powder stain on case

RockyMtnDan · May 28, 2012, 07:28 PM

I'm have been using Universal to reload my 45s for the last 1.5 years and recently changed to Bullseye. I was firing my load development rounds and noticed that all of them had a powder stain on the outside of the shell, especially those at the lower loads. This is something I never noticed with the Universal powder. Is it an indication of a problem or just a characteristic of the Bullseye powder? Any ideas?

dacaur · May 28, 2012, 11:29 PM

Lower power loads dont completly seal the case to the chamber, at least, thats what everyone says, I guess it kinda makes sense.... I do know that ALL my 9mm unique loads do that, but I dont ever load hot....

moxie · May 29, 2012, 07:01 AM

It's normal. Press on.

**Unclenick** · May 29, 2012, 01:50 PM

Yep. Normal with very low pressure loads. As mentioned, the case then fails to expand as firmly against the chamber, so there's a partial gas leak around the mouth. The Bullseye is dirtier burning than Universal, too, so you get more discoloration even at the same pressure.

RockyMtnDan · May 29, 2012, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the help! These loads for IDPA competition so they are lighter than what I have been using the the replies make sense. I will press on.

Kayser · May 29, 2012, 06:01 PM

100% of my 45 acp rounds loaded with Unique do this. 230 gr FMJ on top of 5.4 gr.

osageid · May 29, 2012, 09:22 PM

Nice info, that is why I love this forum! I read more than I post for a good reason!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Clone · May 30, 2012, 09:26 AM

So should the charge be increased to combat this or is it fine as is?

dacaur · May 30, 2012, 06:00 PM

If the gun shoots well, dont worry about it. Sometimes increasing the charge a bit will increase accuracy, but if you are happy with what you got, a little soot doesnt hurt a thing....

Uncle Buck · May 31, 2012, 06:47 AM

I have the same thing happen with my .357 Mag and .38 Spec. cases. I can stop it from happening with a little hotter load, but I like what I have and a little bit of time in the tumbler takes the powder marks off.

If you like what you have, I would call it good and not be concerned.

May 28, 2012, 07:28 PM	#1
RockyMtnDan Member Join Date: April 18, 2010 Location: Colorado Springs CO Posts: 27	powder stain on case I'm have been using Universal to reload my 45s for the last 1.5 years and recently changed to Bullseye. I was firing my load development rounds and noticed that all of them had a powder stain on the outside of the shell, especially those at the lower loads. This is something I never noticed with the Universal powder. Is it an indication of a problem or just a characteristic of the Bullseye powder? Any ideas?

May 29, 2012, 07:01 AM	#3
moxie Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: TX Posts: 513	It's normal. Press on. __________________ If you want to shoot...shoot...don't talk! Tuco USAF Munitions 1969-1992 RVN 1972-1973

May 29, 2012, 01:50 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	Yep. Normal with very low pressure loads. As mentioned, the case then fails to expand as firmly against the chamber, so there's a partial gas leak around the mouth. The Bullseye is dirtier burning than Universal, too, so you get more discoloration even at the same pressure. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

May 29, 2012, 06:01 PM	#6
Kayser Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Illinois :( Posts: 550	100% of my 45 acp rounds loaded with Unique do this. 230 gr FMJ on top of 5.4 gr. __________________ ----------------- Box Of Truth Afficionado!

May 31, 2012, 06:47 AM	#10
Uncle Buck Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 2,592	I have the same thing happen with my .357 Mag and .38 Spec. cases. I can stop it from happening with a little hotter load, but I like what I have and a little bit of time in the tumbler takes the powder marks off. If you like what you have, I would call it good and not be concerned. __________________ Inside Every Bright Idea Is The 50% Probability Of A Disaster Waiting To Happen.

May 28, 2012, 11:29 PM	#2
dacaur Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2010 Posts: 733	Lower power loads dont completly seal the case to the chamber, at least, thats what everyone says, I guess it kinda makes sense.... I do know that ALL my 9mm unique loads do that, but I dont ever load hot....

May 29, 2012, 05:40 PM	#5
RockyMtnDan Member Join Date: April 18, 2010 Location: Colorado Springs CO Posts: 27	Thanks for the help! These loads for IDPA competition so they are lighter than what I have been using the the replies make sense. I will press on.

May 29, 2012, 09:22 PM	#7
osageid Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Posts: 286	Nice info, that is why I love this forum! I read more than I post for a good reason! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

May 30, 2012, 09:26 AM	#8
Clone Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2005 Posts: 234	So should the charge be increased to combat this or is it fine as is?

May 30, 2012, 06:00 PM	#9
dacaur Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2010 Posts: 733	If the gun shoots well, dont worry about it. Sometimes increasing the charge a bit will increase accuracy, but if you are happy with what you got, a little soot doesnt hurt a thing....