Accurate Smokeless Powder Manual

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Accurate
â
Smokeless
Powder
DISCLAIMER
Accurate Arms Company, Inc. disclaims all possible liability for
damages, including actual, incidental and consequential, result-
ing from usage of information or advice contained in this book.
Use data and advice at your own risk and with caution.
Accurate Arms Company, Inc.
McEwen, Tennessee 
						

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Accurate Powder Specifications .................................................................. Inside Front Cover
Introduction and Special Notes ............................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................5
Legend ................................................................................................................................ 5
Special Warnings About Internal Chamber/Bore Dimensions and Configurations .................. 6
Accurate
âSmokeless Powder Descriptions ........................................................................... 8
Smokeless Propellant Storage .............................................................................................. 10
Handgun Data ...................................................................................................................... 14
Cowboy Action Shooting....................................................................................................... 22
Rifle Data ............................................................................................................................. 26
Bushing Data for Shotshell Propellants ................................................................................. 45
Shotshell Data ...................................................................................................................... 47
A Quick Guide to Shotshell Primers and Wads ..................................................................... 63
Whats New in This Manual
·Data for MAGPRO for .300 Win Short Mag (WSM), .270 Win Short Mag (WSM), 7mm Win Short
Mag (WSM), .243 Win, .25/06 Rem, .264 Win Mag, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm Rem Ultra
Mag, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Rem Ultra Mag, .338 Lapua Mag
·New calibers including .300 SAUM, 7mm WSM and .270 WSM.
·Updated powder descriptions
ã2003 Accurate Arms Company, Inc., McEwen, Tennessee. 
						

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INTRODUCTION
This booklet is an introductory guide to the use of ourAccurateâSmokeless Propellants,
including the ScotTMseries of shotshell propellants. The data for the metallic cartridges has been
derived from our more comprehensive No. 2 loading guide. (It is available from your local dealer,
or check the inside back cover of this booklet for ordering details.) The shotshell data is the
latest we have available on the Scot series and is only available in this guide.
SAFETY
In reloading, the prime concern should beSAFETY. Alwayswear eye protection when
reloading, even when working with ``non-volatile components.Alwayskeep the reloading area
clean.Neverhave more than one propellant within easy reach at any given time. Avoid having
similar looking bullets of different weights on the bench at the same time. Read the safety notes
in the center of the booklet before loading.
If you are new to reloading, we recommend that you obtain and read a book such as Dean
Grennells``ABCs of Reloadingor any other publication specifying the reloading procedures
in detail. It will help provide the basics for getting started. Loading manuals from the bullet
companies provide information about reloading for metallic cartridges. All loading tools (metallic
and shotshell) come with instructional text.
Metallic Centrefire Calibers:
As with all editions of our loading data, as well as all other publications, one must be
aware that the velocities and pressures generated for aspecific combinationof gun (i.e.
chamber/barrel internal dimensions), and components, (i.e primer, case and bullet)may
differ significantly,from what is listed in this guide. Thats the reason why a safety margin
of 10% is built into the ``START load.
This is the golden rule of reloading: To always start at the suggested minimum
``START load. This also applies whenever a change is made to any one of the
components of the combination, i.e., primer, case or bullet.
The only charge that can be guaranteed to be safe, is the minimum or ``START charge.
The misconception that the maximum charge (or any charge beyond the minimum load)
is also safe,is not true at all.The myriad of variables outside the control of the compiler
of reloading data, does not allow for that exact a prediction.
This guide is a report of the velocities developed on a given day under a given set of lab
conditions.Variations as much as 10% have been recorded between different combinations.
Therefore, a variation in performance should be expected. In the case of metallic centerfire
calibers, the minimum loads are listed. In certain cases where only one load is listed, such as
reduced loads for special applications such as training, Cowboy action, galley loads etc, the
listed charge can be used as is. In such cases the fact will be stipulated.
Please use caution when reloading with military cases as some batches of military cases
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Nhave reduced interior volume and may require reducing the charge even further to keep chamber
pressure in line.
In the case of revolver calibers,some data was compiled using un-vented test barrels.
Please expect a lower velocity in actualrevolvers. This lower performance will depend on the
conditions and parameters of each combination. This will depend on the cylinder gap, burn rate
of the propellant, as well as the performance level.
