Jump to content

Substituting powder with another make?


Recommended Posts

Hey guys. I've been reading some powder burn rate charts on the web and it appears that Vectan TU3000 is almost identical to H322. Does that mean I can substitute it in the .17 Hornet? It seems that all the cartridges I've found that use H322 also show data for TU3000, but not the Hornet. Perhaps just because it's too new and nobody has tried it yet?

 

I'm a bit out of my depth with substitution. It's not something I've done before but logic suggests that if the two powders are that similar, then if one is ok the other should be too?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cheers Deershooter. I should have clarified that I wasn't planning to to do that, but a very good thing for you to mention all the same! I hadn't really figured out how I was going to work up a load, but assumed that there would be a way to do it by starting very low?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use the burn rate chart to indicate which powders are similar .. then go on a load data hunt for that powder.... Whilst some may be close others may not and close don't work.

Maybe an email to the powder manufactures tech support dept? .., looking at the forums it seems some are very helpful.

Also a Quickload check may be posted?

At the end of the day I feel happier starting with a recipe from a manufacturer or known source than from some invisible net poster.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

All good points yes, I was wondering though if anyone knows of an example of two powders together on a burn chart that were vastly different in charge weights? I don't!

 

Yesterday I loaded some 1&1/4oz 12g loads with unlisted components,,I cross referenced and made a decision and went for it.

As it happened the load is too strong for me and a reduction is needed. BUT NOT DANGEROUS! In fact I was very pleased with the performance.

 

With a rifle cartridge and ball park powders for that case I doubt any real danger can happen,,,apart from ignition issues from too cool a primer with spheriical powders,,maybe.

 

U.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They may be close, and given that some factories make for others to rebadge, even the same, I still would not use a burn rate chart to determine loads ... Only options!

Even the good old Lee chart of bulk densities and VMD cautions that the data is approximate and varies by source. Also says that lot-to-lot variation will alter burn rate and density.

You may be right about ball park risk rates but I prefer a little more certainty when playing with 50-60,000 psi +/- X% ...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It turned out I was lucky. Found some of the powder that I was trying to substitute at the game fair so bought two tubs. I can get about 700 loads per tub in the .17 Hornet so that should last!

 

I went for H335, which also shows data for the .223, 7-08 and 8x60. That's all my rifles covered apart from one with just the one powder. It may not work for all of them but I'm sure I can make it work for more than one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...