Shooters World Tactical Rifle powder

[sledgehammer001]

After searching the 'net, it seems that real data for this powder is scarce so far. I DID find some here and there, so decided to add a bit of my own findings so far.
Today I ran a 25 round ladder test of 5 charge weights, through my new AR-15 chambered in 5.56 NATO. I currently have iron sights, but today I realized I NEED a scope!
Pertinent data:
Rifle: 16" barrel, 1-8 twist
A-Merc .223 brass, trimmed to 1.750"
S&B Small rifle primer
Lee 225-55 gc fn cast of ACWW+2% tin
Hornady GC
Powder coated, Smoke's Carolina Blue
Sized .225" with Lee push through size die
Case expanded with Lee Universal die
Crimped with Lee Factory Crimp
Cart. OAL: 2.150"
#1, 16.0gr Tac Rifle, 25yd, 1.75"
#2, 16.5gr Tac Rifle, 25yd, 2.25"
#3, 17.0gr Tac Rifle, 25yd, 2.50"
#4, 17.5gr Tac Rifle, 25yd, 2.90"
#5, 18.0gr Tac Rifle, 25yd, 1.20"
There was no FTF or FTE. All rounds showed no signs of pressure. Sorry, no chrony available. Almost no powder fouling either. Ran very clean.
These loads were weighed on a beam scale.
They were fired from a bench, with iron front post and flip-up rear peep. I'm certain these groups would be much better using a scope. My eyes are definitely not what they used to be.
I'll be doing more as time allows. Hope this encourages others to "give it a shot".

[Rcmaveric]

I just gave their buffalo bore a try and was pleased with the initial tests.

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[sledgehammer001]

Granted, I've got limited experience with this powder, but so far I like it. Burns very clean compared to 4198, or pistol powders I've used for cast. Hoping I can find a good load for the AR, then it's on to my 30-30, and 7.62 NATO Mauser.

[Rcmaveric]

Granted, I've got limited experience with this powder, but so far I like it. Burns very clean compared to 4198, or pistol powders I've used for cast. Hoping I can find a good load for the AR, then it's on to my 30-30, and 7.62 NATO Mauser.

Hmm, i like what i hear. At only 20 bucks a pound i have been thinking of trying it. Is the loading similiar enough to be considered an equivalent like tgeur chart suggests?

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[sledgehammer001]

[QUOTE] At only 20 bucks a pound i have been thinking of trying it. Is the loading similiar enough to be considered an equivalent like tgeur chart suggests?[QUOTE]
I think they've done their homework. I used their data to figure a safe starting point. They recommend a start load of 17.5 gr for a 55 fmj, @ 2509 fps. I started at 16.0 with no issues.
Tactical Rifle is a very dense, compact, ball powder. A 1lb bottle is approximately 3/4 full by volume.
The flash suppression in it works quite well. And from 16gr -18 gr, seemed very smooth without any 'touchy' issues.
Wish I had a Chrono, betting these cast are travelling at a decent pace.

[samari46]

Got the Grafs booklet regarding their powders, primers and musket caps. Bewildering array of powders from just about every manufacturer. For someone who grew up basically using the old IMR and Hercules powders in both rifle and pistol way more powders than you can shake a stick at. About the only Winchester powder I use anymore is WST for my 45 auto loads. Used to use 231 but that became unobtanium awhile back and since HP38 was identical and got a nice price for a few 1 pounders I went with that. Now if only someone would make a direct replacement for IMR 4759 that would make a whole lot of people very happy. Frank

[sledgehammer001]

This is the first time in almost 20 years I've tried a "new" powder. Always used IMR4198, IMR3031, IMR4895, in my .222, 30-30, 30/06. Use RedDot, Unique, H110, W231, in my various pistols.
I'm pleased with this Tactical so far.
Hoping to hit the range for more testing soon.

[sledgehammer001]

Update:
Finally made it to the range today. Been fighting a bone infection in my foot, so I've been out for a couple of weeks.
Today I ran 5 each of Tactical powder. 18.5, 19.0, 19.5, 20.0.....
From the bench, @25 yrds. All groups fired with a 5mph wind,
L to R, 100° temp.
One flyer, yeah I jerked it


A few disappointing groups, but it seems my rifle's sweet spot is between 18.0 grains and 19.0 grains.
Again, these are Lee 225-55gc cast from ACWW +2% tin. PC with Carolina Blue from Smoke 4320, gc are Hornady. Sized .225" with a Lee push through.
Powder is Shooters World Tactical Rifle. Primers, S&B SR, Brass, A-Merc.
I'll update when I start fine-tuning this load.
Shoot On!
Jon

[Rcmaveric]

Nice. Good result. I want to get a pound now.

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[sledgehammer001]

Had a friend tell me I was nuts for buying 5- 1lb bottles of an untested powder. Today at the range he's singing a different song
Glad I bought it, wish I'd bought more!

[sledgehammer001]

My next batch, to fine tune my AR carbine load. I'll try to grab some pictures of the groups. Trying to hit the range in the next couple of days.

[Three44s]

Looks like you got a good “chase” going there!

Three44s