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View Full Version : Accurate 2230 vs. Ram X-Terminator



Cmm_3940
09-27-2013, 11:26 PM
I have a little bit of Accurate 2230 of Ram X-Terminator left in a couple 1 lb. jars. There's about enough to load half a 50 rd. box of each. I knew these two powders are close, but didn't realize how close until looked up some data. Has anyone here ever used these two powders interchangeably, similar to W231 and HP38?


Thanks,

Chris

Cherokee
09-28-2013, 08:05 PM
No, and I would not unless I had positive confirmation from the manufacturer that they were the exact same powder. Hodgdon will tell you current 231/HP38 are the exact same powder.

aspangler
09-28-2013, 08:45 PM
X-Terminator is actually a little slower than 2230. I have both but they will NOT interchange. Major pressure differences between the two.

GabbyM
09-29-2013, 01:12 AM
Burn rates are controlled in part with coatings. Go mixing powders together and it would be hard to guess what results would be.
It's not like mixing 89 octane gasoline with 92 octane to get mid grade.
My advise would be to simply load rounds until powder is used up. Then box them with a clear label.

Cmm_3940
09-29-2013, 06:52 AM
X-Terminator is actually a little slower than 2230. I have both but they will NOT interchange. Major pressure differences between the two.


That was what led to the question. According to data provided by Western Powders and listed in Mr. Lee's book, pressures are identical. Further googling got hits on other forums stating the two powders have been identical since 2005 when Western acquired Accurate. Before this, they were different as you said. At this time, I'm trying to get independent confirmation from Western Powders.

Nice to know that load you worked up a few years back is going to stay the same.. :shock:

brassrat
09-29-2013, 08:25 AM
My Mini loves these two powders but not mixed. The homemade strut and bedding gives me 1/2 " groups at 50yds, at least in a few instances. lol

steve4102
09-29-2013, 08:54 AM
Ramshot X-Terminator and Accurate 2230 have been the exact same powder since 2005.

From Johan Loubser

Steve,

Yes X-Terminator® and A-2230® is indeed the same product.

However, TAC® and A-2520® is not the same, TAC® being faster burning than A-2520 ®.

If you go to our websites www.accuratepowder.com and www.ramshot.com you will see that the chargemass are lower for TAC vs A-2520®

As you will also see the loads for X-terminator® and A-2230® will be the same

As an example I am attaching the loads for 223Rem and .308Win from both brands.

Regards
Johan Loubser
Ballistician
Ramshot.Accurate.Powders
WesternPowdersInc.Miles City.Montana.

Cmm_3940
10-01-2013, 01:20 AM
Beat me to it, Steve. I just got this today:

GabbyM
10-01-2013, 11:07 AM
Great information. Now since I've a can of X-Terminator I can forget about trying A-2230.
I've pretty much settled on H-Benchmark for the light varmint and 53gr match bullets in 223. Then TAC for 55gr and up bullets.
That's enough complication for one caliber. In my personal AR with 1:12" twist 20" long barrel I've always had best accuracy using a powder on the faster side. with a 53gr. match bullet. 4198, Benchmark and I'd suppose 2230 or the X Terminator for a ball powder would work. H-335 never shot as good but made more muzzle blast. In my 26" barrel bolt gun H-Varget loaded to max always shot great with 50 grain varmint bullets. I think it's the barrel length and amount of muzzle blast you get around the exiting bullet.