Is this powder residue?

[JimGnitecki]

My latest 45-70 handload for my Pedersoli Sharps replica uses a 405g commercially cast & lubed bullet, Accurate 5744 powder at 25.5g (middle of the Accurate load table) and seated to about 2.553" COAL. I noticed after firing 30 rounds that there were particles of what appear to be powder residue in the barrel. You can see some of these particles in this photo:



(Photo taken before any cleaning started)

I had not noticed these in previous loads.

IS this unburnt powder or powder residue? Is this common with large case / low powder charge loads in 45-70?

Jim G

 

[fxvr5]

The big curly-Q things? Yes, it's powder residue.

 

[243winxb]

Powder residue, or unburnt powder is possible. Many different cartridges may not burn 100% of the powder charge. The unburnt is just blown out the muzzle.

IMR 4227 leaves some in my 357, 44 mag barrels.

Sweeping the floor of an indoor range shows a lot of residue & some unburnt.

 

[JimGnitecki]

Ok, sounds like nothing to worry about. Thanks.

Jim G

 

[tightgroup tiger]

It could be lint from your cleaning patches.

 

[JimGnitecki]

It could be lint from your cleaning patches.

This photo was taken BEFORE doing ANY patching or cleaning of any type. Right after returning from the range, before cleaning was started.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I guess it's not lint then.

 

[MEHavey]

Totally normal for that cartridge, powder, pressure, velocity.
You can shoot it that way `til the cows come home.

 

[Atavar]

Powder residue, or unburnt powder is possible. Many different cartridges may not burn 100% of the powder charge. The unburnt is just blown out the muzzle.

IMR 4227 leaves some in my 357, 44 mag barrels.

Sweeping the floor of an indoor range shows a lot of residue & some unburnt.

When I made my living building cannons we would shoot them in concrete underground tunnels. 1/2 lb of powder in each round.
Every quarter we would burn off the residue by closing the blast proof doors and setting off a blowtorch.
It made a huge *WHOOSH* with a huge pressure wave when it lit off.
We also rented the tunnels to an air bag company for testing. That residue was worse.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Ok, sounds like nothing to worry about. Thanks.

Jim G

In my experience, AA5744 is sorta known for leaving unburnt kernels/ powder residue…
Keep shootin’…..!!!!
Sounds like soon you’ll be casting your own bullets for that rifle…??

 

[Jim Watson]

Sweeping the floor of an indoor range shows a lot of residue & some unburnt.

NOT sweeping the floor of an indoor range has led to fires when the unburnt powder on the floor is ignited.

 

[mdi]

I didn't see enough fouling (?) or unburnt powder to be concerned about. One thing I did notice is you use "commercially cast" bullets. I have found many commercial casters produce less than quality bullets. Diameters and weights are often so-so consistent, but most lube on bullets I have purchased are really poor; too hard, not enough, not up to the task for velocities and pressures, which may cause "fouling"...

 

[deadeye dick]

When I made my living building cannons we would shoot them in concrete underground tunnels. 1/2 lb of powder in each round.
Every quarter we would burn off the residue by closing the blast proof doors and setting off a blowtorch.
It made a huge *WHOOSH* with a huge pressure wave when it lit off.
We also rented the tunnels to an air bag company for testing. That residue was worse.

Sounds like a lot of fun

 

[JimGnitecki]

In my experience, AA5744 is sorta known for leaving unburnt kernels/ powder residue…
Keep shootin’…..!!!!
Sounds like soon you’ll be casting your own bullets for that rifle…??

Yes, I am getting started on bullet casting!

Jim G

 

[JimGnitecki]

I didn't see enough fouling (?) or unburnt powder to be concerned about. One thing I did notice is you use "commercially cast" bullets. I have found many commercial casters produce less than quality bullets. Diameters and weights are often so-so consistent, but most lube on bullets I have purchased are really poor; too hard, not enough, not up to the task for velocities and pressures...

Yes, and the commercial bullets are too HARD, and very costly in 500g weights. As I mentioned above, I AM getting set up to cast my own bullets.