Lets talk powder

[Moose02]

I dont know much about it Asides that it burns really well. What the difference between spherical and non

 

[Cummins4x4]

There are 3 types, ball stick and some that looks like tiny flakes. As a general rule most slow burning rifle powders are stick, medium rifle and pistol can be stick or ball, most fast burning powders are the flake. There are exceptions to this. Ball and flake powders usually work better in a powder measure than the stick (extruded) powders which is why a lot of rifle shooters weigh every charge.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Those stick powders, which seem to be what I'm always using for rifle, crunch and get sheered in the powder drop. I cringe at the sound. I set the drop just short of what I want and trickle into the powder scale cup to reach the mark. Beggers can't be choosers, powder choice isn't great these days.

I've heard stick powders are more temperature stable. Truth to it?

 

[KDX]

Hogdon's 'Extreme' powders are supposed to be temperature stable and I think they are all extruded, but I've only used Benchmark so I could be wrong.

 

[Ganderite]

ball powder measure perfectly in a powder thrower. For anyhting but the most extreme accuracy requirements, real good ammo can be made by just throwing a charge of ball powder.

Stick powder burns a little cleaner and cooler, but does not throw as accuratley.

If I am throwing charges, I prefer to use ball.

 

[762nato]

Ball powder also has a deterent coating which leaves a coating in your bore, also harder to ignite than extruded powder....

 

[Swiend]

I've used H414, a spherical type of powder. Great results using magnum primers.