Question about 2 different powders

[gsc3zny]

I have a question on powders and weights. I loaded some .38sp +p with IMR 4227. The load data sheet said 11 grains of powder. I then got some Hodgdkins Titegroup and for the exact same bullet, it called for 4.3 gr max. The fps was 56 fps less on the titegroup. My question is why is the titegroup amount so much less in quantity? Is it the composition of the powder? I see the fps is lower with the titegroup, but not that much to warrant less than half the powder. thx

 

[jwrowland77]

It's because Titegroup is an extremely fast powder. It's near the top of the list on the burn rate chart.

 

[Grumulkin]

The powder speed has something to do with it but the composition of the powder has a greater role.

 

[beatledog7]

The composition of the powder indeed plays a role because it determines, among other things, the burn rate.

 

[Haxby]

Look at all the powders listed for that cartridge/bullet combination. Pretty much, the faster the powder, the less you use for a given pressure.
I am curious. What gun are you using, and what velocity did you get with the 4227?

 

[oldcelt]

Never used 4227 in the .38 spl. .357 loads start at 12.2 grs with 158 gr. fmj, I too am curious about the gun.

 

[Walkalong]

It is the difference in burn rate. The much faster Titegroup will get up to max pressure so fast compared to 4227 you have to use less of it. The pressure curve of Tightgroup is much shorter while still reaching max pressure.

 

[Hamish]

This is why I don't use Tite Group in .38 special cases. There is too much room in the case and too little powder. You could easily 2x, 3x, or 4x the charge and still have room in the case. Furthermore, at least in my Lee Turret Press, you can't really see the powder in the bottom of the case to verify its presence before seating a bullet. I use IMR800x in .38 special because it fills the case more visibly. Even if you're careful, you could overcharge a .38 special case with Tite Group and not see the difference.

I like Tite Group a lot, and use it in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. But I won't use it in .38 special.

 

[Rule3]

Pretty much answered on your other thread.

Post 22

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=722380

You stated you have Lyman 49, In the front part of the manual they explain powders and their composition and uses.

 

[zxcvbob]

Green Dot is almost exactly the same speed as Titegroup, and Red Dot is even faster, but they work great in .38 Special. They are bulky powders that are easy to see in the deep case. You could double-charge them without overflowing (or miss an empty case) if you were paying no attention at all to what you're doing, but you'd have to work at it.

 

[Walkalong]

And along those lines, American Select, another good one.

 

[sourdough44]

4227 doesn't seem like a commonly used powder for the 38 spcl, rather slow. Start looking at & cross referencing several reloading manuals.