Crushed compressed loads

[RonS]

Can the powder of a compressed load be somewhat crushed before putting it in the case and still be safe to shoot?

 

[ToddKS]

Crushing the powder would change its burn rate. The Hornady team discussed this in a podcast as I recall. I would not recommend this.

 

[Homerange]

Can the powder of a compressed load be somewhat crushed before putting it in the case and still be safe to shoot?

Why, are you trying to get more in the case ?

Some use long drop tubes and/or vibration to assist with powder compaction so to squeeze more in.
Different brass may offer a slightly higher internal volume also.

The are a few ways to skin this cat.....

 

[M-61]

Can the powder of a compressed load be somewhat crushed before putting it in the case and still be safe to shoot?

“somewhat” is the operative word
“crushed” as opposed to compressed ?
My question is what are you working with and what is the goal?

 

[RonS]

I'm trying to use H322 in my 221 Fireball using Hodgdon load data. The max charge was almost at the very edge of the mouth, I used a drop tube and tapped the case as I slowly poured in the powder but it would not go down any further. I was not trying to crush H322 to a fine powder but break it up just enough to get the charge just below the neck so it would at the bottom of the bullet.

 

[Homerange]

I'm trying to use H322 in my 221 Fireball using Hodgdon load data. The max charge was almost at the very edge of the mouth, I used a drop tube and tapped the case as I slowly poured in the powder but it would not go down any further. I was not trying to crush H322 to a fine powder but break it up just enough to get the charge just below the neck so it would at the bottom of the bullet.

If the Hodgdon load data lists it as a compressed load just load it and don't try to reinvent the wheel.
You have worked up to this apparent max load, right ?

 

[Jager]

Case volume.

When a load source gives a "max load," that's always predicated on a given lot, of a particular headstamp, with a very specific case volume.

Use that "max load" in a piece of brass with more volume and you'll see less pressure and less velocity.

Use that "max load" in a piece of brass with less volume and you'll see more pressure and more velocity.

Sounds very much like you're doing the latter. That's not a good place to be.

 

[RonS]

I have worked up to about 97% and that’s when I started having issues. I am using virgin Remington brass and attempting to find that sweet spot at the same time.

I’m full length sizing my brass, chamfering and deburring it before I charge it using CCI 400 and Speer 50gr TNTs seating 0.020” off the lands.

 

[dellet]

Any load work up for a compressed load in brass that is not fully fire formed is a complete waste of time. If you compare volume of virgin brass to fired, you will probably gain a grain of volume. Even if you size and push the shoulder back .003-005” the gain in volume will be significant.

Not sure what you are considering a long slow drop but, Anything less than 12” or shorter than 20 seconds is neither long or short. You don’t really need a tube longer than about 6”, just hold the pan higher and dump it straight down the tube. Dropping the powder on the side of the funnel and letting it slide down defeats the purpose for the drop.

 

[neckturner]

break it up just enough to get the charge just below the neck

IMHO that's a terrible idea. The surface area and therefore burn rate will be significantly changed.

 

[M-61]

IMHO that's a terrible idea. The surface area and therefore burn rate will be significantly changed.

Yes. I am not knowledgeable as to what happens when you change the shape of a particular shape of a kernel of powder.
Which means one thing to me. I’m not doing it.
To me it would be like grinding 4831 into a fine powder. What’s going to happen? I have no idea and I’m not going to find out.

 

[358WCF]

I was not trying to crush H322 to a fine powder but break it up just enough to get the charge just below the neck so it would at the bottom of the bullet.

What could go wrong?

 

[Fuj]

I have worked up to about 97% and that’s when I started having issues. I am using virgin Remington brass and attempting to find that sweet spot at the same time.+

I’m full length sizing my brass, chamfering and deburring it before I charge it using CCI 400 and Speer 50gr TNTs seating 0.020” off the lands.

Are you over sizing the case ?? Check a fired case that still slips in and out
of the chamber. Charge that case and see what you get......

 

[RonS]

Are you over sizing the case ?? Check a fired case that still slips in and out
of the chamber. Charge that case and see what you get......

Not over sizing, using virgin brass. I haven’t fired a shot yet

 

[Homerange]

Not over sizing, using virgin brass. I haven’t fired a shot yet

Then don't !

Start with a lower load to fireform your brass then work up to where you want to be.
Then also consider only neck sizing to fully utilize the increased case capacity over virgin brass.