What's the diff between ball and stick ammo

[kris smith]

Title says it all

[Black Majik]

You must be thinking ball and stick powder.

[Mikeb]

OK in the powder world there are two different shapes that are popular , one is shaped like little balls and the other is shaped like little sticks.
hope that helps
Mike

[nitroxdiver]

Ball and stick are two types of powders as black majik said. Ball ammo generally refers to rounds with full metal jacket bullets. IE, m-193 is 5.56, full metal jacket round. It is considered a ball round. I'm quite certain the term originated from early muzzleloading musket days when the projectiles were round balls. They could also be loaded with shot.

[kris smith]

Yes I mean powder I know there shapes but why do they use two diff powder is there an advantage to one vs the other

[ScottsBad]

I really don't know a thing about powders, but I think I read that ball shaped powder is slightly less desirable because of its combustion characteristics, but I'd be interested in the real story if someone can elaborate.

[bohoki]

ball meters better in every powder measure

[zfields]

Ball and stick are two types of powders as black majik said. Ball ammo generally refers to rounds with full metal jacket bullets. IE, m-193 is 5.56, full metal jacket round. It is considered a ball round. I'm quite certain the term originated from early muzzleloading musket days when the projectiles were round balls. They could also be loaded with shot.

There are PLENTY of FMJ loadings that use stick powder.


dont forget flake powders also.

[Lostsheep]

As I understand it, the reason for differently shaped powder is to produce different burning rates. The rate of burning is proportional to the surface area. Some geometries increase/decrease their surface area as they burn and as such accelerate/decelerate their burn rates.

[jwb28]

OK in the powder world there are two different shapes that are popular , one is shaped like little balls and the other is shaped like little sticks.
hope that helps
Mike

You forgot the flakes

[CWUSCG]

Yes I mean powder I know there shapes but why do they use two diff powder is there an advantage to one vs the other

Different types of powder burn at different rates, some are much faster than others. Certain firearms will shoot more accurately with slower burning powders, some will shoot better with faster powders. Reloading is a darn science project!

[kris smith]

Yes I know flake is used in some Shot shells and every 22 I've opened up but some of my 223 has ball and some has stick . Didn't the military have a issue with one I the two in vietnam and the ar ?the soldiers would leave a round chambered over night and the humidity would be absorbed by the powder causing the rifle to not shoot and jam . That's one story I heard I may be wrong

[Mikeb]

You forgot the flakes

OK I are one...
That'll teach me to be a wise *****
take care
Mike

[zfields]

Yes I know flake is used in some Shot shells and every 22 I've opened up but some of my 223 has ball and some has stick . Didn't the military have a issue with one I the two in vietnam and the ar ?the soldiers would leave a round chambered over night and the humidity would be absorbed by the powder causing the rifle to not shoot and jam . That's one story I heard I may be wrong

Case sealent is made JUST for that reason.

[russ69]

Ball powder is the shape with the most surface area so in order to slow down the burn rate ball powder has a lot of deterrent applied on the surface. Because of the high amounts of deterrent, you need to have good amount of pressure to insure complete combustion. Reduced loads of ball powder are more erratic. Stick powder is a little more forgiving and burns well on a wider range of pressures.
Good loads however can be produced using either type.