AZAndy
Member
I frequently read posts here about specific powders for specific loads, and the powder choice seems to depend on many factors such as bullet weight, type of bullet, chambering, intended use, and so on. When I became interested in reloading, I tried to discover what the different characteristics of various powders are, but didn't find anything to refer to other than lists of powders according to burn speed. So, to start out my reloading adventures, I picked four cartridges I intended to begin with (.45ACP, 9mm Makarov, .38 Special and +P, and 7.62 Tokarev) and looked up loading data for them. I picked two powders that had load data for all four of these with the bullet types and weights I thought I'd be most likely to use, and bought them: Titegroup and Clays Universal. I've loaded .45 with Titegroup and Makarov with Universal, mostly because the Lee disk measure works out best that way for me (using 4.4 gn or .37cc Titegroup with .45 and .40cc with the Universal in 9x18).
I know that what I've done is a pretty ignorant approach based on a pragmatic desire to simply do what will get the job done, and I'd like to remedy my lack of knowledge. Is there a reference work or two that will help me to understand the characteristics of powders? I'd just as soon not have a different powder on hand for every single cartridge I'll eventually reload for, and need some insight on what works best with what and why.
Thanks,
Andy
I know that what I've done is a pretty ignorant approach based on a pragmatic desire to simply do what will get the job done, and I'd like to remedy my lack of knowledge. Is there a reference work or two that will help me to understand the characteristics of powders? I'd just as soon not have a different powder on hand for every single cartridge I'll eventually reload for, and need some insight on what works best with what and why.
Thanks,
Andy