40 S&W Reload Concern

[nwb01]

I loaded up some 40 S&W rounds for the first time. The recipe is 155 grn Rainier Flat point, Win small pistol Primer and 7.2 grns of Alliant Power pistol powder. OAL is 1.125 inches. Load is in the middle range of load charge according to the hornady manual. Manual shows 6.2 to 8.6. I shot these loads at the range today and WOW ! Huge Flame from my CZ 75B, friend said it was the size of a basketball, not sure if he is lying or not !

The case mouths look a little distorted but no worse than some factory ammo I have shot. Other than that they are not spit or bulged. Is the flame normal with Alliant Power Pistol ? I am worried that I did something wrong but I dont see any signs of it. Just a little concern since I have never seen this ball of fire with factory ammo.


Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[Black Snowman]

Yes, Power Pistol is great for beutiful fireballs. Almost as good as H-110. If you want low flash look at Hodgdon Tite-Group and Universal. I've found both these to produce good velocity at low pressures and are very clean with low flash. I have used Universal forever and recently tried the Tite-Group. So far I really like it.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Some powders make a bigger flash, I found that out too when I tried some 40 S&W with some Blue Dot, lit up the room with that one.

Pressure signs come in all different flavors, fireballs from the muzzle end seem to be okay... now a fireball directly from the chamber... that might be cause for worry!

Good luck!

 

[stans]

A fireball from the muzzle indicates that powder combustion is occuring well past the time the bullet has left the barrel. This is usually the result of insufficient case neck tension or a powder that is too slow to burn completely in that caliber and/or barrel length.

 

[stans]

A fireball from the muzzle indicates that powder combustion is occuring well past the time the bullet has left the barrel. This is usually the result of insufficient case neck tension or a powder that is too slow to burn completely in that caliber and/or barrel length.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I loaded my 155 grain bullets with 7.0 grains of PowerPistol. It does have a lot of flash! And, it produces pretty good velocities. My guns seem to like the powder alot though. I use it in 40 and 45. I have plans on using it in mild .357 mag loads, and maybe in 45 colt and .44 mag too.