Accurate No. 2 (Low Recoil Low Flash?)

8shot

8shot

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I normally load my 9mm revolvers with W231 for a competition power factor of 125K. Accurate No. 2 advertises that it provides "Low Recoil Low Flash"

Been loading W231 and Accurate No. 2 with a 150gr grain Hi-Tek SWC at approx 835 FPS and really don't realize a difference in recoil between the two powders.

Has there been any actual recoil testing? No. 2 does meter nicely.

From Accurate:

Accurate No. 2 is an extremely fast burning, double-base, spherical handgun powder suitable for use in a wide range of handgun calibers. Low recoil and low flash make No. 2 well suited for use in short barrel, concealed carry applications. No. 2 is a non-position sensitive powder and low charge weights make it an economical and versatile choice for high volume handgun shooters. Made in the USA.
 
Things like "low flash" (& "On $ale!") are typically pretty relative... The BIG ? is: as opposed to exactly WHAT?

Compared to Blue Dot or Power Pistol? Probably... BTW, 835fps with a 150gr bullet isn't really a super high pressure load and the differences of recoil at that level may not be readily noticable...? And this would include the other fast powders (BullsEye, Clays, etc.).

Accurate #2 is considered (by some) to be a dangerous powder for new reloaders (not indicating the OP is one) because it is suceptable to double loads due to the typically low charge weights.

CHEERS!

P.S. Absolute ZERO is commonly defined as -459.67° Fahrenheit, and it's as low as you can go...!
 
STORMINORMAN said:
Accurate #2 is considered (by some) to be a dangerous powder for new reloaders (not indicating the OP is one) because it is suceptable to double loads due to the typically low charge weights.
Click to expand...

AA#2 is no more "dangerous" than Bullseye, Clays, HP38, 231 or any other propellant that typically uses low volume loads. Why did you feel it was necessary to say this about AA#2? Reloading in itself is dangerous for the inexperienced and inattentive, regardless of the propellant used!
 
I used 231 for decades until experimenting with lighter loads in 38 and 45 acp. Working within the Hodgdon recommended charges for light loads I found extreme variations in velocities depending on powder position in the case. Mid to heavy loads 232/HP38 is a fine powder but not in lighter loads.

This prompted me to start experimenting with other powders of which #2 and Nitro 100NF were two I started testing. I found #2 to be consistent down to minimum loads and shows no signs of position sensitivity. I’m loading 38 special with #2 under a 158 gr polymer bullet and shoot often from a 2” snub nose. I compared to other powders including 231/HP38, Bullseye and Nitro100NF and find recoil is noticeably lighter and don’t experience any flash. In addition it’s considerably cleaner burning and meters in my Dillon press more consistently than 231.

I use #2 now in a number of other cartridges and have been very pleased. I’ll go so far as saying if I could only have one powder it would be #2.
 
AA#2, Bullseye, and Clays are pretty much samee-samee in ballistics performance. Roughly identical loadings of those will produce similar MVs all other things being constant. For a given constant bullet weight and MV, lighter powder charges of a fast powder will produce slightly lower recoil velocities than heavier charges of a slower propellant in the same gun. It is called conservation of momentum. M1V1=M2V2
 
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My AA2 is a surplus powder from 12 lbs I bought in 2004. I have shot it a lot in 9mm, 38, 45 and 32 long calibers. I would agree with low flash and low recoil in those applications with my lot number.
 
I use AA #2 when I can't get Bullseye .
No formal testing but felt recoil , and burning is similar to Bullseye .
I can't tell any difference when shooting ...
AA #2 does meter better ... I will have to admit .
If you load on a progressive loader ... it might be a good reason to try the free flowing powder .
Gary
 
Ive used about 10lbs of SMP-154 in the past 4 years or so which is a pull down powder similar to A2. I say similar but if you ever see it youd swear its A2, it even says to use A2 load data.
Ive used it in alot of different cartridges, 9mm, 38/357, 44Spl and 45acp and its been just fine, no flash that Ive seen.
I also have actual A2 and loaded both side by side in 9mm and 38 and you wouldnt believe how close the numbers were. The lot I bought appears to be spot on with canistet A2, other may not be.
I personally love it and am happy I bought 10lbs of it, and at a great price.5.5-6gr in a 44spl and a 240-250swc is a great load. I mostly load 38 and 357 with lighter cast now though.
I almost literally meters like water and is generally small charges so its economical but Ive not seen evidence of it being position sensitive, 6gr in a 44spl case, even with a big wc leaves alot of empty space but I always get beautiful SD and ES numbers.
 
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