Tried Trail Boss with rifle cartridge

Gdawgs · September 29, 2012, 09:14 PM

I just recently learned that you can use Trail Boss powder with pretty much any cartridge/bullet combination. I'm guessing it probably won't produce enough pressure to cycle semi-autos, but works with pretty much anything else. I am going to try loading up some 9mm, 40, and maybe some 45ACP just to see if it works, but not too many.

So anyway, I have a Remington XP-100 chambered in 35 Remington, so I figured I'd give it a try with the Trail Boss. Since there is no load data for that caliber and bullet(200 gr jacketed), I just followed the instructions on the web site. I didn't get a chance to do any accuracy testing or chrony work(no idea how fast they are going), but I was able to hit all the little steel targets I was aiming at. They are definitely reduced loads from standard ones, but still seemed to have plenty of zip. I let my 8 yr old son shoot it and he loved it.

I think this has some real practical applications. For example you could download some large rifle cartridges like a 300 Win mag(or whatever) and a smaller kid could use it for deer hunting.

I see lots of playing around with this in my future.

Hammerhead · September 29, 2012, 10:02 PM

I absolutely love Trail Boss in the 30-30 and the 45 Colt (carbine loads), but I always use it with lead.
I always thought the 35 Rem would be fun with .357 revolver bullets and Trail Boss.

jcwit · September 29, 2012, 10:17 PM

Hammerhead, what loads do you use/suggest in the 30-30 using Trail Boss? I've been trying to come up with a load and every load so far shoots 6 to 8 inches low.

I using a cast, gas checked, 150 grain lead bullet in front of 8 grains of Trail Boss, I also tried 8 1/2 gr. of Trail Boss with not much change in elevation. I do have the rear sight as high as it will go. Any suggestions welcome.

Gdawgs · September 29, 2012, 10:19 PM

Maybe I'll try that. Accuracy might suffer a bit since 357 bullets are, well .357 diameter, while 35 Rem bullets are .358. But it might be a fun plinker.

I haven't been using Trail Boss all that long, but it has quickly moved up into my Favorite Powders list. It really has to be the most versatile powder made. You really can use it in pretty much anything. Of course you don't get high velocities out of anything, but it sure is fun. Plus you could send your 2nd grader off to school and he can brag that he shot an elephant gun at the range over the weekend

jcwit · September 29, 2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Plus you could send your 2nd grader off to school and he can brag that he shot an elephant gun at the range over the weekend

And the pity is in todays world, he and his parents would be seeing the school counsler shortly after.

Gdawgs · September 29, 2012, 10:25 PM

JC, can you get any more powder in there? The 35 Rem looked to max out at about 12 grains. I haven't tried a 30-30 case, but I would think that you should be able to stuff a little more in there.

Hammerhead will probably have some suggestions.

Good point on the school thing. It's a sad world these days

When I went to HS (which wasn't that long ago, 20 years) kids had their guns hanging on racks in their pickups so they could go hunting after school. That would get you locked up real quick now days.

Brian Pfleuger · September 29, 2012, 10:37 PM

Don't use Trail Boss in 9mm, 40SW or 45acp unless you're prepared to deal with bullets stuck in the barrel.

I use Trail Boss for reduced rifle loads in several cartridges and it also reportedly works great for its original purpose, which is to replace black powder in some cartridges.

But, it can not be compressed and at uncompressed 100% load levels it will not produce enough pressure in a small capacity case in a semi-auto.

It might work sometimes, or it might not. So long as you're prepared for squibs and check the barrel every time, it's not going to be dangerous, but what would be the point?

As an example, QuickLoad thinks a 100% charge of TB under a 125gr XTPS in 357sig would produce just 650fps from a 5" barrel and 705fps under a 200gr JHP in 45acp at 5".

Those velocities are CONSIDERABLY less than normal starting loads.

rclark · September 29, 2012, 11:15 PM

Quote:

But, it can not be compressed

Hmmm well, yes it can is some cases... The Hornady manual lists for .44Mag, a 9.6g of TB under 240g SWC which is a compressed load. Here is my .44Mag Trail Boss Tests . I have used it in .38/.357, .44Spec/.44Mag, and of course .45 Colt. All here is a couple tests with .45 ACP . Haven't tried it in a rifle yet. I do like the powder. If fact I shot a few rounds of it in .45 Colt this afternoon and yesterday. I only use lead bullets with it BTW.

Ideal Tool · September 30, 2012, 01:03 AM

Hello, everyone. I use Trail Boss in an 1895 Winchester-Lee straight-pull .236 (6mm) sporting rifle. I am using the Ideal 245498 cast bullet over 10.0gr. T.B. 3/4" groups shoot to open sights at 50 yds.

Hammerhead · September 30, 2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Maybe I'll try that. Accuracy might suffer a bit since 357 bullets are, well .357 diameter, while 35 Rem bullets are .358. But it might be a fun plinker.

I was thinking of .358" lead bullets, but I get the feeling you don't want to shoot lead. I got good results with 9mm & .38 Super (.355" & .356") jacketed and plated bullets in the .357 magnum during the component shortage of '08-'09, so you might give it a try. Plated .357" bullets would be my choice in the .35 Rem because they're softer.

