Thread: Another Trip to the Range

This is how I initially tested the powders. Two burns:
Old powder and time it over 8"
Burn known fresh powder over 8"
Then check against known burning rates chart.
Then if above looks OK load test ammo starting conservatively.


https://youtu.be/NfUh4EYBXRI?si=TKiBUmz2HHdjvvXA

This is how I initially tested the powders. Two burns:
Old powder and record burn time over 8"
Burn known fresh powder over 8"
Then check against known burning rates chart.
Then if above looks OK load test ammo starting conservatively.


https://youtu.be/NfUh4EYBXRI?si=TKiBUmz2HHdjvvXA

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

This is how I initially tested the powders. Two burns:
Old powder and record burn time over 8"
Burn known fresh powder over 8"
Then check against known burning rates chart.
Then if above looks OK load test ammo starting conservatively.


https://youtu.be/NfUh4EYBXRI?si=TKiBUmz2HHdjvvXA

Words fail me. There may not, and very likely is not, any relationship between the burning speed of powder in the open air and the pressure it develops in a firearm. This is especially so when one of the powders has an unknown source. Just don't do it people.
GPM.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Words fail me. There may not, and very likely is not, any relationship between the burning speed of powder in the open air and the pressure it develops in a firearm. This is especially so when one of the powders has an unknown source. Just don't do it people.
GPM.

Yes, words fail me too.

This type of burn test is similar to how its done in the industry.

Secondly, it was never put that it was in any way conclusive.

And was followed up with a sensible/conservative test load.(s)

And the powder was in the original tin. So the source was known. Storage conditions are unknown but no rust in container no clumping no dodgy smells, looks perfect.

GPM pray, tell me, how does the industry test burn speeds of batches of powder GPM. Educate me.
What is the industry procedure?

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

Yes, words fail me too.

This type of burn test is similar to how its done in the industry.

Secondly, it was never put that it was in any way conclusive.

And was followed up with a sensible/conservative test load.(s)

And the powder was in the original tin. So the source was known. Storage conditions are unknown but no rust in container no clumping no dodgy smells, looks perfect.

GPM pray, tell me, how does the industry test burn speeds of batches of powder GPM. Educate me.
What is the industry procedure?

Greetings,
I believe the test may be what has been called the closed bomb test or something similar developed from it. In this a small sample of powder is burned in a closed container and time and pressure measured electronically. This would give a rough guide on burning speed. The manufacturers are not working with an unknown powder but huge lots of the same powder. The lots are then blended to even out slight speed changes for canister grades. I believe that the charge may be adjusted rather than blending for commercial ammo production. The problem with part tins of powder is that once the seal is broken we don't really know what it is.
Regards Grandpamac.

Yes, I believe there is a closed bomb test. But I'm not familiar with it.

But there is a test very similar to what I did also. IIRC just longer, perhaps 18".

I was working with powder in an original container.
Would you put x powder into y tin and not relabel it in some way?
It's an old school basic test in addition to the sniff and look test.
Many simply load and test.
Everyone to their own, I don't like waste.

I have heard of 4 rifles being blow up with handloads. In two the wrong powder was used in spite of it being in a canister correctly marked. The third was where a much harder projectile was used in a load for a softer one. And fourth was when a powder was thought to be different to what it actually was. I won't use powder that in not in a sealed container. I have seen one container of powder where the powder was a mixture of stick and ball powder. I don't like waste either but there is nothing as wasteful as blowing up a rifle and likely destroying the scope trying to use a part tin of mystery powder to save a few dollars.
Neither you nor I may put powder in a container that is not first labelled but some rely on memory as one of the blow ups demonstrates. I certainly not rely on some internet jockeys quaint ideas on powder identification.
Regards Grandpamac.

To be clear @Oldbloke,
I was not referring to you as the internet jockey.
Regards Grandpamac.

Powder is cheap, eyeballs aren't

People are buying, swapping, opened cans of powder all the time. Yes, there is some risk. That is why I conducted that test. Is it ideal? Well no it isn't its a very old method, but it is indicative.

Combine that with some basic, conservative load testing and majority of the risk is mitigated.

I posted the info for those interested, I wasn't promoting it. Although I can understood might think I was.

But if you are given, buy or swap powder, wouldn't that test be a sensible addition to just loading a few up?

Horses for courses. Life is full of risk.

Some people are so conservative I'm amazed they even drive a car. Or buy takeaway for fear of food poisoning.