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steve4102 · June 27, 2013, 08:37 AM

Thanks guys, but I think I answered my own question.
I found an article at Load Data.com written by John Barsness of Handloader and Rifle Magazines, titled "How Smokeless Burns".
I will link the article here, but I think only members of loaddata.com will be able to view it.
http://www.loaddata.com/articles/PDF...20LR%20(2).pdf

Anyhow this is some of what he had to say.

One of the most frequently
encountered misconceptions
in handloading is that
a charge of smokeless powder is still
burning when the bullet (or shot
charge) exits the muzzle. As “evidence,”
many shooters cite the muzzle
flash, especially visible in dim
light. Nope, that ain’t burning
powder. Instead it’s the hot gas produced
by burned powder, re-igniting
once it strikes the oxygen in the
atmosphere.
Instead, almost all smokeless powder
burns within a short distance in
front of the cartridge. The exact
point varies with the powder’s burning
rate, the cartridge, the projectile
etc. But even in huge “magnum”
rifle cartridge, over 99% of the
powder is burned burned within 4-5 inches
of bullet travel.

June 27, 2013, 08:37 AM	#13
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,952	Thanks guys, but I think I answered my own question. I found an article at Load Data.com written by John Barsness of Handloader and Rifle Magazines, titled "How Smokeless Burns". I will link the article here, but I think only members of loaddata.com will be able to view it. http://www.loaddata.com/articles/PDF...20LR%20(2).pdf Anyhow this is some of what he had to say. One of the most frequently encountered misconceptions in handloading is that a charge of smokeless powder is still burning when the bullet (or shot charge) exits the muzzle. As “evidence,” many shooters cite the muzzle flash, especially visible in dim light. Nope, that ain’t burning powder. Instead it’s the hot gas produced by burned powder, re-igniting once it strikes the oxygen in the atmosphere. Instead, almost all smokeless powder burns within a short distance in front of the cartridge. The exact point varies with the powder’s burning rate, the cartridge, the projectile etc. But even in huge “magnum” rifle cartridge, over 99% of the powder is burned burned within 4-5 inches of bullet travel. Last edited by steve4102; June 27, 2013 at 09:02 AM.