Unburned powder?

ar15chase · March 3, 2009, 09:54 PM

I recently started reloading 9mm Luger ammo. I am using Accurate 7 powder. I also use the recomended amount per bullet, described in my reloading manual. The problem is that after shooting, even small amounts of ammo. The barrel of my gun is filthy, with a gold looking substance. Its not brass from the casings, that is what I 1st suspected. Why is it doing this?? My gun is cleaner after shooting 500 rounds of Winchester, than 20 rounds of my reloads.

crowbeaner · March 3, 2009, 11:03 PM

You should be using AA #5 instead of AA #7. #7 is good for a 10mm, but marginal in the 9mm. SR 4756 and SR 7625 will work splendidly and give you much cleaner ignition in the IMR powders.

**Unclenick** · March 3, 2009, 11:52 PM

Using a powder that is too slow reduces the chamber pressure, but powders burn more cleanly at higher pressures. As a result, when you target a certain velocity, using the lowest pressure load that gets there isn't always the best idea. The highest pressure load that produces the desired velocity (typically from the fastest powder listed to produce it) will usually be the cleanest burning. It will also often have the smallest charge weight and that will result in the lowest recoil for the desired velocity.

Ball powders, except very fast ones like 231, also often have trouble lighting completely without a magnum primer, so that is another consideration. In rifles the smallest load that produces a desired velocity is not always best because it may not fill the case well, which causes ignition inconsistency. Most handgun cartridge cases are so small that case filling does not typically matter, though.

March 3, 2009, 09:54 PM	#1
ar15chase Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2009 Location: Shallowater, Texas Posts: 444	Unburned powder? I recently started reloading 9mm Luger ammo. I am using Accurate 7 powder. I also use the recomended amount per bullet, described in my reloading manual. The problem is that after shooting, even small amounts of ammo. The barrel of my gun is filthy, with a gold looking substance. Its not brass from the casings, that is what I 1st suspected. Why is it doing this?? My gun is cleaner after shooting 500 rounds of Winchester, than 20 rounds of my reloads.

March 3, 2009, 11:03 PM	#2
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	You should be using AA #5 instead of AA #7. #7 is good for a 10mm, but marginal in the 9mm. SR 4756 and SR 7625 will work splendidly and give you much cleaner ignition in the IMR powders. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

March 3, 2009, 11:52 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Using a powder that is too slow reduces the chamber pressure, but powders burn more cleanly at higher pressures. As a result, when you target a certain velocity, using the lowest pressure load that gets there isn't always the best idea. The highest pressure load that produces the desired velocity (typically from the fastest powder listed to produce it) will usually be the cleanest burning. It will also often have the smallest charge weight and that will result in the lowest recoil for the desired velocity. Ball powders, except very fast ones like 231, also often have trouble lighting completely without a magnum primer, so that is another consideration. In rifles the smallest load that produces a desired velocity is not always best because it may not fill the case well, which causes ignition inconsistency. Most handgun cartridge cases are so small that case filling does not typically matter, though. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle