powder burn rate for cartridges ?

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How does one know the best burn rate for any particular cartridge. I would imagine the bullet weight is also part of the equation. I know there’s a list of what the burn rate is on different powders but is there any way of knowing or a list of what’s the best powder for any particular cartridges.

Looking at reloading manual you can have a number of powders listed but how do you know which one would be a better choice ? Is it just trial and error checking velocities or is there a better method of choosing. I’m looking at starting to reload for some of my rifles and would rather buy fewer powders and cutting down on expense then buy a variety of powders to have sit on the shelf not being used.

I was also advised at one time that looking at the discoloration on the neck of the brass after shooting a cartridge can indicate if it’s to fast or slow. Any truth to this ?

Since I’m on the subject of powders , I have also read that some powders are better for being stable under different temperatures when shooting compared to others, meaning shooting in the summer and colder temperatures like fall or winter months.

Would anyone have any information to pass on for me to understand on how to better my choice of powders or did I ask to many questions ?
 
Powder choice is critical only if your after nothing but MAX velocity!
There's a few Burn rate charts around but they really aren't useable when considering what load & how much powder to use.
For instance the faster powder is always a lesser charge weight!
For basic reloading for hunting rounds I recommend you pick a powder listed in the MIDDLE of your manuals max velocity range. Powders listed in manuals are either from fastest-slowest or occasionally other way around.

Some powders are more or less temp sensetive but for the most part you'd have to be in extreme conditions to see it.

No truth in case neck discolorization unless you at an extreme low pressure load.

Hope that helps!
 
So from what I’m understanding, if I would stay midway and not chase after maximum loads it should be OK. On some cartridges I have no intentions of going for max. but for a couple of hunting rounds I’d like to get closer to higher velocities. I guess this all has to do with pressure signs.

Funny, I never associated lower charge weight with faster burning powders, good to know. Thank You...

Is it also true that more volume of powder in the case the better it is?
 
Maybe my question about the discoloration on the neck of the brass after shooting wasn’t correctly described.

If I was to say the amount of powder residue left on the neck after shooting a round determine if the powder was to fast or slow? Would that make a difference...
 
Some powders burn so clean the case is still brass coloured inside, not black.

I look for a powder that fills the case to about the base of the shoulder, or to the top of the shoulder. Some manuals mention loading density, so I would look for something in the 90% to 100% range.

if I am using a light bullet, I chose a faster powder so I get enough pressure for a reliable burn.

Here is a pretty good powder buring rate chart listing most powders. If a book suggests a powder you don't have, this chart might help you find a similar speed powder you do have.

http://home.hiwaay.net/~stargate/powder/powder.htm
 
Often if the starting load is too low for your combo you will get powder residue on the outside of the neck and shoulder of the fired case--as pressure in the load increases it usually goes away.

44Bore
 
After choosing my bullet, I usually start with the powder that give the max velocity in the manual. This is the most efficient powder for a given bullet. For hunting load, this is my first choice. I like to use the bullet manufacturer load data or manual since most of you know - manual differ. All load are fired through a Chrono (PACT) to get info.

Whatever, I look for the accuracy load suggested in the Sierra manual as a starting point for my target load.
So far it work well this way, without need to try too many powder and bullet combination to get what I want.
 
Last edited:
GANDERITE said:
Some powders burn so clean the case is still brass coloured inside, not black.

I look for a powder that fills the case to about the base of the shoulder, or to the top of the shoulder. Some manuals mention loading density, so I would look for something in the 90% to 100% range.

if I am using a light bullet, I chose a faster powder so I get enough pressure for a reliable burn.
Click to expand...

Excellent advice,

Here is another very useful powder burn rate chart. You can click on this image and then download the larger image file for printing. (You will need to search around the page for the DOWNLOAD IMAGE button)

 
Last edited:
GANDERITE said:
Some powders burn so clean the case is still brass coloured inside, not black.

I look for a powder that fills the case to about the base of the shoulder, or to the top of the shoulder. Some manuals mention loading density, so I would look for something in the 90% to 100% range.

if I am using a light bullet, I chose a faster powder so I get enough pressure for a reliable burn.

Here is a pretty good powder buring rate chart listing most powders. If a book suggests a powder you don't have, this chart might help you find a similar speed powder you do have.

http://home.hiwaay.net/~stargate/powder/powder.htm
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with GANDERITE
 
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