Ackley1952
Member
Just because P O Ackley died doesn’t mean that his spirit doesn’t live on. A good burn rate chart and pair of safety glasses and plastic hammer to beat bolt open and let work begin.
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During 50+ years of handloading (and having owned a chronograph for 48 of those years), I've found some powders in each burning range that usually provide both the desired velocity and accuracy, so I start with those. On the slow end good old surplus 4831 was always great; it being virtually gone I find IMR7828SSC a good substitute. Any of the 4895's have done well for me in the "medium" range. And AA1680 and AA2200 are my favorites in the fast end of the rifle spectrum. For handguns and shotguns Unique is unique. These certainly aren't the only powders I use, but they are among the first I try when hunting for a good load for a new rifle. But there is no real substitute for trial and error.Stonecreek,
Yes, Excellent explanation!
For me accuracy does trump velocity, so how does a person research / decide on a powder that produces good velocity and great accuracy? I've had experience with the try powders other shooters have had success with until something works in your rifle method but if there is a more nuanced approach I'd love to learn it.
Thanks
I agree that Unique is excellent for accuracy and efficiency. It works great in .45ACP and .38 Special. It's also some of the dirtiest burning stuff I've ever shot, right up there with ComBloc military powders. There are more modern powders that give similar results without the excess gun-cleaning time. It's been a long time since I've loaded handgun ammo, so I can't name the substitutes off the top of my head, but there are good alternatives.For handguns and shotguns Unique is unique.
"I can call up spirits from the vasty deep.""they" (powder manufacturers/suppliers) claim that they perform such miracles regularly.
On the slow end good old surplus 4831 was always great; it being virtually gone I find IMR7828SSC a good substitute. Any of the 4895's have done well for me in the "medium" range. And AA1680 and AA2200 are my favorites in the fast end of the rifle spectrum.
But there is no real substitute for trial and error.
The Fireball uses either AA1680 or AA2200 equally well. AA 2200 does fine in the .222, also and it is usable in the .223 with lighter bullets. The .222 through 22-250 will all digest 4895 with good results.So where in the slow to fast spectrum do the .221 Fireball, .222 Remington, .223 Remington and 22-250 cartridges fall?