Accurate Powders

[MoreIsLess]

I was loading some .38spl 148 gr DEWC's and I noticed that when I shot them out of my revolver at the range that there were some granules of powder left in the cylinders. I couldn't get anymore rounds to fit into the cylinders until I ran a bore snake through the cylinders and then subsequent rounds would fit just fine. I had to do this after every round of shooting. I've never had this happen with any other powder for my .38 spl DEWC's and I get my bullets from the same vendor and I use the same settings on my press I've always used.

I've read of people having this happen with Accurate Powders. I like the way AA powders meter and shoot but I may have to use somethig else if this continues.

Anybody have this problem with AA powders (#2 and #5)

 

[biogenic]

Sounds like an incomplete burn. What load are you using ?

 

[Walkalong]

AA #5 is not really suited to light target loads in .38 Spl. AA #2 is, but is prone to leaving some residue if loaded too light. Not the kind of residue you mention though.

 

[41 Mag]

I have loaded quite a few pounds of several the Accurate powders but not #2 just yet. I have also found as mentioned on the lighter end there will be some granules, but nothing to the point of having to clean every 6 rounds or so.

 

[Ky Larry]

I've never had any problem with AA powder. I've loaded thousands of .38spl, .357, and .44spl, both lead and jacketed. I load at the mid to upper end of the load data but not max loads. I also use a fairly stout roll crimp on wheelgun loads.

 

[edfardos]

aa#5 fouls my 45acp, but not my 40s&w. Higher pressures are required for complete combustion.

 

[Maj Dad]

I bought 4 lbs of AA #2 Imp & it's not as bad as the old #2, but for clean burning light wadcutter loads in 38s, my old standby is 2.7 gr BE. We shot barrels of it during NRA centerfire pistol matches and the only drawback to it is the incredible ease with which one may double charge a case when preoccupied... I keep a blown 38 case from 1978 on my bench directly in front of my eyes when I load. Borrowed some reloads from a friend: but that's another story...

 

[ljnowell]

Last bullseye season I shot about 4k rounds of Missouri Bullet 148DEWC over 2.9gr of AA#2. I found it to be a very clean shooting load. AA#5 is way to slow of a powder for WC loads, it will never burn clean at that pressure point. AA#2 should though, at least it does for me.

Couple that with the fact that it meters so well, I use it in everything that I am just wanting target level loads. AA#2 is a great powder in 45acp lead bullet loads too(jacketed are fine too, I just load a majority of lead.)

 

[Walkalong]

AA #2 is the poor mans N320. Good stuff. I bought a 4 pounder the last time.

 

[thomis]

I carry a S&W 340PD. I shoot both .357 and .38 special out of it. When I shoot the .38 special loads (158 gr MBC) I get sprayed with leftover AA#5. This doesn't happen when I shoot the .357 mag rounds through the same gun. I like it though, its accurate.

 

[joneb]

I have very good results with Accurate #5 in 45acp loaded at the upper end.
I found that #5 w/a 158gr SWC works very well in a S&W mod. 10 38spl w/a standard primer and heavy roll crimp, with charges of 5.8-6.2gr.
For these cartridges Accurate #5 is cleaner than Unique, if I want lighter loads I use Bullseye or W-231.

 

[ljnowell]

I have very good results with Accurate #5 in 45acp loaded at the upper end.
I found that #5 w/a 158gr SWC works very well in a S&W mod. 10 38spl w/a standard primer and heavy roll crimp, with charges of 5.8-6.2gr.
For these cartridges Accurate #5 is cleaner than Unique, if I want lighter loads I use Bullseye or W-231.

Yeah, going full tilt with 38 or 45acp AA#5 isnt a bad choice at all. Light loads though, and it doesnt burn as well.