which powder vs barrel length

croc4 · June 24, 2006, 09:23 PM

So I have a question, is it better to use a faster powder in a smaller amount than a slightly slower powder and more of it?

For a specific example, between AA#9 and AA#2, the AA#2 is faster so it should burn faster and requires less grains than AA#9 in a 3" barrel, but since you use less, inigition may not be as uniform etc, and will this matter in accuracy? (lets supose that everything else is perfect)

I guess what I'm looking for, is there a rule of thumb/formula to determine powder burning rate and the length of the barrel?, there has to be a "sweet" spot and I'm looking for some advice.

and I realize this is for a 9mm so accuracy is subjective, but lets say that I'm looking for the 1" group at 15yrds, yes I know how mythical this is......

HSMITH · June 25, 2006, 07:30 AM

Each gun is a new problem, and there really aren't any rules of thumb.

Handguns are hard enough to shoot and not all that accurate to begin with in most cases, enough so that load development looking for the utmost accuracy can be extremely frustrating.

Grab a couple powders to try. Find a load that shoots good and go with it. Don't spend months trying to get the last quarter inch out of the ammo.

Power Pistol and XTP bullets has been good to great for me in the 9mm guns I have. If you want a solid starting point I would recommend you try this combo.

It has been proven time and again that barrel length shouldn't be a consideration when looking for a powder burning speed. The powder that makes the most velocity in a 5" barrel is still going to make the highest velocity in a 2.5" barrel. Recoil impulse (feel) and velocity desired are all you need to consider when picking a powder to try.

June 24, 2006, 09:23 PM	#1
croc4 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 191	which powder vs barrel length So I have a question, is it better to use a faster powder in a smaller amount than a slightly slower powder and more of it? For a specific example, between AA#9 and AA#2, the AA#2 is faster so it should burn faster and requires less grains than AA#9 in a 3" barrel, but since you use less, inigition may not be as uniform etc, and will this matter in accuracy? (lets supose that everything else is perfect) I guess what I'm looking for, is there a rule of thumb/formula to determine powder burning rate and the length of the barrel?, there has to be a "sweet" spot and I'm looking for some advice. and I realize this is for a 9mm so accuracy is subjective, but lets say that I'm looking for the 1" group at 15yrds, yes I know how mythical this is......

June 25, 2006, 07:30 AM	#2
HSMITH Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2002 Posts: 2,019	Each gun is a new problem, and there really aren't any rules of thumb. Handguns are hard enough to shoot and not all that accurate to begin with in most cases, enough so that load development looking for the utmost accuracy can be extremely frustrating. Grab a couple powders to try. Find a load that shoots good and go with it. Don't spend months trying to get the last quarter inch out of the ammo. Power Pistol and XTP bullets has been good to great for me in the 9mm guns I have. If you want a solid starting point I would recommend you try this combo. It has been proven time and again that barrel length shouldn't be a consideration when looking for a powder burning speed. The powder that makes the most velocity in a 5" barrel is still going to make the highest velocity in a 2.5" barrel. Recoil impulse (feel) and velocity desired are all you need to consider when picking a powder to try.