WARNING concerning reduced loads:For this special type of application, it is often
necessary to loadbelow the 50% case capacity level.This, combined with the factthat
fast handgun/shotshell propellants are recommended and usedto maintain the combustion
efficiency, creates thereal possibility of ``DOUBLE CHARGING. THIS WILL HAVE DISAS-
TROUS RESULTS.Please verify andcheck each and every loaded casewith amarked
plungerbefore inserting/crimping the bullets.Haste in this case is not worth the risk!!!!
Shotshell Calibers:
The charge tables for shotshell cartridges are to be used as a guideline. Variations can
occur, although to a lesser degree than with metallic centerfire calibers. Even when the exact
same components are used, the differencedue to case condition, crimp, and primermay cause
variations beyond what is normally being accepted and/or assumed.Shot shell calibers are
especially sensitive to variations in primers and assembly procedures. The normal varia-
tion in primers even from one manufacturer will result in different ballistics.The shot
weights listed in this booklet are for lead shot;steel shot may not be substituted.
If you find indications of excessive pressure while using loads in this guide STOP
TESTING, and verify all data and loading procedures. If things seem to be in order, check
with our lab personnel before proceeding. The phone number to use is (931) 729 4207.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following companies/individuals have been helpful in the preparation of this loading guide:
Ballistic Products CCI/Speer Douglas Barrels
Bull-X Bullets Clements Casting Hornady Bullets
Eldorado Cartridge Cooper Arms Magnum Research
Lee Precision Forster Products Mayville Engineering (MEC)
Miller Arms Freedom Arms Nosler Bullets
Pennys Casting Lyman Products RCBS
Redding-SAECO Precision Machine Remington Arms Company
Starline Sierra Bullets White Rock Tool & Die
Thompson/Center Arms H-S Precision Mike Roese
Wolfe Publishing Company C. Sharps Arms Bill Wiseman
Barnes Bullets
LEGEND
A-FA-FrameNOSNosler
BARBarnesNRNo recommendation
BPBallistic ProductsOALOverall length
BTBallistic TipOZOunce
CBClaybusterPA R TPartition
CLEClementsPCPattern control
DGWDixie Gun WorksPENPennys Custom Bullets
DEDouble end wadcutterPMCPMC/Eldorado Cartridge
F/SFeet per secondPOSTPostell
FAFreedom ArmsPSPCLPointed Soft Point Core-Lokt
FEDFederalREMRemington
FIOFiocchiRNRound Nose
FNFlat NoseRPMRock Pistol Manufacturing
FSFailsafeSSolo
GDGold DotS&WSmith and Wesson
GSGrand SlamSCHMSchmitzer
H&RHarrington and RichardsonSIRSirocco
HBHollow base wadcutterSPSpitzer
HDYHornadySPBTSoft Point Boat Tail
HPBTHollow Point Boat TailSPRSpeer
IMIIsrael Military IndustriesSRASierra
(L)LeadSWCSemi-wadcutter
LYLymanSWFSwift
MAXMaximumT/CThompson/Center Arms
MILMilitaryULAUltra Light Arms
MINMinimumWINWinchester
N100Nitro 100XX Hollow Point
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SPECIAL WARNINGS!!!
Concerning the internal dimensions and configurations of centerfire
metallic calibers, especially Semi-auto pistols.This warning is not aimed at
specific weapons, but any weapon with the conditions or dimensions as described
below. Accurate Arms did not compile special data for any weapon.
Chamber dimensions:
It is extremely important to note that due to aftermarket modifications and
for certain factory produced semi-auto pistols, some pistols have chamber config-
urations that do not fully support the chambered cartridge case.
This modification is incorporated to aid in the reliable feeding of the round
from the magazine. Although this practice is acceptable with some calibers such
as the 45ACP which generate relatively low pressures, this kind of incomplete
support can be a real problem with high performance calibers such as the
9mmx19P, 38Super, 40S&W and 10mm Auto calibers. Although it might also be
acceptable for first fired conditions such as factory ammunition, or new unused
cases, a potential hazardous condition can be created when cases are reloaded
for the second or subsequent time. Whenever a deformed case results after
firing (e.g., a bulged or ``pregnant shape from the base of the main body
towards onethird to half of the case body), it is a sure sign that the case is not
fully supported. Although this bulged part is reformed during resizing, the case
strength could be weakened. The problem occurs when this part of the weakened
case again lines up with the modified part of the chamber. This will then cause
the case to fail and the gasses to be ejected into the internal cavity of the weapon.
