I'm getting toasted powder granules in my 45 colt reloads. I use Universal Clays 8.5gr with a 200gr. cast bullet, out of a 8.75 inch colt anaconda.

The same powder burns clean in my 5 inch 45acp.

Does anybody know why powder does this?

Well, not exactly knowing what "toasted" looks like, I would venture a quess that the powder is that way by not burning completely? Does that make sense?
All powders don't work the same in different
cartridges...
Tom

Pressure/capacity/ignition/bullet pull/bore size/burn rate set on "toast"?

quote:

Originally posted by akalinin:
I'm getting toasted powder granules in my 45 colt reloads. I use Universal Clays 8.5gr with a 200gr. cast bullet, out of a 8.75 inch colt anaconda.

The same powder burns clean in my 5 inch 45acp.

Does anybody know why powder does this?

Methinks the pressure level is not getting high enough for a proper burn. I don't use that powder so possibly suggesting adding a bit more might not be the right answer. You could try a heavier crimp and see if that helps. Maybe even both, unless you're already ay the max for the powder.
Paul B.
Paul B.

I once tried a rifle powder in .45/70 with a round ball. Dumb kids stunt, but I was a dumb kid then... The shot was very little noise. Then I turned the fired case mouth down and tapped it on the bench. About half the powder came out. Obviously the grains had started to burn and stopped.

Your "long Colt" has, maybe 4 times the volume of a .45 ACP, I would guess. 3 times anyway. Possibilities here are long. 8.5 grains don't fill the case. You could, WITH GREAT CARE, add a filler. Kapok was famous years ago. Hotter primer. ??? Heavier bullet??? I would be more inclined to go with a more appropriate powder. If you are doing powder puff target loads, faster powder that is easier to ignite. If you want raw power, slower powder... 4227, etc. Fill the case. But this doesn't seem to be too good a combination for you. luck.

Unburned pwoder often means pressures are too low. Univeral needs to run near it's max. pressure for best results. Your load of 8.5gr under a 200gr bullet is pretty light. Either bump your load or switch to a slightly faster powder.

The 45 Colt case is made for black powder and will usually leave a lot of unburned powder granules in medium to low pressure loads. Even with high pressure loads and a powder like 2400 or 4227 you will experience some. Any big case like the 45 Colt and 44 Magnum will not burn all of the powder in a handgun. It's normal.

BTW, the powder is not partially burned. The flame is hot enough to remove the powder coating but not actually ignite the granule. Most powder is a milky white or amber color before the coating is applied.

Ray

Thanks guys. I'm going to attack this problem on two fronts - use a heavier bullet (250gr); and if that doesn't work, try a max load.

Universal Clays works so well in my 45acp, and Hornady does use it in their reload manual for 45 colt.

By the way, the velocity sucks - I was only getting 400-500 fps. The manual says to expect 1000 fps with this combination (200gr cast + 8.5gr universal clays).

Oh well, experimenting is half the fun

What size are your bullets? They should be at least 0.452. I tried some Universal for light 45colt loads when I was shooting CAS. Too much unburned powder under the 200gr lead bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
What size are your bullets? They should be at least 0.452. I tried some Universal for light 45colt loads when I was shooting CAS. Too much unburned powder under the 200gr lead bullets.

It's interesting you ask that, as I had the caliper out today. The bullets (oregon trail 200gr) measured 0.452. I tried to slug the barrel with the same bullet - won't do that again. Luckily I stoppped while I could still yank the bullet out of the bore.

The cylinder/forcing cone gap measures 0.005 inch, which is probably average for this pistol.

The above posters are correct in that using 200 grain bullets in the 45 Colt you do need a faster powder to achieve a clean burn. A stout crimp is in order too. I burned many a pound of Universal in the 45 ACP and liked it, but I've since found something better V-V powders.
I have been impressed by every one of their powders in both pistol and rifle, but haven't yet worked up a load for the .45 Colt. My next load experiment will be different in that I'm aiming for a dual use load for both carbine and pistol, and you can bet I'll be using a V-V powder. I'll let you know how it turns out...