Muzzle flash (fireball!) with different powders?

jsurvant

I am reloading .40s using two powders: HS-6 and PowerPistol. I am loading both on the starting end of load data. However, PowerPistol powder has a significant fireball muzzle flash unlike the HS-6. Is this something to be concerned about? Will reducing the load help or is it simply a slower burn rate and some powder is burning outside of the barrel? Have others experienced this with this powder and is it a concern? Thoughts?

Thank you!

perry shooter

Slower burn powder burn out of the end of barrel . Short barrels need fast burn rate.

nononsense

jsurvant,

Powder does not burn outside the barrel.

Muzzle flash is the superheated gases that are created by the ignition and burning of the powder charge. The expanding of these gases is what pushes the bullet through the barrel. A shorter barrel does not allow the gases to cool sufficiently to be less bright. This is especially true of most short barreled firearms such as pistols or revolvers. Most but not all modern powder formulas include a coating referred to as a deterrent or an element of the formula that controls or reduces the muzzle flash. This is most prominent with Ball powders but is used in many current formulas.

Reducing the load may work just the opposite since a reduced load is usually lower pressure and not conducive to the efficient burning of the powder charge. Sometimes a safe higher pressure load is the better alternative. Note that I stress the term SAFE. Consult your reloading manual. A powder with a faster burn rate is also an alternative so long as it's confirmed in a manual.

Best.

jsurvant

Great info. Thanks.

MEMPHISJOE

Many different flame reducing agents are used through out the smokeless powder industry. Vihtavuori uses at least seven different additives for the purpose of, "Flame reducing agents are used to decrease the muzzle flame when a fire is shot". Remember this is translated from Finnish. They list additives such as potassium bitartrate etc. Several years ago SOCOM, had a requirement for 9mm NATO, rounds 147gr-with very low flash-for use with the newest gen of NVGs. I do not know what powder they finally settled on, or if it was an generally available powder with a special additive, or a special run powder. But depending on the additives, some powders will deliver a much lower flash than other. If you have ever seen a 30 cal Carbine revolver (Ruger) fire near dark, not only is it very, very loud, but it has an impressive fire ball! Rifle powder in a handgun. I would try some of the V powders, they are very clean, with almost no variation, if any, from lot to lot.
Flame(flash) reducing agents have been part of military powders (cannon powders) for many years, along with anti coppering agents, and wear reducing agents, along with many others. It appears you have run into an age old problem. If you try V-powders and they work, give a post!

jsurvant

Thanks Memphisjoe. Great info. I have discovered that the Alliant PowerPistol powder has a middle of the road burn rate, thus part of my problem. I am shooting a .40 with a 4.5" barrel and another with a 3" barrel - both have extra large flashes. The shorter barrels apparently contribute as well from the feedback I am receiving.

However, my other loads that I am utilizing Hogdgon HS-6 powder have zero noticable flash (in lighted areas). I guess I will stick with HS-6 and have to try out Vihavuori in my next batch. Thanks.

Jay

jsurvant

quote:Originally posted by nononsense
jsurvant,

Powder does not burn outside the barrel.

Muzzle flash is the superheated gases that are created by the ignition and burning of the powder charge. The expanding of these gases is what pushes the bullet through the barrel. A shorter barrel does not allow the gases to cool sufficiently to be less bright. This is especially true of most short barreled firearms such as pistols or revolvers. Most but not all modern powder formulas include a coating referred to as a deterrent or an element of the formula that controls or reduces the muzzle flash. This is most prominent with Ball powders but is used in many current formulas.

Reducing the load may work just the opposite since a reduced load is usually lower pressure and not conducive to the efficient burning of the powder charge. Sometimes a safe higher pressure load is the better alternative. Note that I stress the term SAFE. Consult your reloading manual. A powder with a faster burn rate is also an alternative so long as it's confirmed in a manual.

Best.




What are your thoughts on slightly compressing the load to increase pressure to improve burn of powder?

And with such large fireball, does it concern you at all to increase powder charge to increase pressure?

Hawk Carse

Power Pistol is widely known for bright muzzle flash and loud muzzle blast. I had a can of it and EVERYBODY knew when I was shooting it. Fiddling with the load in the normal range from maximum to a -10% starting load will not change that.

I would stick with HS6. Vihtavuori powders are fine quality but you will pay extra for it.

dcs shooters

Alot of muzzle flash depends on the coating the companies put on each grain of powder.

jsurvant

Does its extra muzzle flash and blast create any "unhealthy" wear and tear on a gun? I guess I mean, does this necessarily mean that there is or could be extra or unhealthy pressure on the handgun using this powder. I am staying with the lower ranges of the starting load and may go lower. I bought a bunch of this stuff and need to try to make some "acceptable" loads.

Jay