My suggestion to jcwit would be to try a slightly shorter front sight to bring the cast bullets up into his adjustment range while (hopefully) still being able to sight in factory rounds.

Gdawgs · September 30, 2012, 10:15 AM

Hammerhead, I have nothing against lead. That's what I shoot probably 90% of the time. But you got me on this one. For some reason I was thinking my 357 lead bullets are .357. But you are correct, they are .358. I'm going to try is with 158 gr SWCs. I'm thinking I'll start around 10gr of TB. Should be slower than a hot 357 load.

September 29, 2012, 09:14 PM	#1
Gdawgs Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2009 Location: MN Posts: 656	Tried Trail Boss with rifle cartridge I just recently learned that you can use Trail Boss powder with pretty much any cartridge/bullet combination. I'm guessing it probably won't produce enough pressure to cycle semi-autos, but works with pretty much anything else. I am going to try loading up some 9mm, 40, and maybe some 45ACP just to see if it works, but not too many. So anyway, I have a Remington XP-100 chambered in 35 Remington, so I figured I'd give it a try with the Trail Boss. Since there is no load data for that caliber and bullet(200 gr jacketed), I just followed the instructions on the web site. I didn't get a chance to do any accuracy testing or chrony work(no idea how fast they are going), but I was able to hit all the little steel targets I was aiming at. They are definitely reduced loads from standard ones, but still seemed to have plenty of zip. I let my 8 yr old son shoot it and he loved it. I think this has some real practical applications. For example you could download some large rifle cartridges like a 300 Win mag(or whatever) and a smaller kid could use it for deer hunting. I see lots of playing around with this in my future.

September 29, 2012, 10:17 PM	#3
jcwit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2007 Location: Upper Indiana Posts: 609	Hammerhead, what loads do you use/suggest in the 30-30 using Trail Boss? I've been trying to come up with a load and every load so far shoots 6 to 8 inches low. I using a cast, gas checked, 150 grain lead bullet in front of 8 grains of Trail Boss, I also tried 8 1/2 gr. of Trail Boss with not much change in elevation. I do have the rear sight as high as it will go. Any suggestions welcome. __________________ U.S. Army Veteran NRA Certified Range Officer

September 29, 2012, 10:37 PM	#7
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Don't use Trail Boss in 9mm, 40SW or 45acp unless you're prepared to deal with bullets stuck in the barrel. I use Trail Boss for reduced rifle loads in several cartridges and it also reportedly works great for its original purpose, which is to replace black powder in some cartridges. But, it can not be compressed and at uncompressed 100% load levels it will not produce enough pressure in a small capacity case in a semi-auto. It might work sometimes, or it might not. So long as you're prepared for squibs and check the barrel every time, it's not going to be dangerous, but what would be the point? As an example, QuickLoad thinks a 100% charge of TB under a 125gr XTPS in 357sig would produce just 650fps from a 5" barrel and 705fps under a 200gr JHP in 45acp at 5". Those velocities are CONSIDERABLY less than normal starting loads. Last edited by Brian Pfleuger; September 29, 2012 at 10:42 PM.

September 29, 2012, 10:02 PM	#2
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	I absolutely love Trail Boss in the 30-30 and the 45 Colt (carbine loads), but I always use it with lead. I always thought the 35 Rem would be fun with .357 revolver bullets and Trail Boss.

September 29, 2012, 10:19 PM	#4
Gdawgs Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2009 Location: MN Posts: 656	Maybe I'll try that. Accuracy might suffer a bit since 357 bullets are, well .357 diameter, while 35 Rem bullets are .358. But it might be a fun plinker. I haven't been using Trail Boss all that long, but it has quickly moved up into my Favorite Powders list. It really has to be the most versatile powder made. You really can use it in pretty much anything. Of course you don't get high velocities out of anything, but it sure is fun. Plus you could send your 2nd grader off to school and he can brag that he shot an elephant gun at the range over the weekend

September 29, 2012, 10:25 PM	#6
Gdawgs Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2009 Location: MN Posts: 656	JC, can you get any more powder in there? The 35 Rem looked to max out at about 12 grains. I haven't tried a 30-30 case, but I would think that you should be able to stuff a little more in there. Hammerhead will probably have some suggestions. Good point on the school thing. It's a sad world these days When I went to HS (which wasn't that long ago, 20 years) kids had their guns hanging on racks in their pickups so they could go hunting after school. That would get you locked up real quick now days.

September 30, 2012, 01:03 AM	#9
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	Hello, everyone. I use Trail Boss in an 1895 Winchester-Lee straight-pull .236 (6mm) sporting rifle. I am using the Ideal 245498 cast bullet over 10.0gr. T.B. 3/4" groups shoot to open sights at 50 yds.

September 30, 2012, 10:15 AM	#11
Gdawgs Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2009 Location: MN Posts: 656	Hammerhead, I have nothing against lead. That's what I shoot probably 90% of the time. But you got me on this one. For some reason I was thinking my 357 lead bullets are .357. But you are correct, they are .358. I'm going to try is with 158 gr SWCs. I'm thinking I'll start around 10gr of TB. Should be slower than a hot 357 load.