50 replies to this topic

[Flexmoney]

What do you look for in a minor power factor load? (powder)

 

How do you decide what powder to use?  What is your top 3 criteria?  (*assume availability isn't an issue*)

[Desk Pop]

#1 - A fairly loud noise after pulling the trigger...

 

#2 - A hole somewhere near my point of aim...

 

#3 - Powder I can find...

[Flexmoney]

  (*assume availability isn't an issue*)

 

 

#3 - Powder I can find...

 

Post Fail.

[Stubb]

Can't say that I've done any actual looking. I scored a couple 8# jugs of Bullseye when I took up reloading during the height of the powder shortage and haven't seen any reason to change. It's:

1. Not too smoky
2. Meters well
3. Accurate enough

[GuanoLoco]

I could debate order:

Fast Burn Rate + Makes Power Factor (131-134 PF target)
Bulk Cost - I buy a lot at a time, preferably on sale and minimize overall cost
Available (I can handle small gaps in availability as I buy in bulk and stockpile)

Meters plausibly consistently (over many throws, some throw-throw variation OK)
Clean burning - Minimize smoke, carbon deposits
Doesn't burn excessively hot
Density - I'd prefer than a double charge NOT fit in the case
Temp Insensitive

My current preference - ETR-7.

[RockOutGLOCKOut]

Can't say that I've done any actual looking. I scored a couple 8# jugs of Bullseye when I took up reloading during the height of the powder shortage and haven't seen any reason to change. It's:

• Not too smoky
• Meters well
• Accurate enough

I use Bullseye for the same reasons.

[Sweet T]

1.  Cheap

2.  Meters repeatably

3.  Cheap

[waktasz]

Expensive

European

Hard to find

 

Makes me look cooler in front of the commoners at my local matches.

[MemphisMechanic]

Accurate.
Consistent (low SD through a Dillon measure).
Recoil impulse has to not suck too terribly.
Low smoke.
Doesn't leave the gun filthy.

Under 124/130/135/147 grain bullets (both coated and FMJ) I've been extremely happy with Solo100, clays, WST... and now I'm about to play with Ramshot Competition for a bit. I've heard good things.

[MemphisMechanic]

Expensive
European
Hard to find
 
Makes me look cooler in front of the commoners at my local matches.

I have a friend who has 8 pounds of N320 you can buy. You may need to sell your car, however.

[aceinyerface]

Not trying to re-invent the wheel, I use what works for other people.

 

If I get a dozen or so credible sources recommending it, and I can find it, that is good enough for me.

 

TiteGroup.

[Vagetarian]

Minor is for fags.

[Miculek is a Noob]

Yeah, that.

 

It's minor PF, not like you're trying to mitigate bruising recoil, so who gives a good fuck?

[Flexmoney]

Metering?  Is that really an issue here?  Are there enough powder out there that don't meter that this is a thing?

[Flexmoney]

Expensive

European

Hard to find

 

Makes me look cooler in front of the commoners at my local matches.

 

You could have just said European.  The other factors are given.  Spelling the rest of that out makes you sound French pretentious.  

 

oh wait...that is what you were going for (I just wanted to get that French dig in)

[adoo]

N320 is dirt cheap here, cheapest powder available is VV, 125USD for 4LBS jugs. 

[Motosapiens]

Metering?  Is that really an issue here?  Are there enough powder out there that don't meter that this is a thing?

depends on the powder measure. some flake powders seem to get more erratic at the small quantities used for minor. I had no issues with 3.9 gr of red dot, but when I loaded 3.1 gr under a 147, i started getting an occasional (1 or 2%) of very light loads that sounded squibby and wouldn't cycle the gun. A different powder measure helped, as did careful observation of the powder level.

[Motosapiens]

N320 is dirt cheap here, cheapest powder available is VV, 125USD for 4LBS jugs. 

that's the same price as here and it's the most expensive here, lol.

[MemphisMechanic]

that's the same price as here and it's the most expensive here, lol.

I was going to say...

It just sounds like they're being bent over to import American powders and Vitavhouri's.

(Typical powders for Minor run 125-175 for 8 pounds in the US. You get 4 pounds for the same price when shooting VV.)

[u sofa king we todd ed]

I have a friend who has 8 pounds of N320 you can buy. You may need to sell your car, however.

I call BS on the friend part...