Crazy Surplus Gun Powder

Published on April 22, 2022
Duration: 7:55

This video explores the unusual use of spherical gunpowder in surplus Greek HXP .30 caliber ammunition, typically intended for the M1 Garand. The instructor explains the properties of spherical, stick, and flake powders, highlighting why spherical powder is often chosen for high-volume, cost-effective manufacturing due to its consistent metering and rapid burn rate, despite potential accuracy limitations compared to stick or flake powders. The discussion also touches on the safety implications of powder bridging in reloading dies, particularly with flake powders.

Quick Summary

Surplus Greek HXP .30 caliber ammunition often features spherical gunpowder, chosen by manufacturers for its consistent metering and rapid flow through automated machinery, enabling high-volume production. While stick and flake powders offer different burn characteristics, spherical powder provides a balance of efficiency and safety for mass-produced rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Weird Gunpowder
  2. 00:45Identifying HXP Surplus Ammo
  3. 01:02Discovering Spherical Gunpowder
  4. 01:22Normal Gunpowder Types: Stick Powder
  5. 02:49Normal Gunpowder Types: Flake Powder
  6. 03:42Spherical Powder Example: Accurate No. 2
  7. 04:31Why Greeks Used Spherical Gunpowder
  8. 05:00Manufacturing Speed and Density Analogy
  9. 05:25Reloading Die Clogging Issues
  10. 06:09Safety Concerns with Powder Bridging
  11. 06:19Factory Manufacturing Efficiency
  12. 06:59Conclusion on HXP Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of gunpowder is found in surplus Greek HXP .30 caliber ammunition?

Surplus Greek HXP .30 caliber ammunition, often found for the M1 Garand, typically contains spherical gunpowder. This is unusual for rifle cartridges, which more commonly use stick or flake powders.

Why would ammunition manufacturers use spherical gunpowder instead of stick or flake powder?

Manufacturers often choose spherical gunpowder for high-volume production due to its consistent flow through automated machinery, allowing for faster loading speeds. It also tends to stay within safe pressure limits when processed rapidly, unlike stick or flake powders which can cause issues.

What are the potential problems with using stick or flake powder in high-speed ammunition manufacturing?

Stick powder can be difficult to meter precisely at high speeds without weighing, potentially leading to undercharges. Large flake powders, like Red Dot, are prone to 'bridging' in reloading dies, causing inconsistent charges and dangerous squib loads.

How does spherical gunpowder compare in terms of burn rate and accuracy?

Spherical gunpowder generally ignites quickly and burns hot, making it efficient for manufacturing. While it may not achieve the same level of accuracy as some stick powders, its consistent metering and predictable burn rate are advantageous for mass production.

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