Lt-30 -vv120 burn rate

[tn6br]

I'm looking for some input on powder burn rates, needing something a touch faster than lt30 but a bit slower than vv120. Any ideas?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

 

[Dusty Stevens]

322 & 2015br are the easiest to find

 

[tn6br]

322 & 2015br are the easiest to find

I haven't found these charts to be very accurate when it comes to vv powders I think 120 should be farther up the chart. It's faster than 4198

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I haven't found these charts to be very accurate when it comes to vv powders I think 120 should be farther up the chart. It's faster than 4198

Considerably...or at least the old n120. 1680 and 5744 both work but are both a tad faster than n120. I need to do some chrono work with the new 120 but in the one barrel I've tried it in, it's slower than the old stuff.

 

[RGRobinett]

These charts are vexing because the burn rates are measured using a constant charge-weight, in a constant chamber: expansion ratio, which alters the burn rates, is NOT considered. RG

 

[dellet]

4198 or Norma 200. maybe R7. Depends on the cartridge.

Norma 200 will depend on the cartridge and density. Compressed with heavy bullets it seems to be a bit faster than N120, around 90% it seems slower.

4198 always seems slower.

I base slower on relative velocity at max load, and the amount of un-burned powder left behind.

I also don't think I have ever seen LT-30 on a burn rate chart

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

4198 or Norma 200. maybe R7. Depends on the cartridge.

Norma 200 will depend on the cartridge and density. Compressed with heavy bullets it seems to be a bit faster than N120, around 90% it seems slower.

4198 always seems slower.

I base slower on relative velocity at max load, and the amount of un-burned powder left behind.

I also don't think I have ever seen LT-30 on a burn rate chart

200 is another good one. It shoots well. He's working with a 30 Major(Grendel) that is showing pressure before just about any I've ever seen, using n120. I went for years shooting n120 because it was soooo good and consistent, from lot to lot. The newer stuff is different but will shoot. I've got to do more testing with it. That said, I've worked with just about everything in that burn rate range. They'll all shoot! But, n120 was the hands down winner in virtually every barrel I've done. It was or may still be, maybe the best powder I've ever shot in ANY cartridge. Other than a period when it was hard to find, I simply have zero complaints with the stuff and I wish all powders were even in the same league as it was. Just a wonderful powder..but has limited suitable uses in a rifle. Fill rate was a factor...It is perfect in that case, where most of the others are too bulky or too slow...or both. Then there some that are pretty dang fast, but also work well.

The good news is that there are several powders that work well in it. Some will make more or less speed and some will be a very full case, but there are numerous good choices in this range. This cartridge is very efficient and likes fast powders but there are pros and cons as well as limitations with some of them..that can be "surprising".

I've done a bunch of these and it's almost "chalk", that n120 is the magic pixie dust but as with anything, there are exceptions and he has one.

We've both seen just how well it can shoot and it can smoke!...but it's finicky and makes pressure early with the powder of choice. I guess if it were my gun, having seen many of these, I'd just put a barrel on it that will not be as contrary with n120. IMO, it's worth it vs chasing the magic with anything else. But, as I said earlier, I need to do more testing with the new stuff, myself. Being slower than the old, it may be perfect in his.

 

[tn6br]

Lt-30 shoots great with a compressed load to get the velocity I'm after with no pressure but it's super dirty and I'm tired of pouring slow through a drop tube. The 2014 lot of n120 I have hits pressure about 150 fps too soon and is nearly impossible to get a good tune. I think my barrel would prefer a powder just a shade faster than lt30

 

[dellet]

N-120 changed a bit during the great powder shortage of 12-16, or when they added the flash suppressor. It might be worth trying a new sample.

Another that might be worth trying is CFE BLK. It works well with heavy bullets and a full case. A lot less pressure than N120 and meters well. There is a trade off compared to say 1680. It is less dense so you can fit more in the case, but it takes more powder to hit velocity.
It can have some pretty wild velocity swings until you hit 95% plus density, but then it evens out to some pretty low numbers.

I have good results with guys using it in the 300 Ham’r.

I have tried in in a number of off the chart cartridges and it cleans up when you push it hard, but is too loud for my taste, even suppressed. Might be worth a try tho.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I also don't think I have ever seen LT-30 on a burn rate chart

N130 is what it was modeled after

 

[dellet]

N130 is what it was modeled after

Pretty sure your thinking of LT-32. LT-30 is closer to 4198

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Pretty sure your thinking of LT-32. LT-30 is closer to 4198

Lt32 is modeled after t32 or 8208 from back in the old days. Lt30 came out to fill the gap for the best powder ever for a 30br- n130 which is nla. Once i ran out i quit shooting a 30br. 4198 is a bit slower- you can get too much n130 in a 30br where you cant with 4198