Do you test with different powders in same session?
- Thread starter Fern
- Start date
Lone Hunter
Silver $$ Contributor
I will shoot different powders at the same session but I will clean between shooting the different powders. After I clean I fowl the barrel with 5 shots with the powder I’m getting ready to test.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Clean between bullet brand change and or powder change.
Gotta be a little careful shooting more than one powder. Typically shooting the same brand like hodgdon isn't bad. Some Powders will not behave well shooting them back to back.
Will not behave well? What do you mean by behave well? That has my curiosity piqued. I say this because I have done it.
Differences in propellant formulations can affect what you see on target when switching from one propellant to another. Manufactures compound their products to meet a range of characteristics, one of which is the degree to which they leave 'stuff' behind in a rifle's bore that reduces copper fouling, carbon deposits, etc. and may act as a 'lube' for further rounds fired.
What's deemed as 'good' by one manufacturer may conflict with what another feels is appropriate for the propellant they provide us. It's that simple.
It's been awhile since I read forum posts (here and elsewhere) providing combinations that play well together or interfere with one another to some degree but they're out there. So called 'best practice' would have a shooter – at minimum – dry patch a bore when switching propellants. Some will go to doing a thorough clean-then-foul bore before getting down to serious testing.
I have found that when changing powders, the first shot with a different powder will give a different result than the next four. I do not clean, but do shoot a round or two before shooting for a group or chronographing.
jelenko
Gold $$ Contributor
I've found it also depends on the two powders. Some seem to make a much bigger difference than others.
Cfshooter
Silver $$ Contributor
Many times with a new bullet I will load an OCW with two different powders for first trip. Usually 18 rounds per powder (3 per charge -5 charged, and 3 foulers per powder). I usually can see if one powder is better than the other and which one to test more with. Sometimes both suck lol. But then again, sometimes both look good and then I will go to which did better with the chrono numbers.
I know this question I'm about to ask is going to be very vague, but, well.... To quote Forrest Gump, "I'm not a smart man", so please bear with me. Haha
To what degree does it usually affect it? When I say that, I mean, to a benchrest group degree or a 1/2 minute degree? I know we're all, as shooters and reloaders, always chasing smaller groups, but if a guy is only looking for a 1/2 minute gun, would he notice the effects like a benchrest shooter?
Here again this is something I read a long time ago in a gun magazine, always clean when switching powders for load development. So that's what I did and do.
Does it matter? I don't know because I wasn't going to take the time or absorb the cost of components to test the assertion. It was just easier to for me to clean before testing another powder. It wasn't any big deal because I would normally run about 4 test loads per range session with a given powder, so the time was well spent, and I obtained enough data to determine if that powder was going to work.
What I discovered over many years of load testing is that the most significant component variable is the bullet, not the powder assuming you select a powder that is suitable for that caliber. For example, in my 223 Rem bolt rifles, they all shoot Varget, H 4895, IMR 4895, H335, and Benchmark about the same with the excellent Nosler 50 and 55 BT (12" twist). I experienced the same in the 243 Win's with IMR 4064, Varget, and IMR 4350 using the Sierra 85 BTHP. In other words, other than supply issues, I didn't find it necessary to change powders IF I had a bullet that the rifle liked, and the powder had a long history of successful use in given caliber.
Does it matter? I don't know because I wasn't going to take the time or absorb the cost of components to test the assertion. It was just easier to for me to clean before testing another powder. It wasn't any big deal because I would normally run about 4 test loads per range session with a given powder, so the time was well spent, and I obtained enough data to determine if that powder was going to work.
What I discovered over many years of load testing is that the most significant component variable is the bullet, not the powder assuming you select a powder that is suitable for that caliber. For example, in my 223 Rem bolt rifles, they all shoot Varget, H 4895, IMR 4895, H335, and Benchmark about the same with the excellent Nosler 50 and 55 BT (12" twist). I experienced the same in the 243 Win's with IMR 4064, Varget, and IMR 4350 using the Sierra 85 BTHP. In other words, other than supply issues, I didn't find it necessary to change powders IF I had a bullet that the rifle liked, and the powder had a long history of successful use in given caliber.
This is the way I approach it. Always clean between different powders.
My experience has been switching brands takes 5 to 8 shots for the rifle to settle down. Hodgdon and Vihtavuori typically don't play well together. Group size opens up and lasts longer than what is experienced with a clean barrel. Prolly shows up a little different is a br rifle, but bigger groups are bigger groups. My thoughts was combustion by products left in the barrel. I hope it helps.
TTE
Gold $$ Contributor
If you clean before switching (anything), there should not be a problem.
Not saying I know everything there is to know, but this is how I do it.
Wet patches, dry (it out patches), wet again and brush scrub. Wet patch, dry and repeat until you are happy with the results. Then fire away
Not saying I know everything there is to know, but this is how I do it.
Wet patches, dry (it out patches), wet again and brush scrub. Wet patch, dry and repeat until you are happy with the results. Then fire away
Dolomite
Silver $$ Contributor
Does Switching between powders at a range session affect the amount of carbon deposited in barrel causing velocity differences vs shooting each powder out of a clean barrel?
So if the first powder tested is a dirty powder the barrel is heavily found vs the second powder being cleaner shooting powder how much of an affect does that have on velocity?
Has anyone tested that theory out?
Or just shoot each powder at separate sessions or clean the barrel between powder testing.
So if the first powder tested is a dirty powder the barrel is heavily found vs the second powder being cleaner shooting powder how much of an affect does that have on velocity?
Has anyone tested that theory out?
Or just shoot each powder at separate sessions or clean the barrel between powder testing.
Sounds like hearsay, someone please show me the data.
Where's the Beef?
Where's the Beef?
Back when shooting my M1A XC, I tried using AA2015 for short range (to 300 yds) with lighter bullets ( 125 n 155s) and then switched to IMR4064 with 175s at 600 yds. It took 4 or 5 shots for the gun to settle down t 600 yds and shoot where u were aiming . U only got 2 sighters n u needed them for wind calls. Varget used for short range loads did not have this issue. I figured it was a mismatch between ball n stick powder.
Similar threads
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.