The loading data published by Accurate Arms was developed in our ballistic
laboratory in accordance with SAAMI test methods and equipment and does not
exceed Maximum Average Pressure recommended by SAAMI. This information
is safe for use in firearms which provide complete support of the case. Failure
to fully support the case with cartridges of such intensity may result in bulged
cases, ruptured cases, separated case heads or other consequences which may
result in destruction/damage to the firearm and/or injury or death to the shooter
and/or bystanders. This can happen no matter whose propellant is used.
We recommend that if you own a firearm where the chamber does not fully
support the chambered round and is producing the above mentioned symptoms,
you contact the manufacturer to determine if the case is fully supported, or have
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a competent gunsmith examine the firearm and determine the amount of support
provided the case.
If your firearm does not provide complete support for the case, please take
extreme care and refrain from reloading cases.
Unconventional internal rifling/bore profiles
in conjunction with cast/lead bullets
This concerns the combination of using cast/lead bullets with rifling configu-
rations other than the standard ``square land and groove profile.
In order to properly engage the bullet, any barrel with an unconventional
rifling profile needs to have an extremely tight bore diameter. When lead/cast
bullets are used in conjunction with these types of barrels, it is extremely impor-
tant to properly select the correct type, size (diameter) and hardness of the bullet.
Any bullet material that might collect in the freebore/throat area will cause a
delay in bullet displacement during firing, which will have disastrous results.
This is especially true in the case of typical high performance auto pistol
calibers such as the 9mmx19P, 40S&W, 10mm Auto etc, and in the case of high
performance 45ACP+P loads.
We recommend that the shooter/reloader always be aware of the level of
leading that is occurring for their combination. Any excessive build up of material
should prompt the cleaning of the bore. When plated cast bullets are used, make
absolutely sure it is of the best quality possible with no possibility of separation
of the plated material form the lead core.
Accurate Arms Company has felt it necessary to place these warnings
because the continued safety and welfare of the shooting public compels
us to do so.
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AccurateâSmokeless Propellants
TheAccurateâSmokeless Propellants listed below are in approximate burning order from fastest to
slowest within each group. All propellants are manufactured with nitro-cotton as the main energetic ingredient.
Double base propellants have NG or nitroglycerine as the second energetic ingredient.
PISTOL PROPELLANTS
No. 2An extremely fast burning, double base ball-type handgun powder specifically designed to have a
relatively low loading density. A very clean burning powder that is well suited for low-performance and low
loading density applications like Cowboy Action. It is certainly the most efficient and cost effective ball-type
powder available for handgun loads.
No. 5A fast burning, double base, ball-type handgun powder. This powder is extremely versatile and can
be used in all handgun calibers.No. 5can be used over a wide performance range from low performance
target and Cowboy Action applications to full power defense loads. The powder meters well and strikes a
good balance between ballistics and cost efficiency.
No. 7An intermediate burning, double base, ball-type handgun powder. This is a good choice for high
performance handgun calibers, especially those designed and used on semi-auto pistols such as the .357
SIG, .400 Corbon, 10mm Auto etc. It is also suitable for the magnumrevolver calibers as a cost effective
alternative to the slower burning powders normally used for the magnum cartridges.
No. 9A slow burning, double base, ball-type handgun powder. The powder is suitable for standard
magnum handgun calibers such as .357 Magnum and the .44 Magnum as well as the extreme magnum
calibers such as .454 Casull, .450 Extreme and .50 Action Express. A good all-around powder that will serve
a wide range of high performance handgun applications.
410 0This is a slow burning, double base, ball-type handgun powder that was originally designed for the
.410 shotgun. The powder is well suited for large capacity handgun cartridges like .44 Magnum, .454
Casull, .450 Extreme, .50 Action Express, etc. when maximum velocity is required (e.g., hunting, silhouette).
The load data is limited soNo. 9can be used as guideline and the charge increased by approximately 3%.
