Ok, got some 5744... now what to do w/ it?

[jonk]

I've heard that 5744 is a good cast bullet powder and got a pound yesterday.

I have everything from 6.5X50 up through 45/70, including most military calibers.

Any suggestions as to charge weights?

Oh- and is it safe for trapdoors and the like?

[pumpguy]

Try PMing 6pt-Sika. If I remember correctly, he has worked up loads in several calibers of leverguns.

[Harry O]

Although it is suggested as a powder for big, old, BP cases, I have not found that it works well in them. At the pressures needed for old BP guns, it does not burn well nor burn cleanly. What I mean by that is that there are LOTS of grains of powder (and they are big) that scatter through the barrel and action instead of burning. Magnum primers and heavy crimps don't do much to change that.

It does work better (burn cleaner) at higher pressures (approx 28,000 to 32,000psi), but that would not be a good idea with a trapdoor. I have been playing around with Trail Boss and would recommend that more for a BP gun.

[Larry Gibson]

Go to Accurate Arms web site, lots of data there for 5744 and their other powders. It is one of the slowest of the "fast" burning powders. My experience is that it burns most efficiently with the heavier cast bullets at the top end loads. A very good powder in a lot of applications. I use it numerous cartridges from .22 Hornet up through 45-70.

Yes it is a good powder and safe for TDs I use 28 gr under a Lee 405 HB and 25 gr under the Rapine 460500 in my TD. Both duplicate the later service loads.

Larry Gibson

[jonk]

I think I will try it out first in a Mauser 71/84 this weekend...... :-)

[dwtim]

I've used it in .357 Mag and 45 Colt. Yes, it leaves behind kernels at lower pressures. This does not appear to effect accuracy at typical pistol range distances. I like it because it is easy to light, is case-filling, and with some heavy bullets, it's nearly impossible to put enough in the case to make a dangerous load. If I had a combo lever and wheelgun in either of those calibers, this is probably the propellant I'd use the most.

On the downside, it's pricey and velocities obtained won't be record-breaking.

[44man]

It makes grass grow real good! [smilie=1:

[Bluehawk]

I use it in 38-55,45-70,38-56,almost exclusively now . YES it does leave a lot of unburned kernels of powder in the barrel and sometimes the action. It USED to bother me but not anymore since it has never seemed to adversly affected the accuracy .
I have used it in 25/20 ,32/20 , 38/40, and 45 Colt also The most accurate loads I have ever got fomr all three of my 45 Colt guns was with 5744, BUT the umburned powder DID affect the revolver in the cylinder and getting in the frame. I did stop using it in revolvers
Most accurate load I ever got in my 32/20 is with 5744 & J bullets and it is now the load for that gun . then 25/20 shot great with it same group sizes I was getting with other powders but not the velocity I wanted so discontinued that in the 25/20 .
I currently own 4 rifles in 45-70 only one does not use 5744 ( My marlin 95 that shots J bullets exclusively and 30 31) the others use 5744 from between 23 and 29 grains depending on the gun and bullet weight all with out standing accuracy.
I have found that most of my guns also respond accuratley to a wide range in that powder EG MY WAY OLD original Sharps carbine will shoot the same accuracy level from 19 through 23 grains with a 400/405 cast bullet . I hunt with 23 grains and practice with 19 grains just slightly lower POI .

[Kraschenbirn]

Ummm...see my post from yesterday on the "340 Savage 30-30" thread under "Factory Guns." After getting MOA CB groups from light-barrelled sporter, I've become a firm believer in AA5744 for the 30-30.

Bill