Name That Powder

[Walkalong]

Posted earlier

Originally Posted by Potatohead
Walkalong said

The only bullets that aren't jacketed are the lead ones that folks cast themselves, right?

Here is the correct quote form Potatoheads post.

Walkalong said

Anything from about 30 to 45 could be very good for jacketed bullets

The only bullets that aren't jacketed are the lead ones that folks cast themselves, right?

 

[Potatohead]

LOL. You definitely want that cleared up

 

[Potatohead]

No, not at all. I think you are lumping jacketed and plated together, not the same thing. Jacketed is an actual jacket of material. Plated is like chocolate dipped ice cream cone. Generally applied via electrolysis. Much thinner, and wont take the velocity of a jacketed bullet. Generally, plated are not loaded as strong as jacketed can be either...

Russellc

I think you're right. All the different types of projectiles are one of the things that I'm not quite clear on yet. What would be the advantages of plated then? Also, can you tell by looking at the bullet or is it a "read it on the box" kind of thing?

 

[MarshallDodge]

There are several Vihtavouri powders for 9mm, too.

I like N320 with 124 and 147 grain bullets. Nice soft recoil pulse.

 

[Potatohead]

Thanks

 

[TfflHndn]

The main advantages of plated over lead are less smoke, less chance of leading your barrel, less lead particulate in the air if you are shooting indoors, and ability to push the bullet to 1200 fps or so. I find them easier to load also compared to lead - no lubricant to gum up your seating die. Plated is a bit more expensive, though. Jacketed are more costly yet, but can be pushed faster than plated because the jacket is thicker than plating. Some "jacketed" bullets are actually thickly plated, so you can't always tell by looking. For Gold Dots, for example, check the Speeer manual and you will find some differences between loads for their bullets and other jacketed data. While I like to experiment with different bullets, I am coming gradually to the conclusion that it is worth it to narrow myself down to a particular bullet or a couple bullets per caliber and use them so I don't have to keep looking for new information on the bullet-of-the-month. For me, Montana Gold is my jacketed bullet of choice, and for lead I like Falcon and Zero bullets. I have favorite loads for what I use and confuse myself less.

 

[RussellC]

Plated dont lead the barrel like cast lead. Other than that the only "advantage" is cost.
Plated cant not be driven to the same velocity as jacketed, said to also not be as acccurate. I have only loaded plated bullets so far, the only jacketed ones I have had were factory loads...my reloads were more accurate. At least until I started getting into max range, then the accuracy fell off. I understand the Plating begins peeling off and bullet tumbles? Bullet deforms?

That said, Jacketed is the superior bullet, but will cost a little more. I'm sure others will add more.

Russellc

 

[Walkalong]

You have to abuse plated bullets to get the plating to "peel", "shred", "flake" etc and have bullets tumble. Can they? Sure they can, but there is no magic 5 FPS faster where they magically come apart.

 

[Potatohead]

Thanks for the info. I'm trying to sop up any projectile info I can at the moment. Know any good books aimed at projectiles more specifically? I'm sure their is only so much they can say about them on second thought.

 

[Lj1941]

I would like to comment on my finding Red Dot dirty in my 9 MM loads.I bought 4lbs of old Red Dot from the wife of a departed gentleman who reloaded for shotguns. I don't know when it was made but the container says Hercules. Anyone care to comment when Hercules became Alliant? I know Alliant says in their ads that the new powders are 50% cleaner.I use it a lot for 45ACP and do not find it dirty in my 200 grain LSWC loads.

 

[Potatohead]

thanks for your service lj1941

 

[Fishslayer]

The only bullets that aren't jacketed are the lead ones that folks cast themselves, right?

Not really. There are plated bullets. Not the same as "jacketed." The plating is less durable and you generally want to load these to lead or low to midrange jacketed data.

 

[Potatohead]

The work is already done for you. Between burn rate charts and powder manuals, what else is there to note?

Walkalong,
The more me looks at this, the more me sees that me thinks you are right. I figured that the burn charts may have a few powders not listed but it looks like everything of consequence is pretty much on them. Ended up just making a quick reference chart for my wallet, by brand, so I know what to get when I'm shopping. I think i'm pretty close to memorizing small parts of the chart anyway now, which most of you experienced folks have probably already done...by accident if not purposely-tater

 

[Potatohead]

Hey, I just found some re loading classes in my area. How bout that! (I'm excited and wanted to tell someone)..

 

[Walkalong]

Outstanding.

 

[zxcvbob]

That is good news. Is it a NRA class?

 

[Potatohead]

Yes, but they haven't emailed me back yet...

My bad, it's not NRA...it's NA (North Alabama) Firearms

 

[RussellC]

Walkalong, I would never doubt you! Im sure you have forgotten more than I know! Rank amateur here!

Russellc

 

[bluetopper]

Potatohead, reloading is ALL about chamber pressure. Powder turns to hot gas when ignited. If you use the same powder for a light vs a heavy bullet, you have to use less powder for the heavier bullet to keep the gas pressure under a certain level. More powder for a lighter bullet to get the gas pressure up to that certain level.