Powder Burn Rate Chart

[Bruno2]

Here is some very useful information to anybody thinking about reloading or currently handloading. This is a staple that is worth its weight in gold when selecting powders for different loads.


Powder Burn Rate Chart

About this chart:

Starting at number 1, that powder will have the fastest burn rate and the ending number powder will have the slowest burn rate. The secret is to start at lower settings and work your load up keeping a close watch for pressure signs. This chart is put here only to give an idea of where in the line of progression certain powders burn in comparison to other powders.

Disclaimer: Never take my word, this chart or anyone else's word without first consulting a reloading manual. Always start your own loads at the minimum settings listed in a manual and working up from there; being careful to watch for any signs of pressure.


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POWDER BURNING RATE CHART (INCLUDES CURRENT AND OBSOLETE POWDERS)

NOTE: The sequential number is for reference; it does not indicate or imply a sequence of burn rates. Any "group" of powders can vary within a sequence,and will vary from lot-to-lot. You will find some of these powders in different sequences from different sources…this only verifies the burn rate variances.


http://www.reloadbench.com/burn.html









This data is NOT intended for working up loads, nor should it be used blindly. Many of these are estimates, based on the best guess of individuals at the manufacturer or private individuals who handload extensively. Not all of the powders have even been verified to have existed. No accuracy or safety guarantee is made or implied, as this is for speculative purposes only. All standard handloading safety practices should be followed. Extra care should be taken with older powders, and they should be carefully evaluated for signs of deterioration.

"used by permission from [email protected]"

 

[Bruno2]

Here is some other useful info to understanding powders and type of powders.


1. Extruded or Tubular
This type of powder is most commonly used in rifle cartridges, and is usually single base. However, there are a few which are double base. Burning rate is controlled by composition, grain diameter and length, web thickness, and deterrent coating. Extruded powder can vary greatly in appearance and grain size.



2. Spherical or Ball Powder
Spherical powder can look like tiny round balls or the grains can be flattened. The grains can vary in size, shape, and color. The burning rate of spherical powders can range from a fast pistol powder to very slow rifle powder. All spherical powder is double base and burning rate is determined by chemical composition, grain size, and deterrent coating. Spherical powder, in general, is harder to ignite than extruded powder, therefore magnum primers are recommended in certain loads.


3. Flake
This type of powder is usually double base fast burning, suitable for pistol, shotgun, and light sub-velocity loads in rifles. Flake powders in slower burning rates suitable for rifles are not available in this country, but have been used in Europe.


The extruded powders are by far the hardest to meter. Some companies like Hodgdon have what is known as a short cut version of the extruded powders. These powders will have the abbreviation SC in the number or name of the powder. Such as H4831SC. Short cut simply means that the powder granuals are cut off shorter to allow them to fit into drums or bushings easier in order to maintain a more consistent drop.

 

[Bruno2]

This is where a burn rate chart will help greatly. Lets say that I am wanting to load some 25-06 Remington. My rifle is a Savage VF112SS. The barrel length is 26". This being a longer barrel I want to stay with a slower burning powder. The length of the barrel with give the slower burning powder enough time to reach peak pressure before the projectile exists the muzzle. My rifle may or may not like every slow powder in this category. So when working a load with a certain bullet if I don't get optimum results with the first try then I want to explore different velocities of the powder while checking for signs of excessive pressure. When approaching the max in powder charges if no improvement its time to scrap that powder and move onto a different one. After exploring a couple of different powders if the results are still not turning favorable then its time to change projectiles.


85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon H1000 .257" 3.230" 58.0 3218 41,000 CUP 62.0C 3442 48,100 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT IMR IMR 7828 SSC .257" 3.230" 55.0 3186 46,200 CUP 59.2C* 3417 51.900 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Winchester Supreme 780 .257" 3.230" 54.5 3321 52,700 CUP 58.0 3470 59,200 PSI
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon H4831 .257" 3.230" 54.0 3302 46,000 CUP 58.0 3473 51,700 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon Hybrid 100V .257" 3.230" 49.0 3223 44,100 CUP 54.0 3490 51,200 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT IMR IMR 4831 .257" 3.230" 49.0 3021 42,400 CUP 55.0 3417 51,600 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon H4350 .257" 3.230" 49.0 3255 44,400 CUP 53.0 3445 50,700 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon H414 .257" 3.230" 48.0 3248 45,000 CUP 52.0 3443 50,600 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT IMR IMR 4350 .257" 3.230" 48.0 3107 43.700 CUP 53.0 3398 50,800 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Winchester 760 .257" 3.230" 48.0 3248 45,000 CUP 52.0 3443 50,600 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT IMR IMR 4007 SSC .257" 3.230" 47.0 3147 45,000 CUP 52.0 3453 51,600 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon H380 .257" 3.230" 45.0 3130 43,700 CUP 49.0 3321 51,200 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon Varget .257" 3.230" 43.0 3271 45,000 CUP 46.5 3449 50,900 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT IMR IMR 4064 .257" 3.230" 42.0 3149 45,700 CUP 45.7 3353 50,200 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT IMR IMR 4895 .257" 3.230" 41.0 3063 43,300 CUP 45.5 3297 50,100 CUP
85 GR. NOS BT Hodgdon H4895