Low-flash loading

[Old Scratch]

What is your favorite low-flash load/powder?

 

[RidgwayCO]

VihtaVuori 3N37 combined with a 124gr FMJ or JHP in a 9mm Luger. I load these bullets to about 1175 fps to duplicate the performance of the Speer 124gr GDHP +P commercial load, but at standard 9mm Luger pressures (not +P). YMMV.

 

[Old Scratch]

3N37 is very good. Ever try N330 in 9mm? I like it even better. 3N38 looks great on paper but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[R.W.Dale]

H335 with 125g bullets in 30-06...... ....... ..... OH! I'm sorry you meant LOW flash

carry on

 

[Crimp]

Ramshot Silhouette

 

[Trent]

I wasn't even aware of flash being an issue until I read about low-light shooting thing they hosted on Box o' Truth. I also didn't know a human could be "flashbulbed", or that different powders have different color muzzle flash.

I use Bullseye and Unique for 45, is either any better than the other for low flash?

 

[brandon_mcg]

i can see this having implications in SD scenarios. less flash=better follow up shots. taking notes from you guys!

 

[Old Scratch]

Trent,

For 45 ACP you might try Green Dot and PB. Again, VV 3N37 is both clean burning and low-flash. In my experience Unique is quite bright.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

W231 and HS-6 are fairly low flash with HS-6 being the lesser of the two.

 

[Trent]

Thanks Old Scratch. Don't have either on hand, but next time I hit up the tradin post I'll buy a couple of jugs to try out. 45ACP is my nightstand gun, and if it were ever used it's going to be dark(ish), so flash is a concern.

Good thing it's dark out so early now, makes for convenient testing. Haven't hit the range at night in quite awhile.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

flake powders that are relatively fast are generally low-flash.
slower 'ball' or 'spheroid' shapes are'nt what you want.

 

[RidgwayCO]

Old Scratch, I agree with you that N330 is very good. My problem is that it's also very difficult to find. I've got one bottle of it on the shelf, because it's the only one I ever saw...

 

[cheygriz]

I carry only factory loaded ammo for self defense, so loading for low flash isn 't an issue.

Use whatever your local law enforcement agencies carry, and you're pretty well covered on all fronts.

 

[Trent]

It's easy to prove that what I load is equivalent to factory velocity, and I use factory projectiles, so no worries there.

Of course, I live in a castle doctrine state, so I could use a firearm, baseball bat, kitchen knife, or 9 iron to good effect on an intruder and I'm in the clear. Lethal force is lethal force. Some states are not as friendly towards self defense.

 

[Archie]

In general,

... faster powders (relative, of course to the actual cartridge in question) burns better and more completely in the barrel and leaves less 'flash' once the bullet leaves the barrel

Lower pressure loads burn with a duller, reddish flame than higher pressure loads. In .45 ACP, the pressure differential from low to high isn't breathtaking, but the lowest load that will cycle the pistol will probably be the coolest burn and therefore the dullest flash.

Happy experimenting.

 

[black timber]

HS-6 & AA#9... and that my friends is my first post.

 

[Trent]

To the OP - thank you very much, I finally have a reason to throw some targets out in the back yard after dark, in order to pursue the scientific method via experimentation....