http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

They say that loading TB to 100% loading density (no compression) in ANY cartridge is safe, including bottleneck rifle rounds. They list pressure data.

1600 FPS in a .243 with 100 grain bullet at 39,000 PSI. 16 grains of powder is a case full (to the base of the bullet).

Talk about a crazy load! You can get around 2600-2700 with the same pressure and the same bullet using 7828!

I'd like someone at DuPont to load a .50 BMG this way with an 800 grain Barnes and give me the pressure data...

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JR, the 500 Specialist

Don't believe DuPont has anything to do with IMR powders anymore.

Hodgdon handles all domestic relations for IMR , Winchester and Hodgdon powders these days.

That's interesting. I've had a lot of fun with reduced H4895 loads in several rifles.

I haven't tried it in bottlenecked cartridges, but have tried it in 45 Colt and 45-70 loaded to the base of the bullet. It doesn't matter what the bullet weight is. In some cases that will result in quite a bit over their listed charge weights. Not even a hint of pressure signs and velocities still remain fairly low with ES rarely above 20fps. They told me about that a couple of years ago when I called with some questions after working up to 50% over the max listed load searching for better case seal obturation.

However, I would heed their warnings about compressed charges. They emphasize that. It does not like being squeezed!! If you start compessing it, bad juju happens.

I'm sure it would work just fine with a case full in a 50BMG too, but as thick as that brass is considering it's normal operating pressure, you may get a lot of scorching on the brass from poor chamber seal.

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" I said, good DAY! "

I did the same thing in the 500S&W Magnum. Loaded the cases to the base of the bullet and let'em rip.

Now, I have to clarify my statement. I have never loaded a 500S&W Magnum for a handgun yet. My loading was for a NEF(or whoever now) Handi-Rifle.

My data shows from that 20" barrel, 16.2gr of Trail Boss under a 300gr Speer Gold Dot developed 1275fps, had an ES of 8.95fps and 4.58FPS SD. Pretty good for a plinking load!

Since there was no cylinder/barrel gap to deal with I tried some other tests with Trail Boss too. I figured that Hodgdon knew what they were talking about and that there was no way to overload this powder.

I am a caster. I have several 44 caliber moulds. I didn't want to buy a mould for a caliber that I wasn't sure had any place in my safe. So, I experimented. I will let you figure out what I did from the pictures. After firing one of these and retrieving one, I found a perfectly burnt "donut" as evidence of the powder I used!

What he said. DuPont has had no connection to the smokeless powder business since this line was sold off and became IMR Powders over 20 years ago. Trail Boss is manufactured in Australia and marketed by Hodgdon under the IMR brand which they now control.

If DuPont has made any comment about Trail Boss then please cite the source!

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Gunsmithing since 1961

TB is one of my favorite powders. I use it in 38 spl 45 colt and 460.

Sabot round. Nice idea Skip. I have used the same idea in BP rifles

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Semper FI

Brain lock. Stuck in the 70s...

In my own defense I had so much IMR powder on hand that I haven't bought any for 30 years.

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JR, the 500 Specialist

Trail Boss is a fun powder in a lot of different calibers both handgun and rifle. My latest is the 30-30 with a 165gr lead bullet. A lot of fun!!!

I think I'm going to have to buy a few 5lb jugs of this stuff...

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Trail Boss is a good powder. I tried the listed max load in 38 spl today with a 125 cast, I think it will be my new standard 38 load. A little less velocity than Bullseye but much cleaner. Unfortunately a lot of Hodgdon's data on TB is very conservative, but if you are willing to experiment a little and fill the case up to the base of the bullet (no compression!!) you can find some great loads with good case seal.

I have tried it in 357, 44 magnum, 222 Remington and love the stuff, next is trying it in 10mm for fun in a T/C G2, makes me wish I had kept my G20 so I would have had better RNFT gun then my 610's or Delta Elite. I may try some in the 257 Roberts, but not sure what I would need a low velocity round there for since I don't shoot led with it.

The other thing I like is when you figure out the cost, it's dirt cheap to use because it goes so far.

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Cranky Old Retired USN Guy