alliant american select powder

[realmswalker]

I finally have all my components for my reloading, and I am ready to go.

I picked up some alliant american select powder for my .44 magnum loads. I went to the alliant web site, but it did not provide me with the information I wanted such as minimum to maximum load. I was wondering if anyone knew the range from max to min for this powder with 240 JHP for .44 magnum, or could direct me to a good site. thank you for your time.

I did a search and didnt really find what I wanted to thats why I am posting.

Adam

 

[Jim Watson]

Strange, data is right there:
http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg...&cartridgedescr=Rem. Mag.&bulletdescr=240 JSP

True, it says 240 JSP instead of JHP, but if you follow normal handloading procedures instead of recipe reloading, it will work. Note that American Select is a fast burning powder and even at the maximum pressure does not give very high velocity as magnums go. If you want power you are better off with Blue Dot or 2400.

 

[realmswalker]

Thanks for replying.

I already saw that info, but it only gives one powder charge, it does not give a range for minimum to maximum, unless I am missing something. I am pretty new to reloading so bear with me.

 

[only1asterisk]

I can't really answer your question. If the load was under cowboy loads, that single load might mean that that was about the right load for achieving the target velocity for that sport. If it was in general load data it may be a maximum load or it could be the right load to drive a swaged bullet to the highest velocity possible without excesssive leading. Unless it states a pressure or list the load as maximum, you may have to do some reading to find out. What data are you using exactly? Most of Alliants data is on the web. If you link us to it, someone here should be able to give you some idea about it.

As mentioned, American Select is a fast burning powder. It will not post anything like the highest velocities avalable even at maximum pressure and beyond. Too much fast burning powder is a recipe for a bomb.


David

 

[only1asterisk]

I misread the last two post before mine. I apologize. The 8.6 grain charge listed at the Alliant web page is absolute MAX. Reduce this load by at least 10% to start. American Select can be reduced without danger until bullets get stuck in the barrel. Without a chronograph, you don't know where the limits are. If you don't have one, keep your loads (with this powder) between 70 and 90% of max.


David

 

[realmswalker]

Thank you very much for the help, I was kinda thinking that the load they had was the max, but the web site does not say, maybe they should change that to say max load for the slow burning powder mind like mine

 

[endure161]

American Select

I have been using American Select for about a year for my .45 ACP and .45AR reloads. It met my need for a powder that is similar to Alliant Bullseye for my bullseye target shooting. It is cleaner than Bullseye and also a little less sharp in recoil. I used the same starting weight of AS as I was using for Bullseye. That shot well so I then made up test rounds with various charges of powder to shoot in a Ransom Rest to home in on the most accurate 50 yard loads. The only complaint I have with it now is that it has a larger flake size than does Bullseye. So it does not charge quite as consistently in my Dillon powder measure. That hurts accuracy a little - but I still like it a lot.

All that said, it may not be the best propellant for .44 Mag reloads. My Dad used Bullseye for some 44 Special reloads but they were pretty mild. If pushed to get higher velocities by increasing the powder charge it could get unsafe very quickly. The same would be true for American Select. So, I would be cautious.

Dave Bennett
Georgia

 

[SASS#23149]

Take a peek at the Cowboy Action loads on the alliant website.They show reduced loads for cowboy shoots,and I'd feel safe using a number between the max you found and the number shown in the cowboy section.If it's REAL mild you're after,get some .44 special brass and use the Special loads.I would think the cowboy loads would be mild enough for most anybody though,and save buying more brass.

 

[Jim Watson]

1. True, Alliant shows only the maximum load in their table. But if you read the whole book or site, they give the usual recommendation to start at 10% below the maximum.

2. Beware of cutting the load any lower with jacketed bullets. Copper on steel has greater resistance from friction and engraving and too light a load will lead to a stuck bullet. If you want a very light load, look at the Cowboy data but use it with lead bullets.