Reloading with Titegroup

[lppd4]

I was given a 4lb can of Titegroup and I have used it in .45ACP, .44 special,.38 special, .44 mag (loaded to moderate velocities) and .357 mags ( again loaded to moderate velocities). The only complaint I have is that it seems to produce a lot of smoke when used with cast bullets.

 

[rockquarry]

I was given a 4lb can of Titegroup and I have used it in .45ACP, .44 special,.38 special, .44 mag (loaded to moderate velocities) and .357 mags ( again loaded to moderate velocities). The only complaint I have is that it seems to produce a lot of smoke when used with cast bullets.

Powder aside, all conventionally lubed cast bullets will be minimally smoky in comparison with jacketed bullets. Usually, it's not enough to matter and the benefits of a cast bullet that fits and is of the proper alloy for the load outweighs any real or alleged drawbacks, like smoke. These will often be the most accurate bullets you will find for handgun chamberings.

I only did load development with Titiegroup in three or four cartridges, but don't recall Titegroup loads producing comparatively more smoke than any other powder (if the powder was even the cause of smoke). I only use conventionally lubricated cast bullets in handguns.

It's possible that an unbalanced or poor load may result in powder-produced smoke and these loads will almost always be inaccurate. Such loads are quickly weeded out when shooting groups from a 25-yard benchrest.

 

[Luke Duke]

I really like TiteGroup. If I didn't have a bunch of powder on hand I would buy 8# keg of it and not ever look back. 8#'s most likely last the rest of my life. I've found accurate loads with every caliber mentioned above. Works really good for 2-4" barrel ed guns. Don't try to go for "magnum" loads with it. Keep a small flashlight handy to double check cases, Because it doesn't take much and its a very dense powder. I've never noticed my guns getting any hotter with this powder than any other. If you dont want it , I'll take it off your hands.

 

[taz666]

I use it. No drama.

 

[SLT223]

I'm probably not much of a "bro" whatever that may be. I'm sorry. I reread your post. I don't grasp barrels or cylinders when they're hot, but would get guess cylinders get hot too, don't they? Why would you have a need to feel one?

I'm usually too busy shooting.

You’re still not getting what he’s saying. The observation he stated is exactly why I have pounds of titegroup leftover from a purchase ten years ago. When I shoot, I burn about 300+ rounds in a range trip. I work the cylinder exactly as he describes. Any powder will get the cylinder hot. Titegroup seems to get them much hotter, much faster given a similar rate of fire. I actually got to the point, more than once, I couldn’t touch the cylinder at all. I can’t recall that happening with another propellant in similar circumstances. Now all that said, Titegroup meters like water and makes accurate loads. I will get around to finishing the stock I have on hand.

 

[rockquarry]

You’re still not getting what he’s saying. The observation he stated is exactly why I have pounds of titegroup leftover from a purchase ten years ago. When I shoot, I burn about 300+ rounds in a range trip. I work the cylinder exactly as he describes. Any powder will get the cylinder hot. Titegroup seems to get them much hotter, much faster given a similar rate of fire. I actually got to the point, more than once, I couldn’t touch the cylinder at all. I can’t recall that happening with another propellant in similar circumstances. Now all that said, Titegroup meters like water and makes accurate loads. I will get around to finishing the stock I have on hand.

I get exactly what he's saying, but that doesn't make it fact. Some here have allegedly experienced what you're describing while most haven't. I have no reason to think the naysayers are not observant.

When this occurs, does the "heat" damage a gun in some way?

If this situation exists, to whatever degree, we may not have the facts. I suppose that's why all threads regarding Titegroup powder, regrettably, end up as they do.

 

[Sevens]

I can't imagine any scenario where the heat damages the gun. For at least two of us that handle guns in a particular way, it's beyond a menace on the hands and fingers.

rockquarry, sir, please understand clearly that I'm not trying to sway your opinion in the slightest. It's beyond obvious that you're dug in and have no interest in anything outside your own vision.

 

[rockquarry]

I can't imagine any scenario where the heat damages the gun. For at least two of us that handle guns in a particular way, it's beyond a menace on the hands and fingers.

rockquarry, sir, please understand clearly that I'm not trying to sway your opinion in the slightest. It's beyond obvious that you're dug in and have no interest in anything outside your own vision.

Consider reading my last post. To the contrary of your remark, I stated that we may not have all the facts. It's best to be a bit open-minded.

