / Progressive Deterrent |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
Accurate No. 5 is designed for the real-world conditions faced by duty officers and competitive shooters. Its formulation includes stabilizers that minimize velocity fluctuations across a broad temperature spectrum. In technical assessments, Accurate No. 5 maintains a highly predictable pressure curve whether the ambient temperature is at the freezing point or in the heat of a summer afternoon.
Typical velocity deviations for Accurate No. 5 are approximately 0.7-1.1 FPS per degree Fahrenheit. This level of stability is exceptional for a handgun powder and is one of the reasons it is frequently used by manufacturers for specialized ammunition contracts. While it may not be as insensitive as some “Extreme” rifle powders, it remains far more consistent than older flake-style handgun propellants.
Stability Comparison
The following table compares Accurate No. 5 against a stability benchmark and a more sensitive alternative from the MyReloading database.
| Powder | Stability Rating | Typical FPS Swing (0-100°F) |
| Accurate No. 5 | High | 70-95 FPS |
| Hodgdon Titegroup | High | 70-90 FPS |
| Alliant Unique | Moderate | 90-115 FPS |
Powder Comparison
To find the right place for Accurate No. 5 on your bench, it helps to compare it against its closest competitors in the medium-burn handgun category.
- Accurate No. 2: Significantly faster than Accurate No. 5. While Accurate No. 2 is better for light target loads in 45 ACP, it lacks the energy required for full-power 9mm Luger loads.
- Winchester 231: Slightly faster than Accurate No. 5. Winchester 231 is a versatile ball powder, but Accurate No. 5 typically offers higher top-end velocities in high-pressure cartridges like the 40 S&W.
- Alliant Power Pistol: Similar burn rate. Alliant Power Pistol is capable of extreme velocities but produces significantly more muzzle flash than the more discreet Accurate No. 5.
- Accurate No. 7: Slower than Accurate No. 5. Accurate No. 7 is the better choice for magnum handguns or 357 SIG, where even more gas volume is needed.
Comparison Table
| Powder Name | Burn Rate Rank | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Accurate No. 2 | Faster | 0.635 | 380 ACP, 9mm Luger |
| Winchester 231 | Faster | 0.640 | 38 Special, 45 ACP |
| Accurate No. 5 | Standard | 0.810 | 9mm Luger, 40 S&W |
| Alliant Power Pistol | Standard | 0.650 | 10mm Auto, 357 SIG |
| Accurate No. 7 | Slower | 0.930 | 357 Magnum, 10mm Auto |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
One of the primary reasons reloaders choose Accurate No. 5 is its physical compatibility with high-speed reloading hardware. Because the grains are so small and uniform, they do not “crunch” in the rotors of mechanical powder measures.
Metering Observations
When using a Mark 7 Reloading Universal Digital Powder Measure or an RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure 3, Accurate No. 5 flows with extreme consistency. It is common to see charge-to-charge variations of zero to 0.1 grains, making it a favorite for those who use progressive presses like the Dillon XL750.
Fouling & Cleanliness
Accurate No. 5 is optimized for high-pressure operation. When used in loads that push the pressure toward the upper end of the SAAMI limit, it burns exceptionally clean. However, in light “target” loads, users may notice some unburnt powder granules in the action. To ensure the best results, it is recommended to use a firm taper crimp to help build initial pressure.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Accurate No. 5 is at its best when used in high-volume, high-pressure semi-automatic cartridges.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 9mm Luger | Standard and +P defensive and range loads |
| 40 S&W | Ideal for 165-180 grain factory-equivalent loads |
| 45 ACP | High-velocity +P loads and high-repetition practice |
| 38 Super | Excellent for moderate competition loads |
| 10mm Auto | Moderate target loads and small game hunting |
| 38 Special | Heavy +P loads for snub-nose revolvers |
| 357 Magnum | Target and small game loads with 158 grain bullets |
Recommended Bullets
To maximize the performance of Accurate No. 5, pair it with high-quality jacketed or plated projectiles.
| Bullet Model | Application |
| Nosler Custom Competition | Precision 9mm and 45 ACP Target |
| Hornady XTP | Self-defense and medium game handgun hunting |
| Sierra GameKing | 30-30 Winchester reduced-recoil practice |
| Barnes TSX | Lead-free defensive 9mm Luger performance |
| Speer TNT | High-velocity 223 Remington practice |
Primers
While Accurate No. 5 does not strictly require magnum primers, using high-quality primers with consistent cup hardness is vital for achieving low standard deviations in velocity.
- CCI 500: Small Pistol (The go-to for standard 9mm Luger).
- Federal 100: Small Pistol (Preferred for revolvers with lightened actions).
- Winchester WSP: Small Pistol (Excellent consistency and availability).
- CCI 300: Large Pistol (Standard for 45 ACP and 44 Magnum).
- Federal 150: Large Pistol (Soft cup for reliable ignition in target pistols).
- Winchester WLP: Large Pistol (Designed for both standard and magnum loads).
- Fiocchi Small Pistol: Reliable and economical international choice.
- Sellier Bellot V360157: Small Pistol (Consistent performance for high-volume loading).
- Ginex Small Pistol: Hot Bosnian primer known for extreme consistency.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Accurate No. 5 is the quintessential “workhorse” for the high-volume semi-automatic reloader. It offers a level of metering precision that makes the loading process nearly effortless, while its energy profile ensures that your firearms cycle reliably and perform with factory-like authority. For those loading the 9mm Luger or 40 S&W, Accurate No. 5 provides the perfect balance of velocity, consistency, and clean-burning performance. It is a powder that allows you to focus on your shooting, knowing that your ammunition is as reliable as the firearm it is fed into.
Expert Pro Tip: When developing loads for Accurate No. 5, use a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler and an RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser to verify your initial throw weights. Once your measure is locked in, you can trust its spherical grains to maintain that weight across thousands of rounds. Additionally, if you are experiencing wide velocity spreads in 45 ACP, try increasing your taper crimp slightly; Accurate No. 5 performs significantly better when there is enough neck tension to allow for a full pressure build before the bullet begins to move.
