Powder Burning Rates Table

[hotajax]

I haven't been reloading in a while, so my nose hasn't been in any reloading manuals. Where can I get a table that lists all powders, regardless of the brand, in the order of their burning rates? I used to use 4320 for some loads, but that extruded powder is a pain to go through the powder measure. I'll bet there's a ball powder (meaning: much easier to use) that is close to the 4320 in burning rates. Thanks in advance.

 

[Hondo 60]

Search the internet

https://www.google.com/search?newwi...2.8.0....0...1c.1.38.hp..0.11.663.XIHcswuMdYg

 

[Schwing]

Here is one that I put in excel. I don't remember the source but it has most powders listed. Ignore the ones in green. Those are powders I use a lot so I highlighted them.View attachment powder burn rate.pdf

I don't put a lot of stock in these charts though. Some of these powders are so close in burn rate that their placements in the charts can be almost subjective. I have also yet to see any chart that lists the methods by which the rates were determined.

 

[mdm]

Rather than looking at burn rate tables and making a guess at a good alternative powder, research your manuals. The manuals will usually give several powder options for any given cartridge.

Post up your cartridge info and folks may be able to offer alternative powders you can consider.

 

[Kernel]

I find the two-dimensional style charts most useful.

http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloaders-guide/equivalents.asp

http://www.accuratepowder.com/products/burn-rates/

http://www.lapua.com/upload/reloading/reloadingburningratechart2011.pdf

 

[Potatohead]

Those are cool Kernel, thanks. Hadnt seen those.

 

[USSR]

Rather than go to a ball powder (there's a reason only extruded powders are used in accuracy rifle loads), consider upgrading your powder measure. My Redding measures have zero problems handling extruded powders.

Don

 

[scottishkat]

A couple of manuals have burn rate charts as well my Lee #2 pp#111 and my Berger pp#128 both have burn rate charts.

The Berger is more complete.

Shoot straight

Bob

 

[Kernel]

Another good 2-D chart:

http://gsgroup.co.za/burnrates.html

 

[Sam1911]

I'll reiterate what others have said: Burn rate charts are a very incomplete and potentially dangerous resource.

Verify EVERY load you use through published load books.

If you can't find a load for a certain powder in a specific cartridge in a load book, DON'T use it.

There's often a good reason that combination isn't there.

Rather than looking for the various load charts, try going to Hodgdon's and Alliant's and other manufacturers' web sites and download their data. They'll give you at least five or ten powders that will work for 'most any cartridge.

 

[Kernel]

What Sam said. Don't try to substitute one powder for another, grain for grain, just because some chart shows they are equivalent. That's not the purpose of the charts. Always work your loads up from a safe starting point, or use published loads from a good reliable source.

 

[Apex Predator]

Don't discount how accurate spherical powders can be. H380 is easily the most accurate powder for both my 22-250 and 7mm-08, the 7mm will shoot 120gr pro hunters through the same hole at 100 all day long if you do your part. I have had great performance out of Hunter and Big Game in other calibers as well so there is nothing inaccurate about ball powders.

 

[ericbc7]

What is burn rate actually comparing? Is the test under pressure or just open to the atmosphere? Is there a distinction that might make a difference?
For example do 2 powders one ball and one extruded with the same burn rate produce identical pressures?

 

[Apex Predator]

In theory if the two had identical chemical composition and burn rate they would produce identical pressure, but no two such powders exist to my knowlage so testing that would be tough.
I have found nothing to suggest that a ball powder could not be every bit as accurate as any extruded powder, so if you feel that a smooth metering ball powder would suit you better then by all means use it, I sure do.

 

[USSR]

I have found nothing to suggest that a ball powder could not be every bit as accurate as any extruded powder...

Check out what is being used in precision rifle matches. I shot in rifle competition for 6 years, and not a single guy on the firing line used anything other than extruded powder. There's a reason for that.

Don

 

[Walkalong]

Stick powders dominate precision shooting. Some ball powders (TAC for instance) can do OK at close range, but stick powders dominate 100 & 200 yard Benchrest and absolutely rule at long distance.

Burn rate charts are nice "guides" at best for what other powders might work well. The load manual has the last word, every time. Depending on the application powders can move up and down on the burn rate chart. Powders are tested one way for the chart, but we use them in many ways.

 

[GaryL]

In this thread Walkalong posted a powder density chart:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=538574

I found using that and the burn rate charts is useful for pinpointing powders more likely to fill a case in a given application. Of course all that goes out the window when there are few, if any, choices on the shelf.

 

[matworz]

Thanks Kernel! All those charts are awesome!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'll bet there's a ball powder (meaning: much easier to use) that is close to the 4320 in burning rates.

Here is the link for the burn rate charge from Hodgdon. Western Powders (Accurate/Ramshot) also has an online burn rate charge.
http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html
http://www.accuratepowder.com/products/burn-rates/

Just remember, burn rates are relative and will change when tested in different cartridges. If you give us a list of cartridges you load we might be able to steer you in the direction of ball powders that are known to work well in those cartridges because a burn rate chart won't tell you which powders do well in different loads.

Like said above, ball powders might not be the answer, maybe a better powder measure would solve the problem.

 

[Apex Predator]

Check out what is being used in precision rifle matches. I shot in rifle competition for 6 years, and not a single guy on the firing line used anything other than extruded powder. There's a reason for that.

Don

Benchrest rifles are very different then lightweight hunting rifles. And the cartridges you would use at long range normaly use very slow burning powders which are almost all extruded. My Lyman manual says H380 is the most accurate powder in 7mm-08 in all bullet weights and my rifle agrees. If there were more ball powders in the RL 22-25 burn range you would no doubt see some on the bench.
Let's not mix up cause and effect.

 

[gamestalker]

Your best and only sensible source for finding the right powder, is through researching published data. I would personally never choose a powder based on how it meters, but rather, how it shoots.

GS