Different powders

[chief99]

I load for handguns only . 380 , 38 spec. , 40 and 45 acp . Use mostly HP-38 for the 380 and 38 spec. and bullseye for the 40 and 45 . The charge for these loads are in the 4 point something to the low 5's . Bought some Accur #7 at a gun show . For Accur # 7 the charge is 9.0 to 10.0 . Why the big difference ? Is Accur # 7 a much slower burning powder or what. Still learning .

 

[Walkalong]

Yes, AA #7 is significantly slower than HP-38. This is covered in every good reloading manual.

 

[gamestalker]

Unless two powders are deemed the exact same powder by the manufacturer, such as HP38 and W231, or W296 and H110 have been, charges will differ accordingly.

GS

 

[CZ9shooter]

There was a point in my life when I knew very little about guns, and even less about ammunition. I thought gunpowder was gunpowder. I knew black powder was different than smokless, but that's about it.

I now know, and you soon will too, that each of the dozens, or even hundreds, of differnt power types have varying chemical composition and are suited to different load types and calibers in their own way.

Experimentation is what it's all about.