 

[Sevens]

I use Titegroup to great effect in .44 Magnum with 240gr cast LSWC. From a 7-1/2 barreled Redhawk, I get a very consistent 870fps. Here as well it throws a lot of heat, but the sheer massive size of the Redhawk cylinder means that it gets to temp more slowly than my K-frame .38 cylinders. I'm also usually shooting a box or less whereas .38 I'm typically running 100-200 rounds in a session.

Titegroup is magical when it comes to position insensitivity. That means it is a very good choice when the powder charge is small and the combustion space is massive. Shot to shot consistency in this scenario is better than any powder I've tried in over three decades.

 

[M1A]

I use Titegroup for .45 Colt and .44spl.
Out of necessity for other calibers including .38 S&W.

 

[Luke Duke]

You’re still not getting what he’s saying. The observation he stated is exactly why I have pounds of titegroup leftover from a purchase ten years ago. When I shoot, I burn about 300+ rounds in a range trip. I work the cylinder exactly as he describes. Any powder will get the cylinder hot. Titegroup seems to get them much hotter, much faster given a similar rate of fire. I actually got to the point, more than once, I couldn’t touch the cylinder at all. I can’t recall that happening with another propellant in similar circumstances. Now all that said, Titegroup meters like water and makes accurate loads. I will get around to finishing the stock I have on hand.

I will take it off your hands!

 

[Miracle Man]

I've used plenty of titegroup in 44 mag and 45 LC with LSWC's and had very good results. I've never noticed the guns heating up that much? But I'm in no way a speed/high volume shooter.

My only complaint and it's not really a complaint. It's dirty/sooty/smoky. I can live with it.

 

[Luke Duke]

I'm going to find me a 4# or 8# now. I truly like this powder. Just Be Safe. I think its one of the most universal powders, next to Unique. Through and double check, triple check before seating a bullet. Wear your readers use a flashlight. Pay attention and I've found this a rewarding powder.

 

[Model19man]

I believe I already mentioned this, but after you fire a hundred rounds, all barrels are hot.

Mine was exceptionally hot after firing only 50 rounds. So hot that I took a picture. It was leaching humidity from the air; something I have only seen previously when opening a 400 degree plus oven and having my glasses frost over. And you are telling us it doesn't happen? This is a picture of my revolver after shooting 50 rounds at a leisurely pace with Titegroup reloads. The frost you see disappeared after a few minutes as the barrel returned to 250 degrees.

 

[rockquarry]

Mine was exceptionally hot after firing only 50 rounds. So hot that I took a picture. It was leaching humidity from the air; something I have only seen previously when opening a 400 degree plus oven and having my glasses frost over. And you are telling us it doesn't happen? This is a picture of my revolver after shooting 50 rounds at a leisurely pace with Titegroup reloads. The frost you see disappeared after a few minutes as the barrel returned to 250 degrees.

Read my other posts. I said it didn't happen to me. I also said we may not have all the facts on this. Most said it didn't happen to them.

 

[venomballistics]

Does it make barrels hotter faster?
It might...
It's kinda like complaining about Unique making guns dirty.
I don't know about others but I have come to expect these kinds of results from shooting my guns regardless of powder or projectile employed

 

[CH4]

I’ve used Titegroup, but not enough to where I notice; however, Lil Gun is another story. That stuff heats up a gun fast. Reputation for eating forcing cones.

 

[Luke Duke]

I’ve used Titegroup, but not enough to where I notice; however, Lil Gun is another story. That stuff heats up a gun fast. Reputation for eating forcing cones.

On this I agree. Do not like Lil'Gun. I used 1/2 pound and poured the rest out and threw a match on it. One thing we All can agree on is that mass produced powder isn't going to be identical every time. Why I like to buy 4 or 8 # kegs. Work up a safe load with that lot number and use it for a long while

 

[cowboy4evr]

This is interesting , the comments about Lil Gun powder ! As we have a member on this forum , lives in NM and has used it a lot in 357 and 44 magnum loads with complete satisfaction , to him . I conversed with him about it through the forum , he totally disagreed with the usual comments of over heating , eroding the forcing cone etc .
I personally have had no experience , yet but I plan to try it . I'm a real titegroup fan . Reading some of the comments here would give a guy " pause " before buying it . Yet after I did and took the time load several calibers , using Hodgdon's website load data it made a believer out of me . So I will be trying Lil Gun next and will post my thoughts . Regards Paul

 

[Greyman50]

Just loaded 100 rounds of the 201 grn Keith Type 45 SWC under Titegroup. 50 at minimum and 50 half way between minimum and max. Not sure when I’ll get to shoot them with bad C spine….