RIFLE PROPELLANTS
1680An extremely fast burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder that is Accurates fastest rifle powder.
This powder suits some large capacity handgun cartridges like .50 Action Express, as well as low capacity
rifle calibers such as the 7.62mmx39 and .22 Hornet. This powder is also well suited for light bullets in
.222 Rem and .223 Rem and for intermediate type straight-walled calibers like the .449LW and .444 Marlin etc.
5744An extremely fast burning, double base, extruded rifle powder. This unique powder can be used in
both extreme magnum handgun and a wide range of rifle calibers. The powder is characterized by excellent
ignitability and consistency over a very wide performance range. The ignitability coupled with the ``bulki-
ness makes this powder an excellent choice for use in reduced loads for many rifle calibers and in large
capacity obsolete black powder calibers such as the .45±70Gov, .45±90/-110/-120 and the .50±90 through
.50±120 Type calibers.
2015A very fast burning, single base, extruded rifle powder. The powder was developed around the .223
Rem type calibers. Very popular in .22 and 6mm calibers especially the PPC and ``BR designated calibers.
Works well in large bore calibers (e.g., .45±70 Gov, .458 Win Mag, and the old black powder .45 and .50
calibers) as it provides a well-balanced loading density which decreases powder position sensitivity.
2230A very fast burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder. This versatile powder was designed around
the .223 Rem caliber but can be used in many small and medium sized calibers including the .308 Win.
It flows very well and is ideal for the shooter utilizing auto loading machines for Semi-auto rifles such as
the AR15. Works well in large bore calibers (e.g., .45±70 Gov, .458 Win Mag, and the old black powder .45
and .50 calibers) as it provides a well-balanced loading density which decreases powder position sensitivity.
2460A fast burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder that is a slower derivative of the2230powder. Is
suitable for small and medium sized caliber applications but with slightly higher loading densities than
2230.It provides an additional option to shooters in order to fine tune and optimize loads and combinations
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with calibers ranging from the .223 Rem, .308 Win and for light bullets in .30±06Springfield. Within threshold
limit for M1/M14 systems.
2495A medium fast burning, single base, extruded rifle powder that was developed around the .308 Win.
and can be used over a very wide range of calibers. Its extremely popular for use in the .308 Win and .30±06
Service shooting disciplines. This versatile powder has good ignition characteristics, and when combined
with the progressive burn rate, can be used over a wide performance range while maintaining good consistency.
2520A medium fast burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder that was designed around the .308Win.
This powder is extremely popular with service shooters and is known as the ``Camp Perry powder. An
excellent choice for use in the .308 Winchester and also the .30±06 Springfield. This versatile powder has
excellent flow characteristics and is within the threshold limit for M1/M14 systems.
4064A medium fast burning, single base, extruded rifle powder that is similar to IMR 4064 but with a
short cut that provides for better flow. This versatile powder works well in calibers ranging from standard
.30±06 Springfield to necked-down calibers such as .22±250, .220 Swift, 7x57 Mauser etc. Popular with
service shooters, this powder still falls within the threshold limits for the M1 system, making it about the
slowest extruded powder suitable for this application.
2700A medium fast burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder that is ideally suited for medium capacity
necked down calibers such as the .22±250 Remington, .220 Swift, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester etc.
This powder is suited for both medium- and over-bore calibers, making it very popular with varmint hunters.
Will also flow well in auto-loaders and volumetric dispensing equipment.
4350A medium slow burning, single base, extruded rifle powder that is very similar to IMR 4350. A very
popular powder which can be used in a wide range of calibers from the standard .30±06 Springfield to
``overbore calibers such as 7mm Rem. Mag, .300 WSM and .300 Winchester Magnum etc. Excellent for
the large capacity, large bore calibers like the .375 H & H providing a balance between ballistic performance
and loading densities.
310 0A slow burning, single base, extruded rifle powder specifically designed for large capacity overbore
magnum calibers such as the 7mm Rem Mag, .264 Win Mag, etc. It provides for high loading densities in
these calibers and at full to slightly compressed loads in the medium sized overbore calibers (.243 Win
and .270 Win). Will also work well in the new series of WSM and Remington SAUM calibers.
