doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Powders for 2 1/2 loads

My lack of consistency in velocity may be attributable to old stock of wads or other factors such as inconsistent seating pressure, etc. RST's use of fiber wads yields consistency in velocity. I questioned my chronometer's accuracy until I tested factory loads which with 5 shot readings all within 10 fps of each other and what was written on the box. My fiber wadded loads often varied by 100s of fps. Others may have better results than I had. However, plastic wads are more efficient. This is illustrated by the old rule of thumb that fiber wads require approximately 10-15% more powder than the same velocity but loaded with plastic wads, same powder type, same, primer, wand hull. Gil

My initial testing of 2" fiber loads indicated that I was getting inconstant gas leakage and in some runs tipping of components. The problem of a 7/8 load and a reasonable wad stack in a 2" shell is part of the problem. All the fun part of my re-inventing the wheel with the components I have available.

Poor gas seal is why most period doubles had their chambers held short. It decreased the gap in front of the chamber and bore, so less gas leaked by, better powder burns and gave more consistent loads. Thicker paper hulls helped as well. Now the skirt on a plastic wads flares out to give you a good gas seal, so chamber length is less critical. The exception to this is reported issues with 2” shells in 2 3/4” chambers.

Fiber does not seal well enough for real high velocities. Period factory shell did not give super high velocities. To some this is a problem but I don’t see it as a major issue. Moderate ranges, that most game is shot at can be done with anything from 1100 fps to 1200fps. I shot many a duck with 1150fps lead shot loads and never had a problem. Now every factory load seems to be 1350-1500+ fps. Insane speed trying for a little extra performance.