Hasbeen1945
Absent Comrade
Just finished an old jug of Hercules bullseye. Will I see any difference in the bullseye made by Alliant.
Bullseye
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Patrick L
Member
I never noticed a difference. Been shooting Bullseye since the late 80s
I have read (not internet wisdom!) that powder manufacturers keep lot to lot variations to less than 4%. Most are able to keep differences smaller. In my handgun reloading experience variations are small enough to continue a load from lot to lot...
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I believe that you should not see a noticeable difference. If significant differences were the norm, I believe it would be addressed in reloading manuals. I have not ever seen such, but maybe it exists today?
Bullseye was one of the first smokeless powders, introduced in 1898 by Laflin & Rand. In 1899, the .38 Special was introduced as a black powder cartridge, but soon became available with smokeless powder. I have seen many references to Bullseye being used in the first smokeless loads in the 3.3-3.6 grain range with a 158 grain lead bullet. The current Alliant data recommends 3.5 grains in the .38 Special with a 158 grain lead bullet. So, it doesn't look like much has changed in the past 123 years (at least for Bullseye powder in the .38 Special).
DWalt
Member
No significant difference in the powder itself, however, reloading recipes have changed over the years. Canister powders for reloader use are blended by manufacturers to give the same ballistic performance (within tolerance limits) year after year after year.
GypsmJim
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I have a powder measure that I use for pistol loading. Been using Bullseye since about 1972 and bought the measure in about 1975.
Initially, I did a calibration curve for the measure. Every time I load I go back to the initial setting, and every time its right on. I can't tell you how many different batches of powder I have used in the last 45+ years.
All I can say, thus, is that the density of the powder has not changed. I don't measure chrono data, so I can't say there.
OTOH, current Unique settings change from time to time.
Initially, I did a calibration curve for the measure. Every time I load I go back to the initial setting, and every time its right on. I can't tell you how many different batches of powder I have used in the last 45+ years.
All I can say, thus, is that the density of the powder has not changed. I don't measure chrono data, so I can't say there.
OTOH, current Unique settings change from time to time.
DWalt
Member
Bulk density may vary slightly lot to lot but not charge weight. BTW, Bullseye and Unique are identical in composition. But the Unique flakes are cut slightly thicker than Bullseye flakes, so the burn rates differ.
I noticed a difference between the old Hercules Bullseye in the old-style cardboard cylinder and the Alliant Bullseye in the plastic bottle. The older powder flowed smoothly through my Redding powder measure. The newer powder bound up the measure as if it had a gummy residue on the grains. It was annoying to the point that I quit using it. I still have the nearly full Alliant bottle. I could try it in my Dillon, but so far the motivation hasn't struck me.
I can't comment on performance differences since I didn't shoot enough of the new stuff. Nobody else I've talked with has had this problem, so I guess it must be me!
I'll be interested to hear of your results.
I can't comment on performance differences since I didn't shoot enough of the new stuff. Nobody else I've talked with has had this problem, so I guess it must be me!
I'll be interested to hear of your results.
OP
Hasbeen1945
Absent Comrade
You all know how you feel. You powder measure is about 1/4 full and you need to add powder. Your new bottle is a different lot number. For me I never liked doing this. Imagine how I feel with a completely different manufacturer.
Glad to hear everyone's opinion on the difference. I'm thinking I'll never be able to tell.
Glad to hear everyone's opinion on the difference. I'm thinking I'll never be able to tell.
gwpercle
Member
Yeah ... a big difference
It Cost More and is Harder To Get !
Outside of those two pesky little things ... it's still good old reliable Bullseye . I never changed any of my charge weights from "old" Bullseye and if there are any differences I haven't noticed them ... I just kept on rolling with the new Bullseye same as the old Bullseye !
Gary
It Cost More and is Harder To Get !
Outside of those two pesky little things ... it's still good old reliable Bullseye . I never changed any of my charge weights from "old" Bullseye and if there are any differences I haven't noticed them ... I just kept on rolling with the new Bullseye same as the old Bullseye !
Gary
boatbum101
Member
Well I don't know . 50 years ago or so 2700 shooters used smaller charges in their 45acp & to some extent 38 special . Many 2600 class shooters used 3.5grs with the H&G 68 SWC & some used 2.5grs with the H&G 50 BNWC in 38 . In my experience both will group @ 25yds well enough to clean a B-8 . However @ 50yds results aint so good . 3.8 - 4.2grs shoots tighter groups & 2.7 - 3.0grs for the 38 .
Ego aside were shooters back then better , hold harder etc. ? Again I don't know .
Ego aside were shooters back then better , hold harder etc. ? Again I don't know .
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