Mystery Powder
 

Does anyone recognize this powder? It came from a RST 2 1/2 inch shell. In my limited expose to powders I have never seen one with this coloration.
Thanks

Don't know if much help but it looks exactly like the powder in the cheap "Black arrow" shells we used to get up here in the 80"s ....kicked like hell

I do not have first hand experience so this is just a guess. A friend has been using Vectan/Noble Sport powder and he described it as being a flake powder green in color. I believe he has been using AO in 20 ga loads. He claims it is the powder loaded in the Herters shells Cabelas has been selling. It is fairly cheap and a 1# bottle actually contains 1.1 pounds making it even cheaper. I believe he gets it from Graff & Sons.

I would be very reluctant to try to identify a powder by sight

And even more reluctant to try to replicate a load that way

If you're THAT curious, why not phone RST? They MIGHT tell you the mgr. But for legal reasons, nothing else. And since most commercial powders are tailored for burn rate/specific loadings, it's NOT wise to reload this powder in anything - for any reason.

A rather complete set of loading data for Vectan powders is available and downloadable via the Graff & Sons web site. I just did a quick scan of the data and some combinations seem to yield low pressures if that is what you are trying to duplicate. There is a bunch of loads for Cheddite hulls.

Thanks for the info Gary--I checked out those Vectan loads, and there are several good loads for those wanting lower pressures--too bad I ahve enough powder to last for a few years.

Gary,
Thanks for the lead on the powder. I went to the Graf's site and found the Vectan powder with 12 gauge low pressure loads. I will tone it down for 16 gauge. Vectan being an European manufacturer is selling their powder in 1/2 kg bottles which works out to 1.1 pounds.

Paul, no need to guess as there are 16 ga loads listed in the loading data for Vectan powders. I see at least 3 loads under 8000 psi for 7/8 oz.

The RST shells I have shot were very mild for recoil. I think they will tell you what kind of powder they use. Good luck - Paul