Trail Boss Sub-Sonic Loads

[Dean2]

This sounds very interesting. Can you please post your 20gr V-Max loads for the 17 FB?

I have two loads, the real quiet one is 3.7 grains of Trail Boss with the 20 grain Vmax. It is doing 1820 fps, and I use it to 150 yards. It will do 1/2" at 100 yards and shoots 5 " below and 3" left of POA, with the gun sighted in using Berger 30 grain loads with 8208 powder at 3650 FPS, 1.2" high at 100. (I adjust the scope to compensate, so they hit dead on at 100, and then return it to its original settings when I go back to the full bore loads)

The other load is 5.7 grains of Trail Boss with the Vmax. This one is doing about 2660 fps, and thus duplicates 17 HMR velocities. It will shoot about .6 at 100 yards, and is a competent performer out to 250 yards. It is a lot quieter than a full bore 17FB load, about the same as the HMR.

 

[Timbertec]

I use TB in almost every caliber I reload for. Great fun in the rifles and excellent results in both 38Spcl and 45 ACP.

So - tell me more...

Was considering buying some just for this very use...

I realize the speed won't be the best but how is it for cleanup? The thought of having something fill the case on a light load is pretty appealing

 

[KDX]

I have two loads, the real quiet one is 3.7 grains of Trail Boss with the 20 grain Vmax. It is doing 1820 fps, and I use it to 150 yards. It will do 1/2" at 100 yards and shoots 5 " below and 3" left of POA, with the gun sighted in using Berger 30 grain loads with 8208 powder at 3650 FPS, 1.2" high at 100. (I adjust the scope to compensate, so they hit dead on at 100, and then return it to its original settings when I go back to the full bore loads)

The other load is 5.7 grains of Trail Boss with the Vmax. This one is doing about 2660 fps, and thus duplicates 17 HMR velocities. It will shoot about .6 at 100 yards, and is a competent performer out to 250 yards. It is a lot quieter than a full bore 17FB load, about the same as the HMR.

Thanks for the info. I will have to pick up some of this powder.

 

[fwm]

I have used it in the 30-30 with 125gr cast bullets as well as with 200gr cast bullets in the 7.62x54R for my son. Accurate enough for plinking no recoil and little noise. From memory I think it was 9gr in the 30-30 and 12gr in the Russian. Very easy formula, filled to the base of the bullet you are using is max, starting load is 75% of max. I'm a big fan of this powder so I hope the supply doesn't dry up as more people discover this gem.

 

[dargrim]

I use Trail Boss for 45 ACP. 4.5 grains is accurate for me and the powder is cheaper than most.

 

[Dean2]

I'll have to experiment with it. What kind of accuracy are you getting with reduced loads in the bigger bore guns?

I have used it in the 45-70, 375 Ruger and 460 Weatherby mag. All will hold well under an inch at 50 yards and under 1.5 at 100, with Jacketed bullets. With cast bullets a lot depends on how good the castings are. Most cast will do an inch at 50, it is at 100 a beyond that some of them start to open up.

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

Makes a dandy grouse load out of my 7x57

I'm a big fan of it. No way you can double charge the case, recoil is none existent, the sound it makes is clearly distinctive enough that other hunters in your party can tell that I've gotten bored and given up on deer and have taken to shooting grouse instead No idea what my velocity is, but for shooting grouse at 15 yards, it's not that important. The best part (last year anyways), was when zeroed with a 160 gr. Deep Curl, I was 3" high at 15 yards but the windage was dead on.

Only downside is after firing it kinda smells like cat pee....

Cory

 

[wcat]

Check local laws, at some places, hunting grouse is prohibited with a centerfire rifle.

 

[H4831]

The wheel has been reinvented!
People have been loading light, or very light loads, in all types of rifles for over a hundred years, using many varieties of fast burning powder. More than forty years ago I was shooting my 30-06 in the basement. With noise about like a 22 rimfire, it would make one hole clover leafs at 35 feet. A young son thought it was great that he could shoot my 30-06 in the basement.
For that I was using Unique, but many other powders will also work well. Red dot, green dot, blue dot, whatever dot, 4227, bullseye, W231 and 4759 all come to mind.
With some of these powders, or some a bit slower it is easy to load a 300 magnum to 30-30, or 32-20 velocities, as well as the much slower basement loads.
I have never used Trail Boss, but from all I can learn abut it, it's sole advantage over any other of the fast burning powders is that it is so bulky that it can not be double loaded to cause any damage.
So, to use any of the powders mentioned, just be sure to use the proper load.

