What are the dangers if any of using a powder that is too slow for cartridge? For example, using Varget in a 7.62x39 with 150gr bullet.

I read on another forum where a guy used Hodgdon data for 4895 and substituted Varget in his 7.62x39. Besides velocity issues what kind of problems can he encounter?

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by steve4102:
What are the dangers if any of using a powder that is too slow for cartridge? For example, using Varget in a 7.62x39 with 150gr bullet.

I read on another forum where a guy used Hodgdon data for 4895 and substituted Varget in his 7.62x39. Besides velocity issues what kind of problems can he encounter?

Thanks

Probably depends on the substitution, but low pressures, poor performance, sooty cases etc.

No dangers when a case full won't develop dangerously high pressures. The only danger in loading slow burning powders comes when a vastly reduced charge is used. This isn't hard and fast but, rifles have been known to blow up when doing this. P. O. Ackley in his book, "Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders" goes into great detail on this phenomena.

With a reasonably full case, you'll just get low velocities and pressures and perhaps sooty cases and bore from using a powder that is slower than optimum for case/bore/bullet. If the powder gets unusually slow, you might get a "blooper" load.