Load Data for SMP-154 Powder ?

CWTISME · Mar 15, 2023

I have a friend who bought some SMP-154 powder for his .45 I have never heard of it and I am trying to help him find load data.The container says similar to Tightgroup or Accurate #2.. It is made by General Dynamics and seems to be the kind of powder manufactures buy by the train car load and stick into loaded ammo they sell at Big box stores.
Dose anyone know a source for load data ? I may have to start in the basement and do a ladder test with load data from A2 or Tightgroup but who wants to if known Data is available for a starting point. I tried to Email General Dynamics and they do not accept Emails from outside sources. Any help or experience would be appreciated.
Thanks
CWTISME

N555 · Mar 16, 2023

Get a chronograph and follow standard mystery powder load development.

Hooda Thunkit · Mar 16, 2023

The label tells you. Similar to TiteGroup and A#2.

Get your manual, and look up loads for those two powders. Start low, work up.

I'llbe honest here, and perhaps unpopular ; if someone doesn't understand those basic steps in using mystery powder - even mystery powder with an explanation of how it burns (similar to xxx powder) - then perhaps that person should not be buying said powder.

chevrofreak · Mar 16, 2023

It is more than likely the same powder as Accurate #2, which comes out of the Saint Marks Powder factory (SMP). Accurate #2 and Shooter's World Clean Shot data should give you a starting point.

Jim Watson · Mar 16, 2023

I did that. Unfortunately, Hodgdon does not support side by side comparison of Titegroup and A#2, they seem to be tabulating inherited AA data with different bullets than what they used for Titegroup.
But in general, top loads with Titegroup are lighter than with No 2.
Therefore I would treat that SMP 154 like Titegroup.

I am a bit like Hooda, it is a bit shaky for us to explain stuff to you that you have to repeat to him.

N555 · Mar 16, 2023

If you test load it like it's Titegroup not really any way to screw it up.
That's how I worked up my loads with CBI, aka the Clean Burning Initiater for 155mm guns.
Treated it like it was titegroup, bullseye reddot, etc till I confirmed it was slower.

mdi · Mar 16, 2023

One of the things I strongly suggest to a newer reloader (or any reloader for that matter), is to find a load (bullet, powder, primer, etc.) in your reloading manual before you purchase any components. I've been reloading for quite a while and have purchased military surplus powders but if the only info available is "same as/similar to" XYZ powder" I will find a starting load in my manual for XYZ powder and load a few (2 cylinders full for my revolvers and 10-12 rounds for my semi-autos) and shoot them over my chrony. Before I had a chrony I measured the case heads before and after shooting, looking for high pressure...

Hooda Thunkit · Mar 16, 2023

N555 said:
That's how I worked up my loads with CBI, aka the Clean Burning Initiater for 155mm guns.
Treated it like it was titegroup, bullseye reddot, etc till I confirmed it was slower.

Exactly what I did with CBI. There is almost no data available, because it was never used as a propellant.

One needs to use the established methods if dealing with unknown powders. If one doesn't know what those methods are, perhaps just not using that powder is best.

CWTISME · Mar 16, 2023

I have ladder tested before. I know the steps and precautions. I was looking a known good starting point.Doesn't look like anyone has used it before. I probably have 9 different manuals.between them I will find a starting load and Use my Labradar to test them at the range.

Load Data for SMP-154 Powder ?

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