ball vs stick powders

[Booney]

I know that ball powders are more temp sensitive but how much and how much dose this change. Ive just notice that a lot of ball powders are the most accurate but i did know if they had to be in a 20 degree window or what i was hoping that some one could shed a little light on this subject for me please. thanks

 

[royinidaho]

I use ball powders almost exclusively in an over bore extreme magnum cartridge cartridges.

I haven't noticed "that much" temperature sensitivity (US-869). Less than some stick powders (RL-22) and more than others.

I've been a fan of ball powders in cartridges from 222 REM to Improved Ultra Mags.

What I 'think' I've reinforced it the thought that stick powders increase throat erosion over ball powders. More on this later.

 

[lovdasnow]

I've been wondering the same thing. I just started looking into this, and had not heard the temp sensitivity thing.
it seems that ball powders would be a lot better during the reloading process. as far as metering goes.

i only have loaded with stick powders. i shoot varget in my 223, and it doesn't work in the dillon 550 powder measure very well. it's decent, but i feel it would be a lot better with ball powders.

I'll keep my eyes on this post, and hopefully i can learn something.

 

[4bycamper]

I am becoming a big fan of Accurate Magpro powder in my 7 Mag and over bore mag 270 wsm. Tiny flakes, great metering, and sub moa in all weather. What's not to like?

.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I know that ball powders are more temp sensitive but how much and how much dose this change. Ive just notice that a lot of ball powders are the most accurate but i did know if they had to be in a 20 degree window or what i was hoping that some one could shed a little light on this subject for me please. thanks

It's true that ball powders and most double base stick powders are temperature sensitive, it has to be quite a large change in temp to throw them into dangerously high pressures.
No matter the powder type, I have found it's best to work up loads in the warm to hotter months, it gives less chance of an unexpected excursion into dangerously high pressures this way!

There is one facet that it is inherent with ball powders and temperature.
From day to day, the load can be faster or slower depending on the temp in which it is fired in. If you have sighted in for a 3" POI at 100yrds, for instance, in a 70 degree day, at 100 degrees the load may produce another 100fps and be shooting above the intended POI. At 40 degrees it may produce a 100fps loss, and shoot well under the desired POI, you just need to be aware of this.
Hope this helps.
gun)

 

[lovdasnow]

wow, that is a pretty big difference!

 

[spiaailtli]

That is why military snipers use "extreme" stick powders in their ammo.

 

[4bycamper]

[/QUOTE]
There is one facet that it is inherent with ball powders and temperature.
From day to day, the load can be faster or slower depending on the temp in which it is fired in. If you have sighted in for a 3" POI at 100yrds, for instance, in a 70 degree day, at 100 degrees the load may produce another 100fps and be shooting above the intended POI. At 40 degrees it may produce a 100fps loss, and shoot well under the desired POI, you just need to be aware of this.
Hope this helps.
[/QUOTE]

If you don't mind my asking, where did you get this information? Most of us know about RL 19 and 22 being temp. sensitive. But your statement is much broader than that. This kind of information must be well hidden because it is not general knowledge. So where can I find out such stuff??

 

[Ridge Runner]

I shoot WC872 exclusively in my 7mm AM, it is temp sensative, maybe more so because of the volume of the charge (110 gr) I can tell you on a 40-50 degree day that 110 gr will send a 160 nosler through the screens of the pact at 3575 fps
if its 80° that same load will clock 3730 fps. and after the second shot you won't get the bolt open for a few minutes.
now on a 50 degree day if you let the round set in a warm chamber while changing targets or adjusting the chrony, it'll run 3650 fps.
all powders are temp sensative somewhat, double based or ball powders moreso, due to it having nitroglycerine in its make-up. Since most of my shooting with the long range cartridges is done during fall I can work around the temp. sens. thing. I can keep my loadwork and practice sessions close to the same temps as my hunting.
My problem with RE-22 is on top of the temp sensativity it has very bad lot to lot varience, I just got tired of reworking my load for my 6.5 gibbs every time I opened a new jug of powder.
I have read no data to back this up but this has been my own experiences. my 6.5 gibbs has went from 3340 fps with 61 gr re-22 and a 140 berger to 3200 under the same conditions with the same load just a different jug of powder.
RR

 

[spiaailtli]

Extreme stick powders only very 30 fps from -40 to +140...per the manufacture.

 

[4bycamper]

Extreme stick powders only very 30 fps from -40 to +140...per the manufacture.

Would this be H4831 we're talking about??
H4831is the most temp. stable of all powders that I have heard of or tried.
And 30 fps variance is well within the normal range of velocities per loading in my favorite calibers according to my Chrony.

 

[spiaailtli]

I don't believe tha one is listed as "extreme". There where only four and they may have just added another type to this line. Varget is one, Benchrest another.

 

[wallypedal]

I don't believe tha one is listed as "extreme". There where only four and they may have just added another type to this line. Varget is one, Benchrest another.

There are 11 on the Hodgdon website if you count both lengths of H4831....

Wallypedal

 

[spiaailtli]

Thanks, I'll check it out. It has been awhile since I read up on them.