Smokeless powder my....

[Sledge1]

Threw together a few rounds for a .243 that I bought a while ago and hadn't shot yet. I loaded some Sierra 85's with H4350 that I'd had for a while. I don't know if the powder is starting to break down or what but after each shot I'd have to wait for the smoke cloud to clear to see the target again. It wasn't as bad as a black powder gun,but close. Any ideas?
Thanks.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

Any lube on the bullets? I have this problem with cast bullets in my pistols.

Some powders are also just smokier than others, Especially if it's not totally suited to the caliber/bullet weight.

 

[Sledge1]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

No, just naked bullets. Don't remember this powder doing this any other time I've used it.
On a side note, the groups were surprisingly good for a thrown together load.

 

[dogmessiah]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

This was a factory new gun right? How many rounds did you shoot through it? Did you clean the oil out of the barrel before shooting?

 

[FLIGHT762]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

Check the powder, as long as there is no reddish tint or red dust in the can, your powder should be fine. Maybe it was the lighting that made the smoke stand out?

Yesterday, I was shooting on the line with some friends. There was a slight head wind breeze. When I fired my first shot the powder cloud drifted on the line. A couple of guys asked what I powder was shooting, there was a strong sulfur smell to it. I smelled it too. I was using some IMR 3031. The powder was fine and was very accurate (308 Win. with 155 bullets). It was odd because most of the time, we don't get smoke cloud blown back on us.

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

I know blue dot, Unique, etc will not fully burn and smoke with light low-pressure loads in handguns. This may be the case with the light bullets in your 243. I use 4350 for 3006 and larger stuff with no problem. Don't own a 243.

 

[Sledge1]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

The rifle was used, not sure how many rounds thru it before I got it. I do know that it was clean though, so nothing in the barrel.
I started shooting a little past 6 this morning, so maybe the lack of wind/lighting had something to do with it. I wish I had clocked the load just for comparison.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

Since you posted this I saw something just as strange. One of the Bench Resters fired off a round from his 6PPC. A white cloud appeared in front of the muzzle and then a big explosion from it.

Not a big flame, just a "Boom" and the cloud disappeared. His explanation was lube from the barrel being ejected and then ignited when the flame from the charge reached it. OK, I guess. Sure was strange but it was entertaining.

I've noticed that my rifle does tend to "smoke" a little when there's some early morning humidity or "fog".

 

[Ledzep]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

I've seen it when it's raining, lots of smoke.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

If you're using a short barrel, it may not be burning completely. Very rare though. And remember to be careful if you light load a 243.

 

[Sledge1]

Re: Smokeless powder my....

I'm gonna chalk it up to the cool damp air for now. I've got some more loaded up, so we'll see if it does it again.
I'm waiting on a Magnettospeed to come in to check the speeds.
I'm shooting these loads from a 26" barrel so no worries there.

Thanks guys