Powder spray from reloads?

[MikeInOr]

I tried my first 50ae reloads in my new Desert Eagle L5 (Light weight 5" barrel). I took 18 handloaded rounds to the range. 300gr Berry's in Hornady brass with CCI 350 magnum pistol primers:
6 rnds @ 30.5 grains H110
6 rnds @ 31.5 grains H110
6 rnds @ 32.5 grains H110

With some of the 30.5 and 31.5 loads I felt little pin pricks on my face which I believe were un-burnt powder (Yes, I was wearing safety glasses). The 32.5 loads I did not notice this.

I am guessing that the lighter charges did not develop enough pressure to completely combust the powder and the breeze blew it back into my face. Does this sound reasonable?

The 32.5 grain loads are near the max load and I believe I did not get powder blown back in my face because of better combustion. Does this sound reasonable?

The 32.5 grain loads felt very near Hornady 300gr XTP factory loads as far as recoil (The 7th round in each mag was a Hornady 300gr factory load... so I could compare the recoil). The lighter loads, especially the 30.5gr loads were real nice light recoiling target loads. ALL loads cycled the action just fine and left a nice puddle of brass ~6' to ~8' behind me over my right shoulder.

I think H110 is one of the slower pistol powders. Should I try a faster powder for target loads?

 

[Englishmn]

H110 likes being near max I have had some pfffts at starting loads with it before.

Something faster would work better for target loads. My hornady book has alliant 2400 loads for .50ae.

Yes, shooting into the wind will let you know how well your powder burns. Not wearing glasses makes it a memorable occasion. The blown back powder sticks to eyeballs very well.

 

[MikeInOr]

Thanks for the reply... I thought that was what is going on but it is nice to have some confirmation. I will pick up a lb of Aliant 2400 tomorrow and give it a try.

 

[ray15]

Just to add, essentially all powders burn better with increased pressure. But H110 goes beyond the normal in this regard. In years past H110 load data was usually published as the current max load only with the initials DNR (do not reduce). When properly applied (handgun calibers with high pressure and large case capacity at max pressures) with a magnum primer it is as you have seen capable of consistent and often leading velocities as well as excellent accuracy, all with clean burning. There's a good chance the Hornady load you are comparing to is using it - it does produce clearly professional results at the max load.

Back off the load and the velocities get inconsistent, burn is noticeably incomplete and accuracy suffers. In my .357 mag experiments 2400 is more typical in that it often works best near the max load rather than at it and is more tolerant of downloading. There's even a published 38 special +p load for 2400 (20,000 psi).

 

[buck460XVR]

H110/W296 is a full throttle powder. Want to go half throttle, one needs to use a different powder or expect less than stellar performance. If accuracy was good and recoil/velocity were where you wanted, does a few unburnt particles make a huge difference? Shooting mostly revolvers with a cylinder gap, powder spray is pretty much a given, especially when shooting with the wind in your face. Maybe why I don't see a problem. Same goes for when I use Unique for low power loads. Many folks whine about it being dirty, but it's accurate and inexpensive. Little extra carbon on the cylinders is not a big deal....to me. Yes , a faster powder may burn cleaner and more thoroughly. It may also give more consistent accuracy. Only way to really know is to try. I don't shoot .50 A.E., but know folks that do. They claim they get their best performance from IMR4227 when looking for upper end loadings. Download that a little and you will learn quickly about unburnt powder.

 

[Cheesemaker]

My go to for 50AE is 30.5H110 behind a Berry's 300gr. My DE has the standard barrel.
I have not noticed the powder in the face that you mention. My cases eject, almost always, and hit me on the head just above my right eye. I have had flawless cycling with the above load.
I have noticed the powder blowback on my 460S&W with some loads. My favorite in 500S&W is AA#9 - no issues there.

I have some cycling issues (occasionally will not go into battery) with the 44Mag DE barrel and a max'd out H110 load behind 240gr and 300gr Hornady XTPs. A thumb push on the slide fixes this. I have started to experiment with AA#9 in the 44Mag now - it looks better (more reliable) but more testing needed.

I will try IMR4227 as buck suggested in both 50AE and 44Mag. I had the big boys out together last week - see pic

 

[buck460XVR]

I will try IMR4227 as buck suggested in both 50AE and 44Mag. I had the big boys out together last week - see pic

IMR4227 is my go to powder in my .460. While not quite the velocity of H110/W296, it gives me excellent accuracy and consistency when hunting in the extreme ranges of temps we experience here in Wisconsin during gun deer season.

 

[Dudedog]

just to add, essentially all powders burn better with increased pressure. But H110 goes beyond the normal in this regard. In years past H110 load data was usually published as the current max load only with the initials DNR (do not reduce).

This, H110/W296 is not at all happy reduced

I had the big boys out together last week - see pic

OOohhhhh big boys! Sweet!

 

[Demi-human]

In my Desert Eagle fifty, I find that any thing less than max will leave unburned powder, with the graphite blown off it, in the chamber. Which causes the next round to bind upon loading and leaves little pock marks on the case upon firing. I find little use in owning a Ferrari and not stomping the pedal though.

I like the Berry's bullets, but I think that the heavier ones would cause the powder to burn more consistently.
What I like about the Rainers is they are a longer form as well as the extra thirty five grains. This lessens the interior volume, producing a better burn.

Most cartridges I try to load as long as possible, the H-one ten doesn't like that. But shorter with the soft Berry's has them beaten against the magazine under recoil. I have another three hundred to use before I really wring out the Rainiers. Hard to believe I have almost a thousand through the Eagle already!

 

[Jim Watson]

I am not a Deagler but can say that while I load .44 Magnum with IMR 4227 for accuracy over 2400 and H110, it is not a clean burner, either.
Vihtavouri powders usually give good burnup. I liked N105 for heavy ball 9mm.
https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/?cartridge=59

 

[Toprudder]

I have a DE in 44mag, and did load workups with both H110 and N110. I got the same velocity out of each at the max charges of each, but the H110 was noticeably louder and had a huge fireball muzzle flash. The N110 is cleaner, though. I would suggest trying some N110 loads.

I am like @Demi-human , though, I like to stomp the pedal. H110 for me. LOL

 

[243winxb]

Slide timing.- The higher pressure loading expanded the brass more, grabbing the chamber walls. This delayed unlocking of the rotating bolt. This allowed powder residue to follow the bullets out the barrel. Possible? Yes or no?
Yes, to better burn of powder with more presssure.

45 acp autos always seem to coat my right arm with ash or residue. Doesn't seem to matter what powder or pressure.

 

[FROGO207]

Blue dot will do the same thing in a handgun if not used near max loading for me as well.

 

[Demi-human]

...but the H110 was noticeably louder and had a huge fireball muzzle flash.

When some one wants to shoot my Eagle I really hate to disappoint!