.44 mag powder

[Lone Star]

GB's right again.  Is is rare that we encounter true unburned powder in normal loads.  The maximum pressure in revolvers ocurs when the bullet crosses the cylinder gap, and most the powder is consumed by that time.  The remnants that are deposited in the bore and shot out the muzzle are ash, which is often called "unburned power grains".   Higher pressures (and thus temperatures) will reduce the amount of ash produced, but some powders simply leave more than other do.

But the bottom line is that whatever you call it, it can and does cause jams, sticking and other reliability problems if left to build up.
.

[odoh]

I knew exactly what was meant by 'binding'. My RCBS Electronic Powder Dispenser that was actually made by PACT had a caution re fine grain ball powder like H110 and AA#9 altho I've not experienced it myself ~ yet. I haven't shot pistols as extensively as most here ~ but had a NM SBH that would bind w/H110. Didn't look like powder negatives to me ~ but makes no difference as the cylinder wouldn't turn. Had to take the thing apart to clean it on the range. My newer SBHs have forgone the skirted/countersunk chambers on the rear and are exposed/more open and haven't experienced the issue w/the newer guns.

FWIW ~ not completely off topic, one of the larger dealers in the area was grousing about FA. Said that the tolerances were close, grit/powder residue (just repeating what the fella told me after I bought my SRH today) would bind up and he was 'the face' to the customers. Said he was tired being between the dog and the tree. BTW ~ I happen to appreciate precision in my mechanical things and hopefully, my FA 83 will be in shortly. I'm just now getting back into shooting after a 10yr hiatus.

[SingleShotShorty]

I use W-296, or H110

[Davemuzz]

Really, if you've never tried Vihtavouri N-110 for your high power loads, you ought to pick up a pound of this stuff and give it a try. I'm sold on it for my 44 mag and my 357 mag. It gives the highest velocities of all the 44 mag powders, with the lowest CUP pressures. Accuracy from my 44 mag is excellent and consistent.

Another one of my favorites is N-340 for shooting 44 mag "pin loads" or plinkers. 7.2 grains of this stuff will just about fill the case when the 240 Hornady lead swagged bullet is seated. I can shoot 200 rounds of these and no leading will occur in my 4" 629.

Now, I've heard great things about N-340 for the 45acp, but in my 1911's I've tried it and it's too harsh of a powder...at least for steel shoots. Too much recoil. I stick with Unique.

This stuff is made in Finland by Finish people. The same finners who make Norma stuff. FYI. (Yeah....not a US company....but not China, or Japan, or Korea....I could go on)

Dave