New powders (low pressure) for .303 British

[351 WINCHESTER]

Does anyone know of lower pressure powders for the .303 British. I'm currently using IMR4064 and H335. H335, according to some manuals gets more m/v at lower pressures than most other powders.

I don't claim to know how this is possible. Maybe someone can give me an education.

Many thanks.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Velocity is related to time under pressure, the longer the bullet is getting a good push the higher the velocity will be. The slower powders may not give the same "peak" pressure as a faster burning one but they will keep the pressures at a higher level for a longer duration in the barrel.

I`d look at the powder that gives the highest velocity in your manual if speed is what you want. The pressures all will peak very close to each other, but at or slightly below SAAMI no matter what the max loads velocity is. The powder that shows the highest velocity can be reduced to give speeds comparable to another powder with a faster burn rate and the pressures will be lower. I`d look at something like H414 or R15 with 150 gr bullets to start.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Thanks for your info. That actually makes sence. Actually I'm looking for a good combination of low pressure and higher velocity. I stay below any max. loads.

 

[ARGarrison]

Ram Shot has a powder called BIG GAME. Their load data had a lower pressure load for a 174 grain bullet. Don't know about how low nor have I bought any BIG GAME to even load, but was looking at it for a low pressure loading for the .303.

 

[dmftoy1]

There's a good article in http://castboolits.gunloads.com in the military rifles section. I think they recommend 17 grains of 2400 as a universal "light" load but you'd have to read the article to be sure. Lots of good info in there. I keep mine on my reloading bench when doing any .303 work.

Have a good one,
Dave