Different powders with out cleaning?

[Heavies]

Hello all,

I have one good load that uses IMR 8208 XBR, and one load that uses RL15. One for lighter bullet and one for a heavier higher BC bullet.

Question, Is it not a good idea to use one powder/bullet combo for one yard line, then switch to the latter for the longer lines? (no cleaning allowed between lines)

Your input is well appreciated! ;D

 

[Laurie]

Try it and see!

You usually find the barrel needs a couple of shots at least to acclimatise itself to the new fouling - sometimes the result is noticeable on both target and chronograph, other combinations barely so. I've always found that the greatest effect occurs when switching from a ball powder to a cleaner burning extruded variety and you may need four of five shots down the barrel to make the transition.

 

[fdshuster]

Before switching powder, I always give the barrel just a basic, quick cleaning with Butch's. I've seen time and time again that it does make a difference. If no cleaning is permitted during the match, because of rules or time limits, I use the same powder, start to finish.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

I think you are worrying about more things than you need too. Relax a little don't over think it and enjoy your shooting more.

 

[Heavies]

Thanks for the input guys.

Not worrying just wondering if that is something that folks do.
Besides trying to figure these things out is half the fun! ;D

I am going to shoot 300, 500, 600 F-class, and I have a very accurate load, in my 6br, with 95 SMK's with the fast powder that I would like to use at 300, and rl15 with 107 or 105vlds (groups not as tight but need the weight and BC for wind), that I'd like to use at 5-600.

Curious to see if the begining of the string at 500 would have a major impact difference.

 

[mc223]

There is a list of sorts.
Grabbed from National Match forum Member becoole.

It is in no way scientific and compiled nearly 100% by hearsay.

Quote
Powder Compatibilities

Short Range Long Range OK?
2015 H4350 No
4895 N540 Yes
AA2520 N540 No
AA2520 N135 No
IMR4895 Re15 Yes
IMR4895 Varget No
IMR4895 IMR4064 Yes
IMR4895 H4350 Yes
IMR4895 N540 Yes
H4895 Re15 Yes
N135 N540 OK, No
N135 N140 Yes
N135 N150 Yes
N140 N540 No
N140 H4350 No
N140 Varget No
N540 N550 Yes
N540 IMR4895 No
Re15 N540 Yes, No
Re15 N550 Yes
Re15 N140 No
Re15 Varget No
TAC N135 Yes
TAC N140 Yes
TAC Re15 Yes
TAC IMR4064 Yes
TAC Varget No
Varget N540 No, Sighters low, rest OK.
Varget H4350 Yes
Varget N140 Yes
Varget IMR4064 Yes
WC844 Varget No
WC844 Re15 No
WW748 Re15 No
IMR4064 N150 Yes

 

[skeetlee]

I wouldnt suggest doing it. unless your shooting is completely informal. I can tell you first hand that it will take at least 3 shots to settle in and sometimes as many as 5 or 6. I have done this and no longer do. Barrels cost to much and there life is limited. I shoot for the very best accuracy i can muster each and every time i go to the line. So this wouldnt make any since in my case. If i want to switch powders i clean the barrel then run one patch of Lock-ezz through my barrel. It then takes exactly one fouler shot and im back on target. Try it and see! Good shooting! Lee

 

[fdshuster]

Ditto what skeetlee said. We spend countless hours painstakingly preparing our brass, using the best components possible, weighing powder charges as close as possible, controlling bullet seating depth to the smallest possible dimension, extreme high quality match grade bullet, (and I could go on and on), and then haphazardly mix powder charges without any thought? Doesn't make any sense.

 

[kelbro]

But the OP said that cleaning was not allowed...

 

[Tozguy]

Seems to me that if changing distances with the same rifle without provision to 'set up' for different bullet, I would stay with the same bullet and load for all distances, KISS style.
Must say I never tried it tho.

 

[fdshuster]

"Because of rules or time limits, I use the same powder, start to finish". I guess you gotta make the decision as to which is more important.

 

[spclark]

I switch powder and bullets in just one cartridge for OTC (N140 for 200 & 300 then RL15 for 600, all with Berger bullets) otherwise I try to keep things simple.

For mid-range, long range & Palma I stick to one propellant & charge weight for the day. I may reduce a long-range or Palma load for shorter distances; depends on what rifle I choose to shoot for any given match.

There are some powder combos that work, one after the other, but you need to find out for yourself what works for you. Switching bullet brands, where jacket material changes, will have a greater effect than switching between most suitable propellants.

(I'm curious what you're using 8208XBR in. It's kinda new, so info on it isn't widely available. I've found it works great in one 6mm cartridge I shoot for long range, intend to try it for Palma with the 2156 Sierra as soon as the weather warms up here.)

 

[Heavies]

Great info guys!
Lots of experience here! I may experiment on this, but with matches few and far between, where I'm at, I'm thinking I might just have to keep this simple, as many have suggested.
Thanks for all your input!