 

[jongun]

Nice Cory. Looking to do the same with my Mosin next fall.

 

[Old Ranger]

I've used it in the past in 3030, 7.62x54, and 7.7x58 Jap. with cast bullets. Accuracy OK but certainly not the best that I've had with other powders. The "surfacing" of this thread after 2 yrs inspired me to pick up another half lb jug this afternoon. Going to try it with cast in my 788 222Rem. Plinking loads for my grandson. Anybody got a load in 222 that has has worked well

 

[Hotwheels81]

TC Encore 45/70
405g hard cast OMA over trail boss, at 35 yards it punched thru the ribs and heart of this mature mule doe and left a clean exit hole...
....and recoil is quite manageable...

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

Check local laws, at some places, hunting grouse is prohibited with a centerfire rifle.

I don't think this was directed at me, but this is what the Ontario regulations state.

"If you are hunting small game in an area where there is an open season
for deer, moose, elk, or black bear, you may not possess or use a rifle
of greater muzzle energy than 400 foot-pounds or shells loaded with
ball or with shot larger than No. 2 shot (or if using non-toxic shot, you
may not use steel shot larger than triple BBB steel shot, or bismuth
shot that is larger than double BB bismuth shot), unless you possess a
valid licence to hunt deer, moose, elk or black bear as the case may be. "

Your mileage may of course vary

Cory

 

[Dean2]

Thought I would post an update. Tried Lil'Gun in the 17 Hornet, 1.6 grains gives 950 FPS, very quiet and great accurracy. Max loas is 3.6 grains.

Cz527 American 1.9 twist, Privi 22 hornet cases fireformed to .17 Hornet. 25 gr Hornady HP, Remington 6 1/2 primers...

2.5gr trail boss

1. 1415 fps
2. 1456 fps
3. 1447 fps
4. err2
5. err2

2.3gr Trail boss

1. err2
2. err2
3. 1284 fps
4. 1377 fps
5. 1365 fps

2gr Trail boss

1. 1250 fps
2. 1225 fps
3. 1246 fps
4. 1278 fps
5. 1182 fps

1.8gr Trail boss

1. 1093 fps
2. 1048 fps
3. 1060 fps
4. 1109 fps
5. 1055 fps

 

[hoytcanon]

Anyone use Trail Boss in their 30-30? I was thinking of trying it behind 150gr Hornady RN's in my Win 94 rifle for fun shooting at the range.

8 grains TB under 150 RN's... good for squirrels, grouse, rabbits, coons, fox etc...

 

[hoytcanon]

Thought I would post an update. Tried Lil'Gun in the 17 Hornet, 1.6 grains gives 950 FPS, very quiet and great accurracy. Max loas is 3.6 grains.

Cz527 American 1.9 twist, Privi 22 hornet cases....

3.0 grains TB under 45 SP's are subsonic in our K-Hornets... and a super accurate load for small game.

 

[gwesson]

Had to horn-in; I've been using Trail Boss for just about everything - it's been the only part-power lead-load powder I could get around here - I'm getting away from it now; there're two things I dislike about it.

First, it's dirty. We have a mild lead load we use in all our .45's, 230gr DRG lead TC over 3.5gr Trail Boss, averages ~650 f/s out of a 5" barrel. Nice & accurate, not much recoil, but big puff of smoke, stinks, and the pistols come back filthy; we're working-on VV now to try to get less smoke and dirt.

Second, for the small amounts I'm using it doesn't meter very well in the Hornady L&L AP; I tap the powder thrower once-up, once-down every round I load and every ~30 rounds I feel a 'chuff' that suggests to me the case wasn't full. Both our 45's cycle just about everything - and the Webley simply doesn't care - no real complaints except the extra step to tap the thrower.

A word of careful warning, too. I don't remember what site I was discussing this on, Trail Boss is documented to do weird things if you exceed the recommended load; don't try pushing it for power, you may be putting yourself at risk.

Cheerz - Happy New Year!

 

[Death]

Looks like Trail Boss will do a subsonic .300blk with 110 gr bullet

 

[K-C]

I used Trail Boss for some .223 Remington Sub-sonic loads and was happy with accuracy at 50 yards. This is a very quiet load...

Velocity: 1,070 fps
55 gr Hornady V-Max Moly #22713
Remington 6 1/2 Primer
4.0 gr Trail Boss

 

[Suputin]

Looks like Trail Boss will do a subsonic .300blk with 110 gr bullet

I have been using Trailboss for subsonic loads with 150gr bullets. I am in the 6.0-6.5gr range and it works really well. Extremely quiet but a boltgun only load as it will not cycle an AR.