AA2230 Powder Discovery?

[Scott Hearn]

This probably belongs in the reloading forum but I thought it would be more visible here, so mods move it if you wish.

So...I'm playing with different powders in my new Loki 3G rifle. 18" barrel, rolling thunder comp.
Since it's a new rifle I've decided to really wring out 2 real popular powders and I've added a 3rd to the mix. One powder (2230) seems to have an odd trait.

Powder #1: Started fairly high in the data range since I've used it before and am somewhat familiar with how it acts. I only have chrono data on two loads for this one with an average velocity of 3031FPS and 3071FPS. Both loads run the gun just fine.

Powder #2: Didn't start so high in the data range since I've never used it. Loaded up 4 different loads with the highest being .4 grains under max book load. I've heard that the factory data is thought to be pretty conservative and I'm tending to think the same. Average velocities are 2841, 2896, 2945 and 2985. All 4 loads run the gun just fine. As a side note, if the trend with this one continues, and I'm pretty sure it will since it's a single base powder this one is only good for 3000FPS at max book.

AA2230: At a near max book load clocking an average velocity of 3106FPS with the highest in the string clocking 3151 this powder refuses cycle the gun. It short stokes every single time. It ejects but will not lock the bolt on an empty mag. It's effectively a single shot. It's no real biggie since it's just a gas block adjustment to fix it. I've got 5 different loads on this one and not a single round has locked the bolt on an empty mag and every single round in all other loads have ran flawlessly at far lower velocities. This leads me to believe that there is a pretty serious difference in the gas volume that 2230 produces. Weird...

 

[shootingbuff]

Interesting.
Please keep us advised of your future findings with this powder. Can one assume that with less gas the comp doesn't work as efficiently?

 

[aeropb]

BLC2 and H335?

 

[dennishoddy]

The only thing that comes to mind is that the AA2230 is a really fast burn, and is losing pressure by the time it hits the gas port, resulting in the short cycling.

Don't know. Just speculating. I think its time for a call to the powder manufacturer, and ask the same question. I've had great sucess doing this.

 

[Scott Hearn]

Interesting.
Please keep us advised of your future findings with this powder. Can one assume that with less gas the comp doesn't work as efficiently?

That's kind of what I wondering. Also it would seem that if you are running 2230 and for some reason switch, you could possibly over gas your lightened BCG if you don't re-adjust your gas block.
I'll also add that as it stands at the moment 2230 is looking like my primary powder. I need to shoot more groups on paper, but the chrono is looking the best so far.

BLC2 and H335?

Yes and no.















Edit: BLC2, 2230 and IMR 8208 XBR. Oh and by the way, you didn't show up at ICORE today. Chris was especially evil today. I think he's been covertly going to 3 gun matches, 'cuz he has all the sudden taken to liking those little steels at about 25 yards just like in 3 gun.

 

[Scott Hearn]

The only thing that comes to mind is that the AA2230 is a really fast burn, and is losing pressure by the time it hits the gas port, resulting in the short cycling.

Don't know. Just speculating. I think its time for a call to the powder manufacturer, and ask the same question. I've had great sucess doing this.

I thought about that too. It would stand to reason that there is plenty of pressure there to work with as evidenced by the higher velocity, but whether the pressure is happening before the gas port is anyone's guess. It is the fastest of the three, but it's also a rifle powder and I kinda doubt that it's all burnt by the time it hits the port, it's just not that far away. I just find this stuff fascinating. I'm weird, I know...

 

[Chambers]

IMO, your gas block isn't opened up enough. That's not a line you want to toe.

2230 gets great velocities!

The comp thing.... Really??

 

[aeropb]

Sorry I was up too late to be much good. Early matches are rough for young guys.

 

[shootingbuff]

IMO, your gas block isn't opened up enough. That's not a line you want to toe.

2230 gets great velocities!

The comp thing.... Really??

Ah yes lol
For a comp to work it has to have pressure. If a lightened BCG is short stroking and nothing else is wrong then one can assume there is not enough pressure. That stated if it just a small adjustment on the gas block that is all there is to it. If the gas block is adjusted sufficiently then what the heck is up with the pressure and if it is l_o_w hence the question reference the comp.

Folks ran test on the comps, but did they use the same ammo, rifle / rifle setup with the same same person?

 

[shootingbuff]

Sorry I was up too late to be much good. Early matches are rough for young guys.

I was going for BLC2 and H322.

Next powder purchase I am going to try the AR Comp unless someone on here does first.

 

[Scott Hearn]

IMO, your gas block isn't opened up enough. That's not a line you want to toe.

2230 gets great velocities!

The comp thing.... Really??

Oh I know about the gas block. I just find it interesting that the higher velocity 2230 loads are short stroking the gun while the other powders aren't.
When I decide on a load, I'm buying a boatload of that powder, readjusting the gas block and locking the screw down.

And I can't feel a lick of difference in recoil but the report does seem a bit louder in the loads that aren't short stroking.

 

[shootingbuff]

Oh I know about the gas block. I just find it interesting that the higher velocity 2230 loads are short stroking the gun while the other powders aren't.
When I decide on a load, I'm buying a boatload of that powder, readjusting the gas block and locking the screw down.

And I can't feel a lick of difference in recoil but the report does seem a bit louder in the loads that aren't short stroking.

Well I don't have an adjustable gas block, but feel the same about any load that is worth a damn.

 

[Wall]

Scott,
I only use 2230 for .223 & it has performed well for me.
The Safety Bear that I got the recipe from has used it for quite some time & it has served him well too.