Barrel Length vs Power

Rick W. · 04-04-2017, 01:40 PM

When I think of powders(relatively vintage anyway), when I think fast; I think of bullseye. Medium.....Unique. Slow as far as pistol type senerios, blue dot, 2400.

It takes time down a barrel for the slow burning powders to generate max stuff; burn completely(?).

In a longish barrel, bullseye can be out performed by 2400; as a crude example. Conversely, in a short barrel, bullseye may out perform 2400 as most of the slower burning powder does so outside of the barrel.

Just glittering generalities, lots of variables that get into the specifics of cartridge performance. Powders are coming on line all the time that have some interesting characteristics, but so little time to try them all.......

In reading these forums over the years, I have come to use Unique mostly in 6" or shorter barrels in my Lugers. I have used blue dot loads in longer(8"-14") with some relative success.

I think a medium to slow powder gives the Luger mechanism the time it needs to work super nicely, in my opinion. The fast powders, while efficient, are pretty quick in reaction time, which I think(?) is hard on the mechanism durability; again just opinion.

04-04-2017, 01:40 PM	#1
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	When I think of powders(relatively vintage anyway), when I think fast; I think of bullseye. Medium.....Unique. Slow as far as pistol type senerios, blue dot, 2400. It takes time down a barrel for the slow burning powders to generate max stuff; burn completely(?). In a longish barrel, bullseye can be out performed by 2400; as a crude example. Conversely, in a short barrel, bullseye may out perform 2400 as most of the slower burning powder does so outside of the barrel. Just glittering generalities, lots of variables that get into the specifics of cartridge performance. Powders are coming on line all the time that have some interesting characteristics, but so little time to try them all....... In reading these forums over the years, I have come to use Unique mostly in 6" or shorter barrels in my Lugers. I have used blue dot loads in longer(8"-14") with some relative success. I think a medium to slow powder gives the Luger mechanism the time it needs to work super nicely, in my opinion. The fast powders, while efficient, are pretty quick in reaction time, which I think(?) is hard on the mechanism durability; again just opinion.