Questions on single vs double based powders...

[ballman6711]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of one vs the other? Does one burn cleaner than the other? Hotter? Is one more stable? Temp sensitive? Muzzle flash? Shelf life?

Trying to learn here, and hoping you guys (and girls) can help. Maybe point me to some articles that would explain the differences between the two.

Thanks in advance!

chris

 

[243winxb]

These links may help answer some questions..http://www.firearmsid.com/Feature Articles/McCord_gunpowder/ and photos of many powders. http://www.ilrc.ucf.edu/powders/sample_detail.php?powder_id=1

The SDS or MSDS on website like Hodgdon & Alliant will list the chemical in their powders.

 

[ballman6711]

Great information and fascinating read! Thank you so much 243winxb!

From the article I gather that single and double base powders are available for reloading, and triple base is military use.

My curiosity comes from reading posts here lately about the lifetime of powder. I know if stored properly it can last a long time, and I also know that heat can cause it to degrade faster thereby decreasing the useful life of said powder. I also understand humidity can decrease shelf life.

Maybe some day I'll get a degree in rocket science and truly understand.

chris

 

[rfwobbly]

I'm a big fan of single-base powders, especially for pistol. At one time single-base were everywhere, but with the latest change overs (mostly driven by manufacturing costs it seems) they are getting harder and harder to find.

 

[243winxb]

American Rifleman magazine "the whole shooting match" Sig Sauer. March 2020 issue, page #44.

B.J. Rogers- We tend to use single-base powders when possible because they provide less velocity spread due to temperature changes than double-based powders.

A broad statement that needs testing & the powders listed by name to better answer the OP question. Imo.

 

[Zendude]

Isn’t VV about the only company left that makes a single base powder suitable for pistol cartridges?

 

[243winxb]

The SDS may show double base powders containing Nitro. https://www.hodgdon.com/resources/safety-data-sheets/

But powders are grouped into "families" . Nitro range may be from 0 to 42 in ball powders.
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2017/6/1/gunpowder-how-it-works/

Pistol powders are generally fast-burning, double-base powders—often very similar to shotgun powders. Rifle powders are slower-burning, designed to accelerate the bullet down a long barrel in order to achieve maximum velocity with minimum pressure. However, there is some overlap. Hodgdon's Lil' Gun powder was specifically designed for .410-bore shotguns, but it also works well in many magnum-pistol and relatively small rifle cartridges like the .22 Hornet and .218 Bee.

"However, there is some overlap. Hodgdon's Lil' Gun powder"
Meaning, no Nitro??

I am going to go with the powder that provides the best accuracy on target.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Isn’t VV about the only company left that makes a single base powder suitable for pistol cartridges?

Maxam
https://www.maxamcorp.com/en/cartridges-components/components/powder

 

[ballman6711]

A lot of interesting reading here.

From what I've read double base burns hotter, and may erode throats/barrels faster. Triple base is pretty much reserved for tanks/anti-aircraft/big guns on very big ships. Seems like single base is best for reloading, but can be difficult to find/identify.

And all I got from the MSDS sheets was "Don't eat this stuff" because it may be harmful or cause cancer in CA!

Thanks for all the replies and links. Learning something every day.

chris

 

[243winxb]

Barrel life calculator. ,https://pierrevanderwalt.com/barrel-life-calculator/

Lower in thread , powder temperature. http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/smokeless-powder-flame-temp.4000162/

 

[Dudedog]

This makes me miss SR7625 and SR4756.
VV and Vectan both have Single base pistol powders.
Didn't know Maxam did.

Maxam
https://www.maxamcorp.com/en/cartridges-components/components/powder

Thanks for the link Fine Figure of a Man

 

[rfwobbly]

Isn’t VV about the only company left that makes a single base powder suitable for pistol cartridges?

• At one time the entire line of IMR powders were single-based. I think some still remain for rifle, but my favorite 7625 is discontinued, as is PB and 4756.
• The Solo series from Accurate is single-base. Solo 1250 is gone, but Solo 1000 may still be with us.
• The Noble Sport Vectan Ba series is single-base.
• The VihtaVuori N300 series is single base.

Where can you get the Maxan powders in the USA ?

 

[Zendude]

•
Where can you get the Maxan powders in the USA ?

Fedarm in Fort Smith, AR sells Maxam powder. https://fedarm.com/product-category/ammunition-components/powder/

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Fedarm in Fort Smith, AR sells Maxam powder. https://fedarm.com/product-category/ammunition-components/powder/

My local gun guy has CSB-1. He got it during the last powder "shortage"
The Fedarm site and others state that it is "like Titegroup", that is a poor description. I defiantly doesn't seem to burn as hot and it won't destroy your powder hopper if left in it for a week. The charge weights may be similar, I've never compared them. I would describe CSB-1 as a "disk powder". It meters very well and 9mm charge weights fill the cases nicely.
I know that the drum of powder my local guy has states that it is "like Green Dot", which is not a good description either.