Mystery Powder

[Paul Wilczynski]

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

[chris dawe]

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

[Gary Laudermilch]

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.

[Rick Losey]

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

[John Campbell]

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.

[Gary Laudermilch]

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.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

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.

[Paul Wilczynski]

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.

[Gary Laudermilch]

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.

[Paul Harm]

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

[James Halvorson]

That's a Vectan "disk" powder.
206v and D20 are "disk" powders (different coloration, round flakes).

The Vectan A24, A1 and AS are described as a "flake" powder (square flakes).
Around here PrimaV has a following. It's a "granulated" powder. Very fine similar to Titewad.

[Paul Harm]

Even though I'm not seeing it in front of me, it looks like a powder that wouldn't meter all that well, especially if it was in small quantities like for a 28ga. 800X is like that. It's not recommended for use in a progressive press for 28ga. Mec says to use it in a single stage press. But then I know from different reloading forums that a lot of guys like it, so maybe it isn't all that bad for metering. I have enough Promo, RD, GD, 700X, and E3 that I don't need to try a new powder.

[Bill Murphy]

Ask RST. End of story.