Cool burning powders?

[claudesapp]

Reading on 6mmbr.com, "experimenting with the use of very slow, cooler-burning powders" and have a question.

Are some powders really cooler burning than others? Or do they mean slower powders burn cooler than faster powders?

 

[colt933]

Re: Cool burning powders?

It is my understanding that extruded or IMR type powders burn 'hotter' and ball type powders burn 'cooler'.

 

[noahmercy]

Re: Cool burning powders?

I can say that when I lived in Florida and shot in very hot conditions I noticed VihtaVuori powders let me shoot substantially more rounds before my barrels got hot enough to require a rest period. This seemed true regardless of which of their powders I was shooting, so I'd have to say the type of powder (ball, flake, stick or single-base, etc.) probably has more of an effect on the temp of the flame front than the burning rate.

I suspect the fella' whose post you were reading was referring to a slower rate formulation of a cool burning powders (i.e. VihtaVuory N170 or 20N29).

 

[claudesapp]

Re: Cool burning powders?

Interesting, thanks. The reference was to "cooler" powders extending barrel life in a 243 (http://www.6mmbr.com/243Win.html).

I just asked my question because I know about burn rates for powders being faster/slower, but never thought that one powder could burn cooler, at least enough that it might extend barrel life to any noticeable extent.