Originally Posted by
DoubleBuck
Dieselhorses;
According to my research, with the help of others here, the commercial industry standard seems to be 1.7 grams per CC. In the late 1800's, Waltham Abbey in England was one of many manufacturers who were experimenting with specific loads for specific weapons. They were big in the development of loads for the Enfield Rifle.
Their research shows initial density of 1.5 grams per CC is minimum, to obtain grain structure integrity. As Density increases, speed of burn decreases. They settled on approximately 1.6 grams per CC density, and used larger grain sizes, to help compensate against the high speed burn. Larger grains, with lesser density. I believe their load for the Enfield was 1.6 Density, with screen sizes of less than 12 to greater than 20 per inch. Not sure that number is exact, but is close. Anyone with different thoughts feel free to correct me.
To your question; with your 12 ton press, and proper recipe, you should be able to easily obtain densities of 1.8 G/CC. That is the highest density puck I've made, that I measured the density of.
Your specific weapon will dictate what recipe, density and grain size it likes best. As a rule, pistols like light densities with small grain sizes, to complete the burn in a short barrel scenario. Cartridge pistols you have to balance density and grain size, to fit the load. Larger bore rifles, with longer barrels will generally like heavier density, to an extent; with the grain size determined by the bullet weight, length of barrel and 'heat' or burn rate of your particular charcoal.
Muzzle loaders can love screened powder, which is very light density, as they are not as limited on the load size. My own tests have shown screened powder weights equal to pressed powder load weights to be as much as nearly 1/3 larger volume. So, they can quickly overcome compact loads of equal weight, no matter grain size, or density, to a point.
Good luck with your powder and loads! I hope my input helped.