[waho]

Does anybody use filler for low powder charges?Is it even necessary? There is a lot of conflicting information out there, from pressure spikes to erratic patterns. How do you people handle this?

[jwrowland77]

My daughter and I went out an shot some reduced loads today for her .223 and didn't have any issues. Didn't have any fillers. For load I did for my daughter and her rifle, everything went great. She really enjoyed the reduced recoil load.

[FROGO207]

If you are getting better results with the load when the propellant is against the primer it is a good case to use a filler. Use a small amount of Dacron pillow stuffing for that. The way to determine if it would help is to chamber a single round and tilt the firearm down at the ground before aiming it at the target and shooting it. Try it several times, over a chrony if possible. Then do the same with the firearm tilted straight up so that the propellant is back against the primer. If you get really wild swings in the velocity or erratic ignition when tilted down before firing it filler would help. This is how I figure out whether to use filler or not. YMMV

[rcmodel]

If you find you need to use filler?
You might be using the wrong powder.

Some powders are very position sensitive when down-loaded to low pressure, and some are not.

rc

[kingmt]

What powder are you using? I have tried some but all it did is rise the pressure. It might be a way to cheat on a little powder.

[jwrowland77]

I used H4895 and it worked pretty good. From what I've read it burns pretty reliably and evenly. I did tilt the rifle up before giving it to my daughter though just to make sure the powder was near the primer.

[waho]

From what I've read, that if the powder is laying level in the cartridge, that too much powder is exposed to the primer flame thereby igniting too fast and causing a pressure spike.Sort of makes sense.

[JohnM]

I've read a little on the subject of fillers and it's use does sound like it could aid in some loads.
Like using flake powders taking up a very small volume of the case.
I think I might have to try it some day.

[jwrowland77]

From what I've read, that if the powder is laying level in the cartridge, that too much powder is exposed to the primer flame thereby igniting too fast and causing a pressure spike.Sort of makes sense.

I think that's why they suggest the H4895 for reduced loads, due to it burning evenly. When I asked about it a few days ago, people on the forum also told me about trying Trail Boss, but I haven't tried it as of yet. Trail Boss to my understanding fills the case up more than a reduced load of H4895. I personally liked the results of the H4895 reduced loads I had shot this weekend.

[Sport45]

If you find you need to use filler?
You might be using the wrong powder.


Agreed.

Try a powder that fill the case more or is not position sensitive. Depending on what you are loading, Titegroup or Trail Boss may be good choices.

[gamestalker]

I've used dacron in some 45 LC loads that were running very light charges, and it worked great for me. I don't recall which powder I was using, but I quickly discovered that I was not getting consistent ignition because the powder was laying on the case wall. When I lifted the muzzle up and brought it back down slowly and then fired the round it looked and performed normal. After loading some with dacron on top of the powder charge, all my light loads performed with very consistent results.

BTW, I got the idea from my #10 Speer reloading book. If you decide to go with a filler, I would suggest usng something that is approved by a reliable reloading source, such as Speer.
GS

[waho]

Thanks, I will give Dacron a try, did you notice any deposits from the Dacron?

[loadedround]

The Dacron filler is incinerated completly upon firing and I've never found any residue. I only use filler in one caliber...light loads in my .375 H&H.

[Curator]

Fillers can be a useful tool in an experienced handloader's bag-o-tricks. Fillers are excellent for fireforming new odd-cartridge cases from other easy to find ones. Fillers will result in more pressure (sometimes good) and allow reloaders to shoot too small/soft cast bullets in over size bores with both accuracy and zero leading. Fillers can result in decreased shot-to-shot velocity variation when using reduced loads of slow burning powder. They are NOT for inexperienced reloaders.

[unknwn]

I have Cream of Wheat available in a separate flask for my BP revolvers so that I can position the ball or bullet closer to the exit of the chamber of my revolver cylinder.
It also has the added benefit of separating the lubricated wad from the powder charge -less chance of contamination of the powder charge.

I am also going to use it with my Clays/cartridge loads to eliminate any chance of position sensitivity. From what I can gather, that was an Elmer Keith developed? technique.