The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Pressure differnces and powder burn rates

Poodleshooter · February 8, 2002, 05:14 PM

Another thing that you'll find in shotshell reloading is that available space is a big concern in deciding on a powder. The faster powders are usually very compact, whereas the slower powders take up more space, in addition to being weighty. This is why the wad columns get shorter for heavy field loads (which need slow powders) as opposed to light target loads.
Some hints for developing shotshell loads: if your load fits and crimps well, but you have lots of unburned granules in the barrel with a given shot weight, hull, and wad, you need to switch to a faster powder for that combo. A burned out or holed crimp area, or holes in a relatively new hull will often indicate a powder that is a little too fast.
BTW, I really like Green Dot. It has a reputation for shooting tight patterns, and is easier on my hulls than Clays or Red Dot.

February 8, 2002, 05:14 PM	#5
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	Another thing that you'll find in shotshell reloading is that available space is a big concern in deciding on a powder. The faster powders are usually very compact, whereas the slower powders take up more space, in addition to being weighty. This is why the wad columns get shorter for heavy field loads (which need slow powders) as opposed to light target loads. Some hints for developing shotshell loads: if your load fits and crimps well, but you have lots of unburned granules in the barrel with a given shot weight, hull, and wad, you need to switch to a faster powder for that combo. A burned out or holed crimp area, or holes in a relatively new hull will often indicate a powder that is a little too fast. BTW, I really like Green Dot. It has a reputation for shooting tight patterns, and is easier on my hulls than Clays or Red Dot.