Anyone using Nitro 100 or E*3 for pistol?

dogfood · October 23, 2004, 09:33 AM

I'm looking for a different powder for .38 Special target loads. I have been trying to walk the fine line between decent metering in the powder measure ... while still trying to maintain a fairly high load density. After some extensive experimentation, I realize this is a difficult proposition with small powder charges.

Up until now, I have been using Green Dot, as it seemed to be the "bulkiest" of the powders that would give me fair repeatability from my Lee powder measure. However, I shoot falling plates year-round, and temperature variations change the point of impact with Green Dot.

Green Dot is single-base, while E*3 and Nitro 100 (as well as many others) are double-base, which should give better temperature stability ... in theory. So, if anyone has any experience with either of these in a target pistol application, please let me know. Experience with other bulky powders in the same range are also welcome.

Thanks,
dogfood

griz · October 23, 2004, 07:58 PM

I've used it for low powered cowboy loads. It worked as well as most. It has medium sized flakes and meters about as well as Bullseye or Unique. I don't know how it does with regards to temperature or full power loads. Never tried E-3.

WESHOOT2 · October 24, 2004, 05:41 AM

Began using it in 45 ACP 'target' ammo for its clean burn and more importantly, its reduced recoil 'feel'.
Accurate through my guns.
Didn't care for its metering properties.
Low smoke.

Haven't tried it much in any other calibers.

Still using it occasionally in 45 ACP.

October 23, 2004, 09:33 AM	#1
dogfood Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2004 Location: Southwestern OH Posts: 239	*Anyone using Nitro 100 or E3 for pistol?** I'm looking for a different powder for .38 Special target loads. I have been trying to walk the fine line between decent metering in the powder measure ... while still trying to maintain a fairly high load density. After some extensive experimentation, I realize this is a difficult proposition with small powder charges. Up until now, I have been using Green Dot, as it seemed to be the "bulkiest" of the powders that would give me fair repeatability from my Lee powder measure. However, I shoot falling plates year-round, and temperature variations change the point of impact with Green Dot. Green Dot is single-base, while E*3 and Nitro 100 (as well as many others) are double-base, which should give better temperature stability ... in theory. So, if anyone has any experience with either of these in a target pistol application, please let me know. Experience with other bulky powders in the same range are also welcome. Thanks, dogfood

October 24, 2004, 05:41 AM	#3
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Nitro 100 Began using it in 45 ACP 'target' ammo for its clean burn and more importantly, its reduced recoil 'feel'. Accurate through my guns. Didn't care for its metering properties. Low smoke. Haven't tried it much in any other calibers. Still using it occasionally in 45 ACP. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

October 23, 2004, 07:58 PM	#2
griz Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2000 Location: Middle Peninsula, VA Posts: 1,588	I've used it for low powered cowboy loads. It worked as well as most. It has medium sized flakes and meters about as well as Bullseye or Unique. I don't know how it does with regards to temperature or full power loads. Never tried E-3.