Problem with reloading my bullets - The Firearms Forum

CPW · 01-21-2011, 11:59 PM

I have been reloading my own bullets for some time, but have run into a problem I haven't encountered before. I normally use 6.2 grains of Unique (brand) gun powder for my 45-long colt rifle bullets, but recently purchased a different brand called Trail Boss, which was recommended to me, and I want to use 5.6 grains of it for my 45-long colts. The problem is that when I go to use my Belding & Mull Visible Powder Measure, I find that I'm nowhere near the 5.6 grains that I need when I pour it into my scale. Am I doing something wrong, or what can account for the difference in weight between my old powder and this new brand? I'd appreciate the help of anyone out there who might have come across this kind of situation. Thanks!

Nalgi · 01-22-2011, 12:03 AM

are you measuring by volume or weight?
Is that load from a load manual? Need more info

steve4102 · 01-22-2011, 12:55 AM

No powders measure the same by volume/weight. If you are going to use XX grains of Trail Boss then set your scale/powder measure to drop the desired load. Some powders are light and fluffy and others are heavy and dense.

woolleyworm · 01-22-2011, 01:56 AM

Trailboss is one of the least dense powders available, if not The least. Unique is not too dense either, but there is still a significant difference in wt by volume. Be sure to only load a few rounds of each charge as you work up your load. I have worked up a couple of loads with Trailboss and some of the lighter loads will result in some blow-by of the case due to the light charge and not enough pressure to expand the case to seal the chamber.

What grain bullets are you using?

BillM · 01-22-2011, 07:54 AM

Trailboss was developed as a powder for originally black powder pistol
rounds with large volume cases. It will fill the case with a light load,
lessening the chance for a double charge . It has a very high
volume for it's weight. Cowboy action shooters were the original market. They seem to like it, even if it does smell funny.

Just keep adjusting your powder measure until it drops the proper weight
of powder per your reloading data. I use it for bunny fart 45 ACP
loads for my S&W 625. Works great for ICORE competition.

TheGunClinger · 01-22-2011, 08:44 AM

http://www.gunblast.com/IMR_TrailBoss.htm

Here is an interesting article that you might like.

howlnmad · 01-22-2011, 10:09 AM

The Gun Clinger,
Very good article. One thing not mentioned is that you don't want to load so full as to compress and crack the little donuts. They say you can load any caliber with the stuff. Just fill to the bottom of a seated bullet.

mikld · 01-22-2011, 11:24 AM

Is your powder measure adjustable? From your post it sounds like it isn't....

01-21-2011, 11:59 PM	#1
CPW Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1	Problem with reloading my bullets I have been reloading my own bullets for some time, but have run into a problem I haven't encountered before. I normally use 6.2 grains of Unique (brand) gun powder for my 45-long colt rifle bullets, but recently purchased a different brand called Trail Boss, which was recommended to me, and I want to use 5.6 grains of it for my 45-long colts. The problem is that when I go to use my Belding & Mull Visible Powder Measure, I find that I'm nowhere near the 5.6 grains that I need when I pour it into my scale. Am I doing something wrong, or what can account for the difference in weight between my old powder and this new brand? I'd appreciate the help of anyone out there who might have come across this kind of situation. Thanks! -->

01-22-2011, 12:03 AM	#2
Nalgi Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: West Coast Posts: 24	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets are you measuring by volume or weight? Is that load from a load manual? Need more info

01-22-2011, 12:55 AM	#3
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets No powders measure the same by volume/weight. If you are going to use XX grains of Trail Boss then set your scale/powder measure to drop the desired load. Some powders are light and fluffy and others are heavy and dense.

01-22-2011, 01:56 AM	#4
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,888	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets Trailboss is one of the least dense powders available, if not The least. Unique is not too dense either, but there is still a significant difference in wt by volume. Be sure to only load a few rounds of each charge as you work up your load. I have worked up a couple of loads with Trailboss and some of the lighter loads will result in some blow-by of the case due to the light charge and not enough pressure to expand the case to seal the chamber. What grain bullets are you using? __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

01-22-2011, 07:54 AM	#5
BillM V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Amity Orygun Posts: 390	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets Trailboss was developed as a powder for originally black powder pistol rounds with large volume cases. It will fill the case with a light load, lessening the chance for a double charge . It has a very high volume for it's weight. Cowboy action shooters were the original market. They seem to like it, even if it does smell funny. Just keep adjusting your powder measure until it drops the proper weight of powder per your reloading data. I use it for bunny fart 45 ACP loads for my S&W 625. Works great for ICORE competition.

01-22-2011, 08:44 AM	#6
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,401	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets http://www.gunblast.com/IMR_TrailBoss.htm Here is an interesting article that you might like. __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

01-22-2011, 10:09 AM	#7
howlnmad Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Harriman, Tn Contributor Posts: 2,637	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets The Gun Clinger, Very good article. One thing not mentioned is that you don't want to load so full as to compress and crack the little donuts. They say you can load any caliber with the stuff. Just fill to the bottom of a seated bullet. __________________

01-22-2011, 11:24 AM	#8
mikld Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 577	Re: Problem with reloading my bullets Is your powder measure adjustable? From your post it sounds like it isn't.... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast.