unburned powder question?

[dhrusis]

Shot some 9mm 115gr Berry's w/6.0gr Accurate #5 out of a Glock 34 (5.3" barrel) today.

When firing, I noticed little black snowflakes landing on my hands..

I don't get this when firing these rounds out of a Glock 26 (3.5" barrel).

Is this unburned powder? Anyone know the cause?

COAL of these loads are 1.135" if anyone's interested. Its the minimum load based on the data.

 

[MrOldLude]

It's probably unburned, as burning powder quickly vaporizes. I'd probably add more powder to help ensure a complete burn.

Looking at Accurate's data for lead bullets, 6.3 grains would take you to about 1200 FPS. That's a safe speed for Berry's, so I'd bump it up 0.3 grains and see how it works. Otherwise if you're happy with how it cycles and shoots, I might not worry so much about a few flakes.

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr Lude told you right. Typically that's a sign of un-burned powder. If that's the case, then the inside of the case will also be sooty black and the gun will have lots of unburned "stuff" stuck to the trigger mechanism just under the chamber.

I say this not looking at a load chart, but based on your statement that's it's a "starting load".

 

[dhrusis]

I'll need to look at the cases next time, but I did look into the barrel, and it was really dirty with these flakes kind of floating around in there.

Is there a reason why I don't get this issue with the Glock 26, which is a much shorter barrel?

I don't like the flakes because 2-3 shots and the gun is filthy...

 

[Walkalong]

More powder, if the data allows, or use a faster powder.

 

[Cemetery21]

AA#5 likes to be loaded towards the upper end of the range to burn cleaner. I like it alot for 9mm, 38 Super and 45, but not for lite loads.