Winchester Super-X 12 Gauge Blank Powder

NoobLoader · June 7, 2017, 02:03 PM

Hey all thanks for the add! I'm new to the forum and reloading in general. But I'm wondering if anyone knows the type of black powder Winchester uses in their Super-X 12 Gauge Blanks or something that will give me a similar bang and smoke.

I primarily make small arms blanks for reenacting but these are used mostly for mortars and anti-tank rifles (crowd pleasers) but even these are getting expensive and could even be brought down a little in the charge so I figured I'd give loading them a try.

I'm not sure if it's 2X or 3X powder or the maker. Any insight would be appreciated!

https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/prod...e=&from=Search

snuffy · June 9, 2017, 12:39 PM

https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=391671

First you have to know how many grains the 6 dram load is to duplicate the load. If you wanted a lesser report, you could load less powder,(DUH).

The above link, in the #2 post B.L.E says a 3 dram load would be 82 grains.

I would use 3-F black powder.

To build those blank shells, you would need a shotshell press. The best would be to use a roll crimp and a 1/8 nitro card wad to hold in the powder. Special tools and wads would be available at= http://www.ballisticproducts.com/load14_04_25.htm

BP, (ballistic products) has the Lee shotshell press, the cheapest loader you will find.

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Lee...info/LEE90011/

You'll need a press to deprime, and size the empty and to do a star crimp, the alternative to a roll crimp. Black powder measure are calibrated to load BP by the grain. You could find one just about anywhere BP equipment is sold. Don't try to use the built in measure in the shotshell press. Volume of black is my more than smokeless, and the calibration for the powder bushings wouldn't be right.

I made some BP blanks once for a boys brigade camp, where they used a cannon that took 12 Ga. shells to start canoe races. Plumb ran me right out of powder, they still wanted more. So I trained one of the brigade officers how to load them, problem solved.

T. O'Heir · June 9, 2017, 01:04 PM

I think there are BP blank loads in the Lyman BP Handbook and Reloading Guide. Not at home to check. Just remember that BP residue attracts moisture. Requires flushing with plain tap water.
Seems to me movie types use propane(makes a nice big white cloud that settles on the ground, being heavier than air) shot out with air for the visual effects in a mortar and other big shooters. Mortars haven't used BP since the 19th Century and anti-tank rifles never used it. Mind you, movies aren't re-enacting. Gun shot sounds are added in editing in movies.

June 7, 2017, 02:03 PM	#1
NoobLoader Junior Member Join Date: June 6, 2017 Posts: 1	Winchester Super-X 12 Gauge Blank Powder Hey all thanks for the add! I'm new to the forum and reloading in general. But I'm wondering if anyone knows the type of black powder Winchester uses in their Super-X 12 Gauge Blanks or something that will give me a similar bang and smoke. I primarily make small arms blanks for reenacting but these are used mostly for mortars and anti-tank rifles (crowd pleasers) but even these are getting expensive and could even be brought down a little in the charge so I figured I'd give loading them a try. I'm not sure if it's 2X or 3X powder or the maker. Any insight would be appreciated! https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/prod...e=&from=Search

June 9, 2017, 01:04 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	I think there are BP blank loads in the Lyman BP Handbook and Reloading Guide. Not at home to check. Just remember that BP residue attracts moisture. Requires flushing with plain tap water. Seems to me movie types use propane(makes a nice big white cloud that settles on the ground, being heavier than air) shot out with air for the visual effects in a mortar and other big shooters. Mortars haven't used BP since the 19th Century and anti-tank rifles never used it. Mind you, movies aren't re-enacting. Gun shot sounds are added in editing in movies. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

June 9, 2017, 12:39 PM	#2
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=391671 First you have to know how many grains the 6 dram load is to duplicate the load. If you wanted a lesser report, you could load less powder,(DUH). The above link, in the #2 post B.L.E says a 3 dram load would be 82 grains. I would use 3-F black powder. To build those blank shells, you would need a shotshell press. The best would be to use a roll crimp and a 1/8 nitro card wad to hold in the powder. Special tools and wads would be available at= http://www.ballisticproducts.com/load14_04_25.htm BP, (ballistic products) has the Lee shotshell press, the cheapest loader you will find. http://www.ballisticproducts.com/Lee...info/LEE90011/ You'll need a press to deprime, and size the empty and to do a star crimp, the alternative to a roll crimp. Black powder measure are calibrated to load BP by the grain. You could find one just about anywhere BP equipment is sold. Don't try to use the built in measure in the shotshell press. Volume of black is my more than smokeless, and the calibration for the powder bushings wouldn't be right. I made some BP blanks once for a boys brigade camp, where they used a cannon that took 12 Ga. shells to start canoe races. Plumb ran me right out of powder, they still wanted more. So I trained one of the brigade officers how to load them, problem solved. __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?