Loading with small volumes of powder

[SW Gun Guy]

Since I can't find any TrailBoss, Titegroup, or Clays I was thinking about something I remember when I left reloading about 10 years ago. I know the powder ignition of very small volume loads is part of the problem (the ability to double charge being the other). Can you load with a small volume of a standard powder and then fill the case with some cotton fiber to keep the powder by the primer? Seems like I remember that way back when, for loading really light 44 mag loads. Excuse the wandering brain here during covid.

[Fishinfool]

I have found W-231 and Red Dot both work very well in the .44 mag for light to medium target loads with a 240 grain SWC. Never have used, or needed a "filler". Both powders provide accurate loads in the 800 to 950 fps range without any issues. Other fast powders may have position issues, but these haven't.

When using a single stage press, I charge 50 cases, place them in a case tray, then stand over them and look inside under good light. If there is a double charge, it will stand out.

Larry

[BC38]

I don't think most people use cotton - what I've seen people talk about using is poly-fil fiber. The fluff they use for cheap couch pillows and stuffed animals.

[Nevada Ed]

Before I would spend the time and trouble to use a filler in a 44 Mag........

I would grab some 44 special cases or find a powder that would do the job in the Mag cases.

However, if you have the materials to add a filler and don't mind the extra steps, go for it.

Let us know it it works out for you.
Stay safe.

[gwpercle]

I've been reloading for 50 + years now and if you are speaking of using fillers with straight wall handgun cases ... it's one of those idea's where one camp says it's a great thing to do and the other camp says don't do it . After much reading on the subject I decided not to use fillers .
I reload mostly 700X , Bullseye, Red Dot , AA#2, HP38/W231 and Unique in straight walled handgun with no fillers . I do make it a habit to tilt the barrel of the handgun I'm shooting up to move the powder to the rear of the case for as consistent a powder location as possible . Deep seated wadcutter bullets are great in lighter loads and take up extra space . Also I like Red Dot because it is said not to be position sensitive .
Weighing and installing tufts of Dacron fiber in each case just seemed to be something I would rather not have to do .
If getting a double charge of fast burning powder in one scares you ... I would not load it or go to scooped measuring of powder ...you see how much powder is in the scoop and you pour the scooped charge into the case and seat the bullet ... not much to go wrong .
Gary

[ACORN]

I used to do it in .45-70s with 2400. Never did it in pistol cartridges.

[SW Gun Guy]

I guess I misstated my need with that example from way back. I am looking to make some subsonic loads in 223 just for grins when I get my suppressor. I already have a bolt action 223. I do the same as above only I take a very strong flashlight and look directly in each case from above. Crazy Thought: Would a double charge of a subsonic load in a 223 even be that dangerous?

[rwsmith]

In reduced rifle loads with hard to light powder. Never needed it in pistols. The fast powders light so easily there's no problem at all.

[Cdog]

Have you looked for Universal or Unique?

They're not the same, but are very close in application.

The Hodgdon family of powders seem to be in good supply near me.

Finding much of anything from Alliant is rare.

[Univibe]

Skip the filler. Also skip .44 spl cases in magnum guns. I load all my loads for 629 in magnum cases, from 800 fps on up. Works just fine.

[Golphin]

I have loaded 100's or rounds using Titegroup and there is no filler needed. You do need to watch for double charge as they will fit pretty easy in most calibers with 9mm easier to notice of course. It is a great powder and will ignite and burn every time without a filler.

[stansdds]

I have lightly loaded 357 Magnum cases with Bullseye and W-231, duplicating 38 Special target wadcutter ballistics. Never had to use a filler of any sort.

With polyester fiber filler and a suppressor, would the poly-fill end up clogging the internal orifices and baffles? I have no experience owning a suppressor, so I don't know for certain.