Tricks to loading extruded va ball powder?

[C.W.M.V.]

[baih777]

Thats why i choose a ball powder for semi auto. If i use the powder dispenser i get more consistant loads.

For my bolt actions I handload. Usually extruded powder.

[C.W.M.V.]

Thats why i choose a ball powder for semi auto. If i use the powder dispenser i get more consistant loads.

For my bolt actions I handload. Usually extruded powder.

[OpenSightsOnly]

Look up barrel harmonics.

I have two WOA A2 uppers. One upper likes 8208XBR with 69 SMK while the other likes H4895 or 8208XBR with 77s. I ended up using 8208XBR with the 77s for both uppers.

BTW, both uppers like 24 grains of IMR 4064 with the 77s

Try using 69 SMK with H4895 and 8208XBR to see if it works better.

[smoothy8500]

Look up barrel harmonics.

I've had good results also with IMR 4895 and both 77 and 80gr in RRA A2 upper. However, I use AA2520 since my loading it is done on a progressive.

For 308 in my LRB Match rifle I use IMR 4064 just thrown, not trickled. Any variations are within the node and my 600yd scores aren't affected.

[C.W.M.V.]

Look up barrel harmonics.

I have two WOA A2 uppers. One upper likes 8208XBR with 69 SMK while the other likes H4895 or 8208XBR with 77s. I ended up using 8208XBR with the 77s for both uppers.

BTW, both uppers like 24 grains of IMR 4064 with the 77s

Try using 69 SMK with H4895 and 8208XBR to see if it works better.

I thought harmonics were a reflection of velocity rather than individual powder but apparently I am mistaken.

[OpenSightsOnly]

^^
Yep, bullet, powder, barrel profile (HBAR or skinny USGI), and barrel length

[NorCalFocus]

I thought harmonics were a reflection of velocity rather than individual powder but apparently I am mistaken.

Flat spots of velocity is what you get when your harmonics are in tune. Bullets, powders, primers, and cases can all effect those harmonics. Most guys think that a certain speed is which what gives you better harmonics. But its not. Speed is a by product of harmonics.

I saw a great video from 6.5 Guys. Their guest said that once he found the right node with the powder and bullet combo that works, he could load his rounds on a progressive with a powder dropper and still maintain said node.

[OpenSightsOnly]

However, I use AA2520 since my loading it is done on a progressive.

Since you use a progressive, check out 8208XBR. It's not ball but really short-stick powder that works well with a progressive and temp stable like H4895 or Varget. IIRC, 8208XBR is made by ADI same H4895 and Varget.

[rsrocket1]

The OBT v2 spreadsheet in conjunction with Quickload seems to work very well for me when it comes to getting a good starting point with barrel harmonics.

It doesn't seem intuitive that the harmonics is purely length and bullet speed related. My instinct says that barrel stiffness (thickness) would also play a role in determining the harmonics, but the two seem to work pretty well for me with in my 24" 788 in .308, 20" AR and 16" Ruger American Ranch in .223.

[C.W.M.V.]

Flat spots of velocity is what you get when your harmonics are in tune. Bullets, powders, primers, and cases can all effect those harmonics. Most guys think that a certain speed is which what gives you better harmonics. But its not. Speed is a by product of harmonics.

I saw a great video from 6.5 Guys. Their guest said that once he found the right node with the powder and bullet combo that works, he could load his rounds on a progressive with a powder dropper and still maintain said node.

[NorCalFocus]

It could be yeah. Is this the Citron barrel or the new Douglas?

[C.W.M.V.]

It could be yeah. Is this the Citron barrel or the new Douglas?

Douglas.
However the Criterion shoots 4895/8208 just about the same as the Douglas, so I’m curious to see what Tac/2250 do through it.
Well then...anyone want to trade me some TAC/2250? I’ve got a lot of 4895 to trade lol.

[NorCalFocus]

I'd also try a long tube powder funnel with the stick powders too before I jumped ship. See if the powder gets a more even burn and pressure with it settled better.

[tonyjr]

I use 8 powders [ hodgdon ] - all ball except one [ flake ]
Anyway , if you don't use mag primers , try them .
Better burning on ball powder and somewhere I read you
should use mag primers with ball