Burn rate vs. barrel life

[Hipshot]

Is there any information regarding powder burn rate versus barrel wear when all other parameters are equal? For the same velocity, brass, bullet, seating combo will a slower burning or faster burning powder create more wear?

I shoot 300 meters with both 6BR and .223 and with the wide selection of powders to create the same velocity, different burn rates will create different pressures as well as pressure/temperature curves. For my .223, 77gr sierra MK I've got 3 Accurate powders,2230, 2460, 2520)of different burn rates that provide the same performance, for example,that's without the other brands that could also be tried). To extend the life of the barrel, which burn rate should I be using?

 

[chuckw2]

Donovan...Good post...Where did you get those enregy levels?

Chuck

 

[M9Powell]

I would think the quickest burning powder would be the best for barrel life as it would tend to encorage more complete combustion in the case & less combustion in the barrel & less abrasive unburned particles. Just a guess. M9

 

[Forum Boss]

The other factor to consider is heat of explosion. Some folks believe that powders with high heat of explosion burn out barrels faster than powders with low heat of explosion. Here are some comparative numbers from QuickLOAD:

ADI AR2208,Varget): 4050 kJ/kg
Reloader 15: 3990 kJ/kg
IMR 4895: 3890 kJ/kg
Vihta N150: 3780 kJ/kg
Accurate 2460: 3690 kJ/kg

I don't know if anyone has really done any definitive testing to prove/disprove the heat of explosion theory, but it stands to reason, all other things being equal, more heat would correlate to more throat erosion.

 

[Hipshot]

Thank you guys. This is exactly what I was wondering.

Now, back to the reloading bench and get ready for tomorrow's tuneup for our March match.

 

[Caver101]

Hello guys, I was just wondering/working on this same thing.

What is the Heat of Explosion for RL25?