Alliant E^3 shotgun propellant? Consensus?

[esheato]

Gents,

I originally loaded my 12 gauge skeet loads with a lil' Hodgdon TiteWad under a 1 ounce of #9. Within the last few months I switched to Hodgdon Clays as it is significantly cleaner burning. So far I have two problems. Here is the first problem: Clays doesn't meter consistently in my Dillon SL900.

So I'm searching around for a new, hip, clean burning, low charge weight propellant that is consistent in my machine.

I happen to run across this Alliant E^3 propellant. Alliants self-proclaimed "12 Gauge Competition Formula Powder." The three "E's" stand for: Energy, Efficiency and Excellence. A little research on Alliants website and I find their loading data. The second problem: All of their loading data is using Remington primers. (I use Winchester)

I'm thinking about just building up my own load.

Rem STS
Win 209
Green Duster 1 oz #9
17.5 Max with 10% reduction to start out

What do you guys think? The above load is nearly identical to their published load except for the difference in primers. As long as I reduce and work up, it should be fine.

Anyone heard of or used this propellant? Good/bad results? I can't be the first person to ever try it.

Ed

 

[fecmech]

With only using 1 oz. of shot in the 12 ga. I can't see where you could run into an overpressure problem, no matter what wad, primer or shell combination you used with that powder charge. You can always call tech support at Allaiant to be sure. As far as starting 10% low and working up what signs would you be looking for??

 

[esheato]

I would assume the same symptoms for metallic overpressure.

Flattened or cratered primers
Difficult extraction (only around the brass head)
Loose primer pockets

I could also chrono them. As long as they're around 1150 fps for a basic target load, I should be within the standard pressure curve.

Ed

 

[fecmech]

At the pressures shotguns operate at ie. 10,000psi I doubt you will ever see a pressure sign such as you have mentioned. A severe overpressure would be 13-14k and and imo that will never show on a primer or case extraction or even velocity for that matter. The lyman shotshell manual showed an example of primer change with an increase of 2700 psi and a 10 fps increase in velocity. I really don't think there is any way to see pressure increases in shotguns . Nick

 

[esheato]

Nick,

Honestly, I've never even thought about pressure signs in shotgun shells. Usually I follow the manuals to the letter and never have any problems.

I'll start low and work up.

C'est la vie...

Ed