Choosing Powders to Begin Load Development

[South Pender]

For many, the first decision in beginning load development for a cartridge has to do with powder. There are many ways to make this decision, I guess, but I'm wondering about load density as one of these. Say I want to develop some loads for a new .270 Win. I go to QuickLoad and find a half dozen powders that look right for the particular bullet I plan to begin with--IMR 4350, H4831, Re22, etc. QL gives me the load density of the various powders at various charge weights. Is a good powder to start with the one that gives 100% or more (say 105%) load density at a top charge?

For example, I find that a top load of IMR4350 gives me good velocity and fills the case to 90% capacity. On the other hand, Re25 gives me the same good velocity and fills the case to 103% capacity. Is Re25, therefore, a better choice to begin load development with?

 

[K22]

I personally do not like compressed powder charges and avoid them. It is the general consensus that higher load density produces better results however I've achieved excellent results with load density in the 70 to 80% range with some powder / bullet combinations in some calibers.

The good news is you have a cartridge that has quite a long successful history behind it relative to reloading in addition to hunting performance. I don't think you have to look any further than IMR 4350 or 4831 to achieve outstanding performance. Also, IMR 4064 has a good reputation with the 130-grain bullet.

These powders with the right bullet and a quality rifle properly bedded are easily capable is 1/2 moa groups.

 

[Creedmoor02]

I think what K22 said was right on point.

 

[6BRA]

Doesn't low volume cause eratic ignition, compared to a full case? At least that is the thought?

 

[nksmfamjp]

Personally, I like a powder which max load is about 100%. I find anything over 106% may ring the bullet when seating. 110% is an absolute cannot put a bullet in limit, IME.

I don’t like to go below 95% at max pressure in Quickload.

 

[ebb]

The shooter that taught me to reload told me to go to the reloading manual and look at velocities, then look at pressure (you have to have a manual with pressure listed). The powder that has the highest velocity with the lowest pressure is most likely the most suited to the capacity of the case you are using. I initially thought that all of the high velocities would automatically be high pressure, but some times you can find one that is both. The older guys that loaded for 25-06 used to use accurate 3100, my friend came up with that from the pressure/ velocity search and i hear guys talk about A3100 being Pixie Dust for 25-06. Accurate has discontinued that powder and I have never found anything as good.

 

[jelenko]

In the last year I've been using GRT [Gordons Reloading Tool] to identify powders that would be good for my application. While the possible loading density, pressure and velocity may look good in the tool, the location of accuracy nodes can push down the loading density for an accurate load.

PS. For densities over 103%, GRT throws a warning that compressed loads can be 'peaky'.

 

[JimPag]

For many, the first decision in beginning load development for a cartridge has to do with powder. There are many ways to make this decision, I guess, but I'm wondering about load density as one of these. Say I want to develop some loads for a new .270 Win. I go to QuickLoad and find a half dozen powders that look right for the particular bullet I plan to begin with--IMR 4350, H4831, Re22, etc. QL gives me the load density of the various powders at various charge weights. Is a good powder to start with the one that gives 100% or more (say 105%) load density at a top charge?

For example, I find that a top load of IMR4350 gives me good velocity and fills the case to 90% capacity. On the other hand, Re25 gives me the same good velocity and fills the case to 103% capacity. Is Re25, therefore, a better choice to begin load development with?

I just go to the one of the old Nosler reloading manuals and they have a load density chart and the most accurate powder tested for each weight projectile and start from there.

 

[Webster]

For many, the first decision in beginning load development for a cartridge has to do with powder. There are many ways to make this decision, I guess, but I'm wondering about load density as one of these. Say I want to develop some loads for a new .270 Win. I go to QuickLoad and find a half dozen powders that look right for the particular bullet I plan to begin with--IMR 4350, H4831, Re22, etc. QL gives me the load density of the various powders at various charge weights. Is a good powder to start with the one that gives 100% or more (say 105%) load density at a top charge?

For example, I find that a top load of IMR4350 gives me good velocity and fills the case to 90% capacity. On the other hand, Re25 gives me the same good velocity and fills the case to 103% capacity. Is Re25, therefore, a better choice to begin load development with?

Never used Quick load or cared about case fill. A 270 is a hunting rifle. Apparently you have shot both powders. Go with the one with the smallest groups. Forget about all the number OCD. I tend to look in the manual and see which powders give the highest speed and if they are available powders. Also have my favorites. To many new powders to pick one. I shoot nothing but 8208 now in 6BR and 6BRX. I never buy Vit or Norma powder because they cost more. With the shortages you may have to shoot whatever you can buy. I have not been to the range for 2 years because of back surgery. Getting better. I have about 10 lbs of powder, 3000 primers and 1200 bullets purchased when prices were low. I shoot less than 500 shots a year at the range and a few at GH.

