Powders

[George "Scott" Davis]

I've been privileged to have a large supply of Clays, International and Universal Clays when the powder shortage started. However I've used the last of my Universal and International so on the hunt for replacement in my 12 gauge 2 1/2 Cheddites Hulls.
I've sources 12 pounds of 7625 and 8 pounds of Perfect Pattern and 8 pounds of 700X. Shot 19.8 grains of 7625 in my first run, shells performed well on the pattern board with light recoil but surprised how the barrels looked. I'm used to clean burning Clays so a little surprised.
So my question does Longshot and Perfect Pattern burn like the Clays Powder or should I expect an increase in fowling?

[Double Lab]

I have found that they are a little dirtier than Clays, but then again that's what Clays was known for, clean burning. I see no problem with a dirtier burning powder as the next shot cleans the bore. Nowadays we got to load what we can get.

[William Davis]

Might try running a lightly oiled patch through the fired bores. Put it on the ground light the corner and watch it burn. Unburned powder will “fizz” soot won’t.

Another way to look at it years ran my 12 G SxS guns on Red Dot, 7/8 oz one bushing lighter than published Alliant loads. Sooty bores, no fizzing. Autoloaders Red Dot 1 oz charge Alliants recomended. Clean bore, difference 1/8 more shot and about 1 gr more powder. Powders have optional burn rates .

No negative effect with the lighter SxS loads. If I had found unburned would have increased the charge. Little bit lighter is OK with me.

William