The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Reloading => Topic started by: jaybet on May 03, 2012, 11:18:57 AM
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Is there any reason not to use a fast burning powder like Hodgdon Tite-Group to make up .357?
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Hodgdon has Titegroup listed in their load data for .357....on page 27 of their general manual. It does appear to create the 'stoutest' pressures of any on the list, but it is listed.
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Hodgdon%20Basic%20Manual.pdf
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I've been google-fu-ing it a little and it seems like the biggest complaint is that the powder load is so small people are worried about double charging a round. That's another problem entirely in my mind.
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I have a pound of it to try in my .44 mags, but have not had time to load a batch yet. Several guys at the local range say it is a good powder.
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I'm using it now in 38 some 9mm, and 45 and it seems to work fine. I just wondered about going to the bigger boom rounds if there was any reason for concern...the pressure is up there, but no more than many other powders. I'm going to set up soon and crank out a handful to try at the range.
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Cool. Let us know.
How does it do in .45 ACP, velocity-wise?
I've always used Accurate #5 at 5.0gr....and the load data for Titegroup is about the same charge weight (haven't compared the volume yet).
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I don't know velocity...I am very scientific. I make some test rounds, fire some factory ammo, then fire mine and go by recoil and accuracy. I'm hoping to get set up so I can actually test the velocity, now that I plan to spend more time "in the powder".
Another "scientific" observation I have made is that the brass from my rounds always lands in a much tighter pattern than factory ammo. I take that to be consistency in the charges.
Having said that I also am very careful to read all the suggested loads and work my way to what I think will be what I'm looking for. I have never yet had to adjust a load DOWN...if anything they are sometimes too light.
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When loading handgun ammunition I always lean toward fast burning. I have learned that fast burning gives less felt recoil, maximum speed for load (more efficient in the short barrel of a handgun), and is easier on the eyes when shooing in low or no light.
As long as you follow reloading rules you will have no problem with it. Rules: Follow the recipes as listed by the manufacturer. Changing powders is really no different than changing primers and bullet weights. As long as you stay within chamber pressure specs. you are safe with the gun, and like I said before, I like the benefits of a fast burning powder in handguns.
We have a powder check on our reloader, so over and under charges are caught prior to placing a bullet.