Ever mix gunpowders when reloading

wallie

RCrosby

Had a friend "back in the day" who used to follow the prescribed formula for loading his .454 Casull. Don't recall the specifics, but it was described as a "tri-plex" load that layered 3 powders in the case: Bullseye and maybe Unique and 2400, but I don't recall. Haven't seen that being recommended in many moons.

geeguy

During the 60's I used to shoot with a guy that would take "any" free powder left overs from anyone and throw them in a can, then use a Lee loader to hand load each round, one at a time, at the rifle range. Needless to say we would all move as far away as possible. Every once in a while we would hear him cheer "I got that one on the target".

I often wonder if he's still alive.

XXCross

Only on rare occasions will you ever see duplex loading recommended.
Sometimes it is used in conjunction with black powder loadings although not with today's black powder substitutes. In no case was it ever used (successfully) with anything but a compressed load. The triplex loading mentioned was a just such a compressed loading.

sandwarrior

I've never had the desire to tempt fate that way. I have heard of duplex loads though that were compressed loads.

Tailgunner1954

xxcross
Ever look at a Pyrodex pellet load? The black on one end is compressed black powder, which is used to insure ignition of the rest of the pellet.

XXCross

quote:Originally posted by Tailgunner1954
xxcross
Ever look at a Pyrodex pellet load? The black on one end is compressed black powder, which is used to insure ignition of the rest of the pellet.


I can't say that I have. Never been much into the black powder game. Learn something new every day, eh.

Zinderbloc

Years ago I accidently dumped some Bullseye into a large container of Red Dot. I used the mixture to load up 6 boxes of 12 ga. target loads. No problems with the 95% RD, 5% BE load.

jonk

There are a few recommended duplex loads, yes.

The only one I have used is 3 grains of Sr 4759 and the rest of the case full of black powder FFG for black powder cartridge loads. So far as it goes, fine... but a mag primer will do much the same. Not quite but close.

Otherwise I'd stay away from it. Even with the above, I use only in my Kropatschek and Mauser 71/84 bolt actions, fairly strong guns for what they are and both fine with smokeless as well.

nagalfar

There was a time when there was the nothing close to the choices of powders we have today, compound powders (mixing 2 different, and sometimes even 3) were pretty popular for a time (they were pretty dangerous most ALL the time)..

When you are watching someone lay his rifle on the ground, and have to physically kick the bolt open.. then mutter something about too much of "this one, or not enough of that one".. Compound reloading during its mindless times..

Rocky Raab

Kicking the bolt open isn't enough lesson for some. They insist they know what they're doing - until one day the bystanders are searching for a tourniquet ...

chiefr

I have been reloading for 38 years. Many calibers. I would never mix powders. Far to risky because of different burn rates. If I have power that is unidentifyable, it gets flushed. Play it safe. Bullseye is a great powder but can be scary if misused. Imagine what a double charge of bullseye would do. Years ago, I examined what was left of a S&W model 19 that blew up. Investigation revealed he thought he using 2400 when in fact it was bullseye.

mbsams

Duplex smokeless loads was an attempt to extend the pressure curve. Doesn't work!