Handloading PART V, The Best Powder Charges ~ GunBlue's Complete Guide

Published on March 2, 2016
Duration: 62:05

This guide details the process of developing safe and effective powder charges for handloaded ammunition, emphasizing the importance of powder burning rate charts and incremental load testing. It stresses meticulous safety protocols, including proper powder handling, workspace cleanliness, and verification of components, to prevent dangerous mishaps. The expert instructor highlights that while precise weighing is crucial during load development, volumetric measurement can be sufficient for consistent accuracy once a load is established.

Quick Summary

Powder burning rate charts help handloaders select powders by ordering them from fastest to slowest burn speed. For load development, start 10% below the maximum charge and increment by 0.1-0.3 grains, firing four rounds per charge. Once a load is established, volumetric measurement with a powder measure is often sufficient for accuracy, but always prioritize safety by correctly identifying powders and maintaining a clean workspace.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Handloading Powders
  2. 00:17Availability of Powders
  3. 02:11Understanding Powder Burning Rate Charts
  4. 04:01Navigating Burning Rate Charts
  5. 05:25Range of Powder Burning Rates
  6. 06:01Powder Burn Rate Progression
  7. 06:20Powder Family Overlap
  8. 07:00Examples of Powder Overlap (Red Dot, Unique)
  9. 08:31Powder Families and Manufacturers
  10. 09:17Caveats of Powder Burning Rates
  11. 10:20Why Similar Burning Rate Powders Differ
  12. 11:03Purpose of Powder Burning Rate Charts
  13. 13:28Powder Quickness vs. Resistance
  14. 13:55Rifle Cartridges and Powder Burn Rates
  15. 15:06Case Capacity and Powder Choice
  16. 17:30Resistance and Powder Efficiency Analogy
  17. 18:13Bullseye Powder Characteristics
  18. 19:15Effect of Barrel Length on Velocity
  19. 20:18Efficiency with Magnum Cartridges
  20. 20:37Pressure Curve and Barrel Length
  21. 21:09Standard Bore Cartridges and Powders
  22. 22:10Decreasing Bore Diameter and Powder Burn Rate
  23. 24:40Cross-Sectional Area and Barrel Efficiency
  24. 26:01Resistance Factor and Barrel Longevity
  25. 26:55Heat Concentration in Small Diameter Bores
  26. 28:03Heat Generated vs. Steel Melting Point
  27. 29:34Factors Affecting Heat Dissipation in Barrels
  28. 33:01Misconceptions About Accurate Powder Charges
  29. 34:14Safe Load Development Process
  30. 35:32Minimum and Maximum Powder Charges
  31. 36:24Dangers of Hangfires and Bullet Lodging
  32. 37:36Incremental Charge Weight Increases
  33. 40:20Weighing vs. Volumetric Measurement
  34. 41:51Testing Conditions for Accuracy
  35. 42:16Number of Rounds for Load Testing
  36. 43:05Rifles Fire Groups, Shotguns Fire Patterns
  37. 43:45Recording and Using Established Loads
  38. 44:33Lee Powder Dipper Performance
  39. 46:41Precision of Measurement Methods
  40. 47:32When Precise Measurement is Necessary
  41. 48:32Volumetric Measurement in Commercial Ammunition
  42. 50:04Powder Safety: Mixing Powders
  43. 51:24Marking Powder Canisters
  44. 52:35Safe Loading Environment
  45. 53:50Keeping the Workbench Clear
  46. 54:41Powder Economy Calculation
  47. 56:44Never Take Unmarked Powder
  48. 57:32Cleaning Spilled Powder Safely
  49. 59:01Primer Dust Hazard
  50. 60:19Essential Items on the Loading Bench
  51. 60:39Verifying Bullets
  52. 61:10Importance of Precision in Handloading
  53. 61:30Who Should Not Reload
  54. 61:53You Are the Only Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of a powder burning rate chart in handloading?

A powder burning rate chart organizes smokeless powders from fastest to slowest burning. It helps handloaders understand how a powder will perform in a specific cartridge by indicating its relative burn speed, allowing for informed selection based on factors like case capacity, barrel length, and desired pressure characteristics.

How should I start developing a new powder charge for a rifle cartridge?

Begin by consulting a reputable reloading manual for the maximum charge weight. Start at 10% below this maximum and incrementally increase the charge by 0.1 to 0.3 grains (or 1% of the charge weight) per test group, firing four rounds per charge to assess accuracy and safety.

Can I use a powder measure or dipper instead of weighing every single powder charge?

Once you have accurately developed a load using a scale, a powder measure or dipper is generally sufficient for consistent accuracy. Regularly verify your powder measure's setting against the scale to ensure it's delivering the correct charge weight for your established load.

What are the main safety concerns when handloading smokeless powder?

Key safety concerns include correctly identifying powders to avoid dangerous mix-ups, maintaining a clean workspace free from powder and primer dust, avoiding ignition sources, and never using less than the minimum recommended powder charge. Always work in a well-ventilated area with a clear mind.

How does barrel diameter affect powder choice and barrel life?

Smaller bore diameters create more resistance for the bullet, concentrating heat and pressure, which can shorten barrel life. Larger bore diameters offer less resistance, allowing for heavier bullets at higher velocities with standard powders and generally contributing to longer barrel life due to better heat dissipation.

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