Compressing Black Powder

[sltm1]

If you load your revolver and compress the bp, what will be different than if you didn't? Obviously you don't want the chamber to have any air space in it so everyone compresses somewhat, but is there a right amount to compress??

 

[Robert Wilson]

There are devices meant to allow the shooter to apply a precise and repeatable pressure on a ramrod while loading a rifle. Supposedly this results in decreased velocity spreads and increased accuracy. I am aware of an independent study which essentially bore this out. The effect was so slight, though, that I've never bothered trying it. My rifles are more accurate than I am, especially with primitive sights. And if results are minimal with rifles, I doubt they could be seen at all with revolvers. I'd find something else to worry about, in your shoes.

 

[Oyeboten]

Hi sltm1,


Try it an' see...

 

[mykeal]

To some extent the answer depends on the brand of powder. With the single exception of 777 the amount of compression is essentially irrelevant to the powder. It's much more important to ensure that 1) the projectile is firmly seated on the powder column, and 2) whatever the amount of compression is, it's repeated from shot to shot.

The only exception is 777; it does not respond well to compression. When using 777 you should simply ensure the projectile is seated on the powder without using significant compression.