The results of the first batch.
Went out last evening and shot 2 different loads over the chrono and for group. I know this is a Muzzle Loading section but I burn far more BP in my BPCRs than my MLs. This was through a Ballard 40-65 with a Malcolm scope. The range was 100yds.
The first load was a drop tubed case full which weighed 48.5gr. It was then compressed .250. My normal load of Swiss is 65gr and that isn't a case full. The boolit was 405gr.
Velocities
1 1065
2 1076
3 1034
4 1103
5 1032
6 1112
7 1057
8 1042
9 1083
10 1055
My control round can be seen on the left side of the target and it was doing 1305 from a clean barrel. Forgot to take off the 600yd windage but corrected after that shot.
The next load was 60gr, but the only way to get that much powder in the case was to weigh it in 20gr increments and then compress it by hand after each dump. After the last dump a wad was added and the whole mess then compressed .250 and the boolit seated. Here are the velocities.
1 1064
2 1035
3 946
4 1160
5 1201
6 1046
7 994
8 1008
9 1023
As you can see the velocities were all over the place and one is missing. I was loosing my light by this time and that might have had something to do with the readings, BUT the vertical stringing would indicate that they may have been right on.
Conclusions;
This batch of charcoal wasn't quite done and I put it back in the fire after it cooled to finish up and that might have been a problem. My second batch looked much better but haven't made any powder with it yet.
Also my grains weren't as uniform as they could have been and apparently compressing the powder the way I did, didn't work.:groner: There were only 2 shots that showed any increase in velocity and I could tell from recoil on both that they were hotter.
For my first try I was extremely tickled with the results.:bigsmyl2: The first load would definitely shoot minute of deer and even at that velocity a 400gr slug would go clean through. With the compressed plug powder more energy should be available for a cartridge gun. In a ML this method should work fine since you aren't limited by case capacity. I still have a little powder left that I will run through one of my ML.
Bob
Think I got enuff charcoal, Butch??
Today's my birthday.
Woke up to a terrific storm.
Went outside later to see this:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/atta...1&d=1307481013
I think I have enough willow for charcoal making!:bigsmyl2:
Note, picnic table lower left, for comparison