 

[Unkl Chuck]

I have recently begun using GRT, still in the learning phase. I think that GRT has the potential to identify a powder / bullet load to deliver good results. Takes some time and work to learn the program before actually loading and testing. However, I'm being pointed in the direction of unavailable powders currently, so testing is probably some time off. By the way, I shoot rifle caliber pistols.
In my opinion, cases should be 80~95% full for consistent results, don't care for compressed loads.
Webster, get better and get to the range.

 

[tsyarnall]

Personally, I don’t like shooting a compressed load. I do like to use powders that will give me somewhere between 90% and 100% case fill, but there are always exceptions. However, I do shoot a compressed load in my 6PPC. Go figure…….

 

[Webster]

I have recently begun using GRT, still in the learning phase. I think that GRT has the potential to identify a powder / bullet load to deliver good results. Takes some time and work to learn the program before actually loading and testing. However, I'm being pointed in the direction of unavailable powders currently, so testing is probably some time off. By the way, I shoot rifle caliber pistols.
In my opinion, cases should be 80~95% full for consistent results, don't care for compressed loads.
Webster, get better and get to the r

For many, the first decision in beginning load development for a cartridge has to do with powder. There are many ways to make this decision, I guess, but I'm wondering about load density as one of these. Say I want to develop some loads for a new .270 Win. I go to QuickLoad and find a half dozen powders that look right for the particular bullet I plan to begin with--IMR 4350, H4831, Re22, etc. QL gives me the load density of the various powders at various charge weights. Is a good powder to start with the one that gives 100% or more (say 105%) load density at a top charge?

For example, I find that a top load of IMR4350 gives me good velocity and fills the case to 90% capacity. On the other hand, Re25 gives me the same good velocity and fills the case to 103% capacity. Is Re25, therefore, a better choice to begin load development with?

Go to https://www.accurateshooter.com/ and see what other top shooters are using for powder in your caliber. A computer program cannot account for the most important factors, barrel quality, bullet quality and rifle bedding. Every rifle is different.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I look for a powder that falls in that happy place of 97 to about 101 fill ratio.
I avoid moderate and hard compressed loads but a slightest faint crunch feel on bullet seating always seems to shoot well.
I’d really explore H4831 in 270
It’s an excellent power for 55 to 70 grains usable capacity cases.

 

[Webster]

For many, the first decision in beginning load development for a cartridge has to do with powder. There are many ways to make this decision, I guess, but I'm wondering about load density as one of these. Say I want to develop some loads for a new .270 Win. I go to QuickLoad and find a half dozen powders that look right for the particular bullet I plan to begin with--IMR 4350, H4831, Re22, etc. QL gives me the load density of the various powders at various charge weights. Is a good powder to start with the one that gives 100% or more (say 105%) load density at a top charge?

For example, I find that a top load of IMR4350 gives me good velocity and fills the case to 90% capacity. On the other hand, Re25 gives me the same good velocity and fills the case to 103% capacity. Is Re25, therefore, a better choice to begin load development with?

Your groups will tell you which is the best powder. To much getting OCD with numbers. The problem is even at old prices how many powders do you buy at some crazy price. How many different bullets do you buy. If you buy 5 powders at $50 a pound and like one of them do you put $200 worth of powder into permanent storage. If it's a hunting rifle I think you just have to get good enough accuracy. Don't try to think you are going to ever get groups under 1/2". Never thought about fill ratio in 50 years. Maybe I am lucky? All the powders I have used filled the case up to the bottom of the neck. The only powder I remember not giving a good fill was H380 ball powder in a 6MM Rem. Don't remember what the groups were like. My Berger reloading manual for a 270 Win gives about 5 powders listed about under 90% fill. I wouldn't think they would put those powders in their manual if they thought they were bad. For years I shot a 7mm Rem magnum off a bench. I shot a154 Hornady RN bullet with IMR 4350 88% fill or 4831 93% fill. Both loads shot nice round groups about .500" at 100 yards.

 

[South Pender]

Some really good insights, guys; thanks. As for the .270, I wasn't meaning to focus on that cartridge; I just threw it out there as an example for the discussion.

 

[old_heli_logger]

I just go to the one of the old Nosler reloading manuals and they have a load density chart and the most accurate powder tested for each weight projectile and start from there.

This!!!

 

[JFrank]

I just go to the one of the old Nosler reloading manuals and they have a load density chart and the most accurate powder tested for each weight projectile and start from there.

Yeah
Me too…

Jim