Why do different powders giving the same velocity result in different recoil levels?

[ranger335v]

"Is there a chart comparing burn rate of various powders?"

There are charts proporting to show the burn rates of available powders. It's mostly correct, I suppose, but not specifically correct. I mean, the actual burn rate of simular powders can switch positions depending on several variables, including the loaded pressure and bullet weight/resistance. Reloading is NOT an exact science with specific or predictible results rising from any given changes.

IMHO, any supposed or percived differences in recoil due to burn rate of various powders at equal pressures are trivial and will be lost in the noise of the BOOM1

 

[Apiarian]

"IMHO, any supposed or percived differences in recoil due to burn rate of various powders at equal pressures are trivial and will be lost in the noise of the BOOM1"

Not so in competitive action shooting. In action shooting it makes the difference in a very REAL (objective) way. The scores don't lie.

 

[Steve C]

Recoil is simply physics. Mass expelled in one direction produces an equal and opposite reaction to the remaining mass. While the powder charge is relatiely low in mass when compared to the bullet it is expelled at a much higher velocity.

You can use the recoil calculator found here http://handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp. Using different powder charges with the same bullet and pistol weights will show you how much the recoil implulse will change.