I don't have any manuals but I've been using a powder all last year and this that might be a Nobel powder, possibly even #3. When I tested it it was roughly on par with my AS50N loads. I'm using 4.0gn of it in .38 Special (100gn and 125gn), .44-40 (165gn) and .45ACP (185gn, 200gn and 230gn). I just checked the log: I have also loaded 5.0gn in .44-40 behind 200gn bullets, and 7.7gn behind 165gn bullets for a long-range rifle load, but the recoil is pretty harsh, especially in the pistols. The smokeless loads I finished off on the weekend were the last of the 5gn loads.
It's a shiny grey flake powder. I found a load penciled in the flap of a .38 Special box that listed Nobel #3. This tells me that the estate I got it from did use Nobel #3 at some point in the seventies. Whether the powder is actually #3 isn't of interest to me as I doubt I'll ever find more to replace it, I'm just using up what I have, then I'll go back to my stocks of AS50N.
Mikeshandguns wrote:Hi Fellow reloaders,
Iam looking to find anyone who may have a Nobels reloading manuals from the 1970s 1980s eras.
NOBEL PISTOL POWDER No 3
Manufactured by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) , Nobel division Stevenston, Ayrshire Scotland.
Yes , this powder is old and all checks for any deteration have been made and is in good condition.
A note said that it is similar to Bullseye powder, so I loaded some trial loads for my Ruger GP100 357mag ( strong built revolver) using 5grains with a cast 158g RN powder coated and sized to 358". and it shot a good group at 25m, chronograph average speed 730fps.
So my plea is if anyone has a reloading booklet they wish to sell or photograph relevant sections and post to me.
I also have rifle powder and shotgun powder as well from Nobels of the same age.
Any correspondance on the topic would be appreciated.
Regards,
Mikeshandguns.
Thankyou in advance,