As most of us know there is a powder shortage, I normally build my Cowboy Action loads using Unique and 158 gr RNFP bullets. Problem is like most of us I'm running out of it. I've managed to get a couple of pounds of W231 and I was wondering if anyone had worked up a 60 Power Factor reload using W231 and 158 grain RNFP bullets.
Cowboy Action Reloads
- Thread starter Garand
- Start date
Yes, there's a minimum speed as well as a minimum power factor. In your case the heavier bullet means that you need to reach the minimum speed.
The Hodgdon reloading data center calls for a minimum of 3.1gns for a velocity of 782 fps. So you'll want to go to something under 3 grains.
I'm liking the idea of Seagull's 2.8gns provided it doesn't result in spotty ignition and irregularity in the burns.
I see this sort of thing with one cowboy shooter that is using something very light like 2.4 to 2.6gns of Titegroup behind 130gn bullets. The muzzle reports from his guns tends to be highly variable which suggests that he's not developing the pressure needed to ensure a consistent burn of the powder. And at some point the idea of squibs due to not achieving ignition of enough powder becomes a possibility.
So if you end up working down to your own loads then be watching for inconsistent sound and recoil. It suggests that you're on the ragged edge and should likely bump back up by .2 to .3gns to get better consistency and some insurance against squib loads where only a few granules ignite instead of the whole charge burning correctly.
Which raises the question for Seagull. How are your loads for consistent muzzle report and recoil compared to heavier "by the manual" loads above 3.1gns? I know you're barely under the book minimum but if you're already finding some variation from round to round it would suggest that your loads are already pretty much the minimum.
The Hodgdon reloading data center calls for a minimum of 3.1gns for a velocity of 782 fps. So you'll want to go to something under 3 grains.
I'm liking the idea of Seagull's 2.8gns provided it doesn't result in spotty ignition and irregularity in the burns.
I see this sort of thing with one cowboy shooter that is using something very light like 2.4 to 2.6gns of Titegroup behind 130gn bullets. The muzzle reports from his guns tends to be highly variable which suggests that he's not developing the pressure needed to ensure a consistent burn of the powder. And at some point the idea of squibs due to not achieving ignition of enough powder becomes a possibility.
So if you end up working down to your own loads then be watching for inconsistent sound and recoil. It suggests that you're on the ragged edge and should likely bump back up by .2 to .3gns to get better consistency and some insurance against squib loads where only a few granules ignite instead of the whole charge burning correctly.
Which raises the question for Seagull. How are your loads for consistent muzzle report and recoil compared to heavier "by the manual" loads above 3.1gns? I know you're barely under the book minimum but if you're already finding some variation from round to round it would suggest that your loads are already pretty much the minimum.
I see 650 for 2.8 and 700 for 3.0 with lead 148grn . All I tested were +/- 10 fps. I tried 2.6 and that wasn't cronyied. I didn't run around with it shaking and what not like that happens in CAS thou when testing
There are quite a few fans of these puff loads especially the 3.0.
HOWDY; 158 lead (DRG) RNFP, HP 38 with 3.4 grains 38 Winchester brass, Winchester small pistol MAG. primer, Ruger 4 5/8 barrel.
652, 729, 741, 712, 686, feet per second.
3.6 average 747 FPS, with a spread of 38 FPS
All shots were sounding the same and clean enough, the temperature was 60 F. I like to know the bullet left the gun.
652, 729, 741, 712, 686, feet per second.
3.6 average 747 FPS, with a spread of 38 FPS
All shots were sounding the same and clean enough, the temperature was 60 F. I like to know the bullet left the gun.
Howdy; As to tighgroup I have found it is not good at under loads or low pressures, leaves green gobs and gums up the gun to the point of binding. Works great at mid level of the loading or above.45 acp and 9 MM are perfect. Or use it in 38 cowboy load in the winter as HP 38 is cold sensitive.
