I've been really curious about the difference between ball powders and extruded powders. I've always used ball powder because to me it seemed like it would give a more uniform burn and be better packed in the bullet. But so many people reload with IMR powders (mostly extruded) and other extruded powders. I was wandering if the way the powder packs in the bullet actually makes a difference. It also seems that some of the hottest loads in reloading books are with powders like IMR 4035 or something like that, which is an extruded powder
Difference between ball and extruded powders
- Thread starter KLambert05
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Re: Difference between ball and extruded powders
Suggest you buy a reloading manual (hard copy book form), most have chapters devoted to powders. Really suggest doing some reading before "packing any more bullets"
Good luck
Jerry
Suggest you buy a reloading manual (hard copy book form), most have chapters devoted to powders. Really suggest doing some reading before "packing any more bullets"
Good luck
Jerry
Re: Difference between ball and extruded powders
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kevin05</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I was wandering if the way the powder packs in the bullet actually makes a difference. It also seems that some of the hottest loads in reloading books are with powders like IMR 4035 or something like that, which is an extruded powder </div></div>
the way powder packs, your talking about case capacity right ? ,i think this is vary important , im not sure but i think its one of the critical factors in OCW and OBT
im thinking you mean 4350 , i dont know 4035
4350 is an extremely popular powder among reloaders , it will function well most hi-power cartridges.
but +1 Jerry , you should consult your manuals
there are allot of newer powders out there that can outperform the 4350 , i'd look into those.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kevin05</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I was wandering if the way the powder packs in the bullet actually makes a difference. It also seems that some of the hottest loads in reloading books are with powders like IMR 4035 or something like that, which is an extruded powder </div></div>
the way powder packs, your talking about case capacity right ? ,i think this is vary important , im not sure but i think its one of the critical factors in OCW and OBT
im thinking you mean 4350 , i dont know 4035
4350 is an extremely popular powder among reloaders , it will function well most hi-power cartridges.
but +1 Jerry , you should consult your manuals
there are allot of newer powders out there that can outperform the 4350 , i'd look into those.
Re: Difference between ball and extruded powders
Spherical powders tend to be more temperature sensitive, velocity goes up with them more than most extruded
Extruded powders tend to occasionally have less shelf life. I believe it has something to do with it being easier during production to botch the addition of stabilizers, essentially to slowing deterioration. On friend reported a neglected 8-lb of extruded got white and chalky in less than 10 years after he bought it...but I don't remember now if he had a guess for how old it was at time of purchase.
Spherical powders can be more energy-dense, by volume alone. That = can get more weight of powder in the case.
Spherical powders also tend to burn a bit cooler than extruded. The military noted longer barrel life with the stuff 50 years ago...or seo.
Spherical powders tend to be more temperature sensitive, velocity goes up with them more than most extruded
Extruded powders tend to occasionally have less shelf life. I believe it has something to do with it being easier during production to botch the addition of stabilizers, essentially to slowing deterioration. On friend reported a neglected 8-lb of extruded got white and chalky in less than 10 years after he bought it...but I don't remember now if he had a guess for how old it was at time of purchase.
Spherical powders can be more energy-dense, by volume alone. That = can get more weight of powder in the case.
Spherical powders also tend to burn a bit cooler than extruded. The military noted longer barrel life with the stuff 50 years ago...or seo.
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