BP in cartridges & air space

[LONGTOM]

I know this is really a MZ question but then again?

I know we are not to leave an air space when using BP yet they load the BP in the stick form in cartridges and MZs with no ill effects.
This has an air space all around it.
Why isn't this unsafe?
Always wondered about this!


LONGTOM

[coyotejoe]

It is not "unsafe", it is just messy and inaccurate. Black Powder burns much cleaner and more consistently with some compression. When reduced loads were made for the old black powder cartridges the excess space was taken up with wads to maintain normal compression on the powder. Of course they were not concerned with silly pellets.

[kitchawan kid]

Not a bad question at all,Iam just starting loading the 45/70 for the buffalo classic and any info is helpful.B.P. is a different ball game then smokeless.

[stimpylu32]

Not a bad question at all,Iam just starting loading the 45/70 for the buffalo classic and any info is helpful.B.P. is a different ball game then smokeless.

For the 45/70 or any round for that matter & BP here's a real good place to start .

http://www.bpcr.net/site_docs-results_schedules/documents/bp_cartridge_reloading_dick_trenk.htm

stimpy

[LONGTOM]

Good read but doesn't really address the question.
They warn about an air space between the powder and the bullet but I did not see where they talked about the air space around the powder as when using pellets or sticks of BP.
They seemed talk more about using loose powder.

Still looking for an answer.


LONGTOM