are all Accurate powders dirty?

[fgr39]

are all Accurate powers dirty?

I got a pound of AA #5 and have loaded and fired about 400 rounds. The problem is it is very dirty. are all of their powders this dirty? the load I have been using is 45 auto 7.7 grains WLP and 230 grn lrn. should I give up on it and get something else? if so what?

thanks

 

[cheygriz]

I have never found any accurate powders to be dirty.

I don't use AAC#5 in the .45. Are you loading near maximum? Most medium to slow powders burn dirty in low pressure loads.

If you increase to near max it should burn cleanly. If you want low velocity target loads, switch to AAC#2.

 

[Mal H]

I believe cheygriz's analysis is spot on correct. AA powders have been clean burners for me when used in at least medium pressure loads. I use #2, #5, #7, and #9 in various calibers. Which one to use is based on the type of load required and not necessarily the caliber itself. IOW, #2 works in .380 as well as in .45 ACP depending on the type of load (plinking, target, light bullets in .45, etc.)

Another thought - what are you considering "dirty"? Sooty deposits in the fired cases? Lots of smoke? Deposits in or on the gun barrel or frame? You might be seeing the effects of your LRN bullets and/or the lube on them.

 

[Big_R]

Ditto Cheygriz and Mal H. I have never found any AA powder to be dirty, and I load AA exclusively. You said you load in .45. According to AA, you're right at the minimum for load data. Bump your load up a bit or tighten your crimp and I bet your problem will disappear.

Ryan

 

[coonan357]

I agree with Big R , I have found if you use a slow Magnum type (double based ) powder (with any type of loose crimped round EI taper crimps Acps ) the powder doesn't burn completely ( not enough pressure for complete combustion I presume ) but if you use it in a crimped round like a 357/38 it doesn't leave any residue or smoke (unless using lubed bullets ) I would recommend #2 aa for acp45 , they seam to like it .

 

[redneck2]

Not the powder...

it's probably the bullets. If you use lead with the "crayola" crappy thick lube they'll smoke and be dirty

just try a few jacketed bullets with the same load. You'll be suprised how much the powder "cleans up"

I use AA5 for all my low and intermediate loads. Try to find ones with clear lube. I use Laser Cast and they're fine.

 

[swifter]

Most "ball" powders are really sooty. I quit using them in my rifle loads, with an overbore round, that's asking for hard carbon fouling There's generally a short-cut extruded that meters well enough, and burns much better...

Tom

 

[TEXAS LAWMAN]

I've burned lots of AA-2 under cast slugs in .45ACP--never noticed any undue dirtiness.

 

[Delmar]

Tighten your taper crimp and you should see the problem go away. I have used AA#2 and #5 for a few years now, and what did it for me was a tight taper crimp, using Lee's taper crimp die which post sizes the cartridge. I have even loaded up 11 grains of AA#7 behind some 185 grain LSWC, and with a good crimp it burns clean-lotsa fire out the barrel though

 

[Master Blaster]

Just as important as a tight crimp is to NOT overbell the case before you seat the bullet. The flare or bell should be adjusted so that the bullet just stays upright on the case, a slight bell makes for a better taper or roll crimp.