.22LR powder burn rate? Yes, Im bored

SLT223 · Mar 23, 2020

Yes, Im bored, yes Ive had a few Stellas, but no I’m NOT attempting to reload 22’s. Because it typically is not reloaded, there is no commercially published load data for it. Im curious what the burn rate equivalent would be in know retail powders. 22LR has a relatively small bore diameter and relatively high velocity. Im guessing it needs to burn a slower propellant to make this combo work in its current form? Would the burn rate be something in the midrange like Unique/CFE Pistol or something slower like 2400? Let me know your thoughts if you’d like.

pantannojack · Mar 23, 2020

I'll jump in here just because I don't know the answer and I don't think anyone else does. I understand the Stellas and I know the Alaskan Ambers. Decades ago, in a shop, was displayed a HG with the top strap and half the cylinder blown off. I asked about it and the proprietor ( no reason to think he knew what he was talking about ) stated that the owner had tried to reload the .357 mag cartridge using 22lr powder. Reportedly the 22lr powder is so fast burning, faster than any powder obtainable, it pressure spiked and exploded the HG. I would use more than extreme caution if trying to use reclaimed 22lr powder. Good luck.

Kurusu · Mar 23, 2020

SLT223 said:
Yes, Im bored, yes Ive had a few Stellas, but no I’m NOT attempting to reload 22’s. Because it typically is not reloaded, there is no commercially published load data for it. Im curious what the burn rate equivalent would be in know retail powders. 22LR has a relatively small bore diameter and relatively high velocity. Im guessing it needs to burn a slower propellant to make this combo work in its current form? Would the burn rate be something in the midrange like Unique/CFE Pistol or something slower like 2400? Let me know your thoughts if you’d like.

For such a tiny cartridge I'm thinking fast powder. But don't know the answer either.

psween · Mar 23, 2020

Not sure what factory loads use, but the guys who have successfully reloaded (or rather custom loaded primed cases) or created similar sized tiny centerfire Wildcats have all used very fast pistol powder, VV N310, Bullseye, TiteGroup, etc.

AManWearingAHat · Mar 23, 2020

Fast powders like Bullseye. The couple of people I've spoken with that have decided to try reloading .22LR used Bullseye with good results. Far too labor intensive for this cowboy.

scooter123 · Mar 23, 2020

Vihtavouri 3N37 was originally designed as a powder for the 22LR and since it's a superb choice for the 38 special, 357 Magnum, and 9mm Parabellum I am very familiar with it's properties. Think of it as Unique but with excellent metering properties. So it has a burn rate quite close to Unique.

PS; the source for the info about 3N37 being designed for the 22LR actually came from the Vihtavouri web site info for 3N37. since this brand has changed hands a couple of times since I first started using it I was wondering if that description for 3n37 still stands I did some checking and the following is directly from the current Vihtavouri description.

Originally developed as a powder for loading .22 rimfire cartridges, Vihtavuori 3N37 has a burn rate very similar to N350, and can be used for many of the same applications. As handgun shooters began to experiment loading with 3N37, they found that this fine-grained powder loaded evenly through measures and gave excellent results from a range of competitive cartridges used for USPSA and IPSC practical shooting disciplines.

Rule3 · Mar 24, 2020

Empty out a few 22lr and touch a long lighter to it. Count in milliseconds

schutzen-jager · Mar 24, 2020

very fast powder , burns completely in 14 to 16" barrels according to published data I have read -

.22LR powder burn rate? Yes, Im bored

SLT223

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pantannojack

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Kurusu

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psween

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scooter123

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Rule3

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