Last 2 reloading questions for awhile-I promise

[Eric M]

H4831 is considered the go-to powder to the 270 Win.  I wouldn't switch to ball powder just because of metering thru your powder thrower.  The short cut version will meter better.  You should try that. 

I hear you. I have several other calibers I plan to reload for eventually. I'd really like to get the load dialed in for my 270 first. Not in a super hurry to use the powder thrower for that. I would like to see it working properly is all. But I'm working at a pretty slow pace. I'd like to see a couple of different loads from the 4831 before I use anything else. Thanks.

[Eric M]

Thanks for all the responses. Someday I'll do a youtube video of all these things I'm going through now. I tried to lube the case necks but I was worried about sticking too much in the casing so it makes sense that's what it was. Good information on the powders. It still seems odd to me though the burn rate is the same but starting loads would be different. I have more to read though.

Run them through a case tumbler after you've resized them or just use some Hornady One shot lube sprayed up into the die every so often. My brass gets put into a bread bag, get's a few shot of case lube, shaken up, and then ran through the sizing die. The only cartridge that causes issues for me is 280ai.

The burn rates are the same but that's a relative idea. Small variations in powders from lot to lot changes companies data because it changes pressures in there equipment. It's the reason target shooters buy every thing in large quantities. The benefits of the SC powders is they meter and condense in the case better. A condensed load with H4831 will normally leave you with extra room if you do the same load with H4831SC.

Ball powders are usually described as "Spherical" powders by the manufacturers. Hodgdon actually separates them out for easy reference. They can pose other issues to obtaining accuracy but they're generally not insurmountable. What youre rifle likes is first and foremost. For hunting loads, having to use your powder trickler for a few rounds a year isn't that big of a deal.

I appreciate your detailed response. I don't have a tumbler yet. I'll try the one shot. Thanks for taking the time to explain. Sometimes I'm reading and I'm looking for the rest of the explanation haha.I just bought a trickler and made my first 10 last night, using new brass. Thanks for al the help.

[iusmc2002]

If you're going to use One Shot, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!  One Shot gets a bad rap for stuck cases, but it works well if you use it as directed.  It's expensive though, relatively speaking.  If you're going to be into reloading very much, look at making your own lube with lanolin and alcohol or HEET.

[DaveMonti]

My press does the same thing when re-sizing bullets.  It is the neck sticking in the expander on the way out.  Just catches on the way out.

Exactly, the expander opens the neck up to the correct diameter so that the bullet will be a pressure fit in it.  Don't forget to lube INSIDE the neck!  Do this by using a nylon cleaning brush with a little bit of lube on it.  The lube on the outside is important, but so is a very little bit of lube inside the neck. 

[Eric M]

My press does the same thing when re-sizing bullets.  It is the neck sticking in the expander on the way out.  Just catches on the way out.

Exactly, the expander opens the neck up to the correct diameter so that the bullet will be a pressure fit in it.  Don't forget to lube INSIDE the neck!  Do this by using a nylon cleaning brush with a little bit of lube on it.  The lube on the outside is important, but so is a very little bit of lube inside the neck.

I'll use a little more than I was. I think I was being overly cautious with the lube that came with the kit I have. Thanks

[Bofire]

4831 is a great powder do not give up on it just because of measure problems!! That is why you have a scale, you can weigh all loads!! LOL
Carl

[Eric M]

4831 is a great powder do not give up on it just because of measure problems!! That is why you have a scale, you can weigh all loads!! LOL
Carl

I hear you. haha. I'm working it.

[JLS]

I'm not a chemist or a physicist, and I'll take your guys' word on the 4831 and 4831 SC.  I just can't see how a powder with different surface areas can have the exact same burn rate.

[theleo]

I'm not loyal to powders, I just go with what performance I want with a given bullet and make sure it feed/functions from the magazine well. Old standbys like 4831, 4895, 4350... have long and proven track records but disappear fast when people start hoarding. Newer powders have the benefit of technology and shorter history as must haves for guys. Don't get to stuck on making one powder work for you.

[Eric M]

I'm not loyal to powders, I just go with what performance I want with a given bullet and make sure it feed/functions from the magazine well. Old standbys like 4831, 4895, 4350... have long and proven track records but disappear fast when people start hoarding. Newer powders have the benefit of technology and shorter history as must haves for guys. Don't get to stuck on making one powder work for you.

Never thought of that. Thanks.

[jaymark6655]

I'm not a chemist or a physicist, and I'll take your guys' word on the 4831 and 4831 SC.  I just can't see how a powder with different surface areas can have the exact same burn rate.

As long as the length is longer than the diameter, the surface area isn't really changing that much and burn rate is determined by looking solely at the diameter of the grain.  If it did change any, they could just add a coating or additive to slow it back down.

[Eric M]

I'm not a chemist or a physicist, and I'll take your guys' word on the 4831 and 4831 SC.  I just can't see how a powder with different surface areas can have the exact same burn rate.

As long as the length is longer than the diameter, the surface area isn't really changing that much and burn rate is determined by looking solely at the diameter of the grain.  If it did change any, they could just add a coating or additive to slow it back down.

My original concern was the different minimum starting loads for the 2 different powders. I'm starting to see the manuals don't even agree on some of that data.

[lamrith]

Yup, is why always get a few manuals and compare then set your start point.

Good to see you asking questions though, reloading can be dangerous if people do not take the time to research before starting.  Good on you!

[JLS]

I'm not a chemist or a physicist, and I'll take your guys' word on the 4831 and 4831 SC.  I just can't see how a powder with different surface areas can have the exact same burn rate.

As long as the length is longer than the diameter, the surface area isn't really changing that much and burn rate is determined by looking solely at the diameter of the grain.  If it did change any, they could just add a coating or additive to slow it back down.

My original concern was the different minimum starting loads for the 2 different powders. I'm starting to see the manuals don't even agree on some of that data.

You'll find variation from manual to manual.  I load a lot of Barnes bullets, and I've found that their load data varies a LOT from other manuals.  I'd recommend you try to match the manual to the bullet type you are using and go from there.

I'm a pretty conservative reloaded, and I've found that most of my guns have their sweet spot in the middle range of the load data. 

Also, don't be afraid to really fine tune loads.  I did some load development with my .243 last year, and found that a change in 0.3 grains of powder cut the group size in half (1.5 MOA to 0.75).  Don't get frustrated if things don't work out right away either.  I couldn't get the gun to shoot below MOA with 4350 powders to save my life.  Went to Superperformance powder, and am very happy with it.

[theleo]

You'll find variation from manual to manual.  I load a lot of Barnes bullets, and I've found that their load data varies a LOT from other manuals. 

The reason for that is that their all copper bullet generates higher pressures than a given lead core bullet of the same weight. The Nosler E-tip and Hornady GMX aren't as bad about it but the alloys they use are essentially the copper jackets to their bonded core counter parts. The Barnes are a copper alloy unto themselves.