IMR PB Powder

[garandsrus]

It isn't surplus, but has anyone used PB powder for cast loads? I am considering buying a 12lb unopened keg. IMR's site says:

Named for the porous base structure of its grains by which the burning rate is controlled, PB is an extremely clean-burning single-base powder. It gives very low pressure in 12 and 20 ga. shotshell target loads and performs well in a wide variety of handgun loads.

A couple burn rate chart I founds shows it between W231 and Unique. Another shows it faster than both.

Thanks,
John

[felix]

Excellent powder, and is GreenDot speed. Jump on that like a goose on a junebug. Should produce velocities about 50 fps slower than GreenDot in the 44 at the same loading, because it does not have any nitroglycerin. Won't hurt to add another 1/4 grain or so to match the velocity, should accuracy be improved by doing so. 7-9 grains in the maggie with 250 grainers. ... felix

[Poygan]

Agree with Felix. It is a good cast boolit pistol powder.

[40mmHEDP]

Pb is the periodic symbol for lead! How could it not be good!

[Single Shot]

Pb also = Powder for Boolits

[shooting on a shoestring]

I shot a pound of Pb through .38s and .357s. The grains are very large and I didn't like the variation in charge weights when dropped from my Lyman 55. Also I found it just a bit position sensitive, not bad as I recall, but not as good as Bullseye or 700X. Overall it was entirely useable, just not stellar. I haven't used any more b/c I bought 8#s of Herco and 8#s of Bullseye. But if I got a swinging deal on Pb, I would consider it.

[garandsrus]

All,

Thanks... I will pick up the powder. The price is $100 for the 12 lb jug. He has another 5 pound jug, unopened, for $50, so I may try to work out a deal on all of it.

John