MAGPROA slow burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder developed specifically for all the new Short
Magnum calibers of both Winchester (WSM) and Remington (SAUM) except for .300 SAUM. This powder
excels in the 7mm WSM as well as the .270 WSM and even derivatives of the wildcat 6.5 Short Action.
Excellent in all overbore magnums such as the ULTRA magnums from Remington i.e. 7mm RUM, .338
RUM as well as the high performance .338 Lapua Magnum. Excellent flow in progressive auto-loaders
and volumetric dispensing equipment. This is THE magnum rifle powder to have.
8700An extremely slow burning, double base, ball-type rifle powder which is Accurates slowest powder.
It was originally developed for the .50 Browning (12.7mmx99 Nato). This powder delivers optimum perfor-
mance in heavily necked down large capacity calibers such as the .257 Weatherby Magnum, .264 Win
Mag and 7mm RUM. This powder is so slow that even at maximum and compressed loading densities, it
is virtually impossible to cause any over pressure.
SHOTSHELL PROPELLANTS
NITRO 100Accurates fastest burning, double base, flake shotgun powder. Besides being a cost effective
choice for all 12 gauge applications,Nitro 100is also an ideal powder for low pressure/low loading density
handgun cartridges such as target and Cowboy Action shooting. It is a robust powder which is very clean
burning in all the mentioned applications.
SOLO 1000An extremely fast burning, single base, flake shotgun powder.Solo 1000was the pioneer in
the clean burningrevolution and is an excellent choice for trap, sporting clays and skeet shooting. An ultra
clean burning powder best suited for 12 gauge shotgun loads but which is also suited for target handgun
loads in .45 ACP and Cowboy Action.
SOLO 1250A fast burning, single base, flake shotgun powder. Works well with heavier shot loads in 12
gauge and for all shotshell applications through 28 gauge.Solo 1250is slightly faster burning than IMRs
PB powder. Can also be loaded in some handgun loads for target and cowboy action.
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PROPERTIES
AND STORAGE
OF SMOKELESS
POWDERDANGER!SMOKELESS GUNPOWDER
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE
KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, SPARKS
OR OPEN FLAME
STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH
OF CHILDREN
Ammunition handloading has become increasingly popular in recent years. This leaflet discusses proper-
ties of smokeless powder and offers recommendations for its storage. This leaflet is intended to increase
the knowledge of all concerned individuals and groups regarding smokeless powder. The statements and
recommendations made are not intended to supersede local, state or Federal regulations. Proper authori-
ties should be consulted on regulations for storage and use of smokeless powder in each specific commu-
nity. A second leaflet entitled ``SPORTING AMMUNITION PRIMERS: PROPERTIES, HANDLING, &
STORAGE FOR HANDLOADING supplements this leaflet on Smokeless Powders.
PROPERTIES OF SMOKELESS POWDER
Smokeless powders, or propellants, are essentially mixtures of chemicals designed to burn under controlled
conditions at the proper rate to propel a projectile from a gun. Smokeless powders are made in three forms:
1. Thin, circular flakes or wafers
2. Small cylinders
3. Small spheres
Single-base smokeless powders derive their main source of energy from nitrocellulose.
The energy released from double-base smokeless powders is derived from both nitrocellulose and nitro-
glycerin.
All smokeless powders are extremely flammable; by design, they are intended to burn rapidly and vigor-
ously when ignited.
Oxygen from the air is not necessary for the combustion of smokeless powders since they contain sufficient
built-in oxygen to burn completely, even in an enclosed space such as the chamber of a firearm.
In effect, ignition occurs when the powder granules are heated above their ignition temperature. This can
occur by exposing powder to:
1. A flame such as a match or primer flash.
2. An electrical spark or the sparks from welding, grinding, etc.
3. Heat from an electric hot plate or a fire directed against or near a closed container even
if the powder itself is not exposed to the flame.
When smokeless powder burns, a great deal of gas at high temperature is formed. If the powder is confined,
this gas will create pressure in the surrounding structure. The rate of gas generation is such, however,
that the pressure can be kept at a low level if sufficient space is available or if the gas can escape.
SPORTING ARMS AND AMMUNITION MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE, INC.
555 DANBURY ROAD, WILTON, CT 06897
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