Slower powders and lever cartridges!

[andym79]

Hi guys I like to shoot 165GN RNFP cast from my 30-30. I have had reasonable success with my 30-30 using fast rifle powders such as AR2205, AR2207 and AR2206H, but I do not like the fact that the cartridge is so empty!

Has anyone had success using nearer to full cases of slower powders like AR2209or AR2213?

Also in the 38-55 for 245GN RNFP cast bullets, has anyone had success using nearer to full cases of powders likeAR2206H or AR2219?

Finally in the 375 Win for 245GN RNFP, cast bullets, has anyone had success using nearer to full cases of powders like AR2206H or AR2209?

My lee reloading manual seems to suggest these might be good powders, so far I have only been using my Lyman manual for loads!

[bobnob]

I use Ar 2206 in my 45-70 a good bit and sometimes 2208. They are both a little slow especially with the light bullets. I imagine those powders would be ok in your 375 Win and 38-55. 2219 might be a better balance, its just about the best powder for 45-70 IMO, unless you are chasing fastest speeds with light bullets ie 300g.

Check the manuals of course. 2206 will also work well in your 30-30, as will 2219 provided you work your loads up and check the manuals.

Ar2219 is a very underrated powder across a range of calibres and its a great one for straight walled rifle cartridges.

[bobnob]

I hasten to add Andy, do not use Ar2209 or 2213 in any of these cartridges. DON'T!

They are too slow and their performance might be unpredictable and unsafe.

2219 is your best bet I reckon. 2206 will do it as well for all the rounds you list.

[andym79]

I hasten to add Andy, do not use Ar2209 or 2213 in any of these cartridges. DON'T!

They are too slow and their performance might be unpredictable and unsafe.

2219 is your best bet I reckon. 2206 will do it as well for all the rounds you list.

Okay I thought those powders where only a problem if you didn't fill the case to 90% or more! Maybe I need to do some more reading.

[bobnob]

Okay I thought those powders where only a problem if you didn't fill the case to 90% or more! Maybe I need to do some more reading.

You might get away with it but they are just not intended to be used in that sort of application.

Stick with the faster powders Andy, 2206 and faster.

With 2209 and 2213, the best you can hope for is crappy speeds and poor accuracy.

[andym79]

Well I thought I would run some numbers through the simulator Quickload. Without powder bias I preset some criteria:

1) A velocity range of 1600-1900fps respecting the limitations of the gas check projectiles' alloy and the RPM threshold!
2) A fill of a least 65%
3) A burn of at least 85%
4) Pressure to suit the alloy and obviously a safe margin for the cartridge type.

The list of suitable powders for the 30-30 was:

AR2207
AR2219
BM2
AR2206H

Whilst the slower powders may have worked, its seems you were on the money with your comments bobnob!

I have experimented with 2207 and 2206H! 2219 might be the sweet spot!

For the 375 and 38-55 only AR2207 made the criteria! I am starting to think I just need to load it a little heavier, to exclude the possibility of a double charge!

[bobnob]

The quickload results are really interesting Andy. Good work.

I think you could use 2219 in all of them. I have since checked the ADI book and it seems it would work.

Its a good powder to have on hand anyway.

In any case you have some great levergun rounds to play with there. Can you post some load results?

[Old Fart]

How did you go Andy?

Any test results to share?