Reduced loads and gun wear

[TargetTerror]

I have a question about how reduced loadings with different powders affect the wear on a gun.

I know that slower powders produce higher velocity and thus energy when loaded up near max. They also will produce a certain amount of wear on a gun (as will any load, theoretically). What happens with a round loaded with a faster powder, loaded to the max load for that powder? Ie, a 357 magnum loaded with bullseye can only be loaded to a much lower velocity than with H110 before pressure starts to build beyond spec.

So how would this "max" load with bullseye compare to a max load with H110? The H110 will produce higher velocities, and hence higher energy. But, does shooting a faster powder at the max loading for that powder also yield the same wear and tear on the gun?

 

[rcmodel]

I would speculate the Bullseye would produce more wear.

Hot loads of very fast powder like Bullseye produce a pressure spike instantly, almost before the bullet can get out of the way. It is much easier to get in over your head once you reach a maximum laod.

Slow powder gives a more gradual push over a longer time frame.
And a 5% overload is not going to hurt much.

The same 5% on top of a max load of Bullseye is WAY over max.


rcmodel

 

[Master Blaster]

Folks who shoot bench rest precision rifles, will tell you that the barrel life is inversely related to the powder charge weight. The higher the weight of the powder used in the load the shorter the life of the barrel.

As far as revolvers or handguns go barrel errosions or focing cone errosion would be similar, but as far a stretching effects on a revolver frame or peening of locking lugs, with a max load of either a fast powder or a slow one I dont know the answer. Most folks though use faster powders for lighter loads, so they have lower pressure and put less wear on the gun.