PPHA Forums

Predator Hunting => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: foxtrot on July 31, 2011, 12:45:20 PM

Title: powder selection
Post by: foxtrot on July 31, 2011, 12:45:20 PM
I was told that in most cases your slower burning powders tend to be more accurate.Is this true?
Title: Re: powder selection
Post by: Buckwheat on July 31, 2011, 02:45:49 PM
Boy, that is a big question. Slower powders can push a bullet faster sometimes but to say it will shoot a tighter group is hard to say. I am sure there are a lot of people that think that slower powders are better. But there are a lot of things that come into play other then just slower powder. You can read a ton of information about what shoots better about fast or slow powders. If you are looking just to work up a load the best thing would be to see what everybody else is using and start there. I like to pick a powder that will push the bullet fast and just back off on the top speed a little. Getting bullets to fly at top speed and group good is not easy but can be done. I like to pick a powder that is slow enough that the chamber pressure is not near max and seams to be easer to get to fly good. So maybe slower powder is the correct answere but as far as it being a fact that slower powders are better? Your guess is as good as anybody. There are a lot of boards that are just about reloading. I think it would be best if you read some of them then make your own mind up as to what is better. I have be reloading all my life and still mess with different powders. But I have settled on the ones that shoot good in my guns and just mess with other powders in hopes to find something just a little better then I currently use. But there are so many other reloading methods I change powder is just one part. Sorry I can not give you the in stone answere you are looking for. Seams I just make more things for you to think about.
Title: Re: powder selection
Post by: foxtrot on July 31, 2011, 03:26:52 PM
Buckwheat, Thanks for the in put.Seems like the more you think you know the more complicated it becomes.
Title: Re: powder selection
Post by: Buckwheat on July 31, 2011, 08:59:31 PM
Foxtrot, that is why reloading is a never ending thing in the quest for the one hole shot groups. One thing is for sure is keeping a gun clean and shooting reloads can make a good gun into a great shooting gun. That is fun. Let us know how you make out and what powder you end up with for each rifle and bullet. :>)
Title: Re: powder selection
Post by: foxfx on August 15, 2011, 12:12:57 PM
Follow your load book(s) and experiment with different bullets, powders, primers, and charge weights.  You will find that most load books list slower burning powder for heavier bullets.  Faster powders will propel lighter weight bullets better while reducing the muzzle flash and blast. 

Good luck.


Title: Re: powder selection
Post by: foxtrot on August 15, 2011, 10:46:25 PM
Still working on the perfect load.Times ticking by,two months to go and then its hammer time.Starting to get the itch.