The Most Dangerous Gunpowder for Reloading

Published on September 14, 2024
Duration: 11:59

This guide details critical safety considerations when reloading with fast-burning, dense powders like Accurate No. 2 and flake powders like Alliant Red Dot. It highlights the risks of double charging and bridging, emphasizing the need for meticulous verification of powder charges using scales and visual inspection. The instruction comes from an expert with over 20 years of reloading experience, offering practical advice for safer reloading practices.

Quick Summary

Reloading with dense powders like Accurate No. 2 poses a risk of double charging due to low case fill, while flake powders like Alliant Red Dot can cause bridging in powder measures, leading to inconsistent charges. Expert advice recommends careful visual inspection and using scales, with safer alternatives like Bullseye or Unique being more forgiving for new reloaders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Dangerous Powders
  2. 03:08Reloading .45 ACP with Accurate No. 2
  3. 04:10The Risk of Double Charging
  4. 07:27Bridging Issues with Alliant Red Dot
  5. 10:11Recommended Alternative Powders

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Accurate No. 2 a dangerous powder for new reloaders?

Accurate No. 2 is a dense, fast-burning powder that occupies very little space in a cartridge case. This low volume makes it easy to accidentally double or triple charge a case without noticing, leading to dangerously high pressures and potential firearm damage or injury.

How can Alliant Red Dot cause inconsistent powder charges?

Alliant Red Dot is a flake powder. In smaller cases, these flakes can get stuck or 'bridge' in the powder drop die of a reloading press. This results in an undercharged case followed by a dangerously overcharged case when the bridge breaks, leading to unpredictable and unsafe results.

What are safer alternatives to Accurate No. 2 and Alliant Red Dot for pistol reloading?

For pistol reloading, safer and more 'forgiving' powders often recommended include Bullseye, Power Pistol, Titegroup, and Unique. These powders generally offer a larger volume per charge or a slower burn rate, providing a greater margin for error.

Why is visual inspection crucial when reloading with dense powders?

Visual inspection of the powder level in each case before seating a bullet is critical when using dense powders like Accurate No. 2. Because these powders take up so little space, a quick glance can help identify a double or triple charge that might otherwise go unnoticed, preventing a catastrophic overpressure event.

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