Posts by Strider
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Joined
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447 Posts
I did use a lot of Unique before I found Trail Boss. I was always a little concerned about the small charges in a big case. I played around with fillers and wads. I checked and rechecked for double charges. I can't say I ever had a problem, but I kept a close eye on it. I'd still be using it if Trail Boss hadn't come around.
I like the way Trail Boss fills the case. And it smokes just a bit. I get some of the Black Powder appeal without the extra work.
You might give it a try when you get some time. Essentially you fill the case to the point that it touches the bullet, but doesn't compress the powder. You can reduce from there if you want to go slower. I've had good luck in everything I've tried. I shoot just about all the common straight walled cases in revolver and rifle.
I've also used it in a lot of bottle neck cartridges, particularly .30 cal. I like it in the .30-30 with 170gr cast bullets. It also did well in the .308/.30-06/.300 Savage/.300WSM. But usually I pick those when I'm hunting and just go back to my usual higher velocity powders.
You have to love handloading. It brings a whole new dimension to the shooting art.
I like the way Trail Boss fills the case. And it smokes just a bit. I get some of the Black Powder appeal without the extra work.
You might give it a try when you get some time. Essentially you fill the case to the point that it touches the bullet, but doesn't compress the powder. You can reduce from there if you want to go slower. I've had good luck in everything I've tried. I shoot just about all the common straight walled cases in revolver and rifle.
I've also used it in a lot of bottle neck cartridges, particularly .30 cal. I like it in the .30-30 with 170gr cast bullets. It also did well in the .308/.30-06/.300 Savage/.300WSM. But usually I pick those when I'm hunting and just go back to my usual higher velocity powders.
You have to love handloading. It brings a whole new dimension to the shooting art.
Joined
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447 Posts
The correct answer is "have the firearm examined by a competent gunsmith". Ask him. I bet the answer will be "no".
I have also read that trail boss loads have a pressure curve more comparable to black powder than other smokeless loads. I can tell you they feel more like black powder than other smokeless loads. They are very pleasant to shoot.
You can still break 25,000 CUP with trail boss and a 250gr bullet. You don't want to compress Trail Boss.
I haven't seen pressure data on BP in a .38-55. BP is it's own animal for sure. I'd like to see the pressure curve data on a graph before I would make the decision.
Marlin's are tough and Trail Boss reduces very well. But I doubt even IMR will ever recommend you use it in a firearm marked for Black Powder. They would tell you to stick to the manufacturers recommendation on the firearm. And I think debates like that will continue for some time.
I have also read that trail boss loads have a pressure curve more comparable to black powder than other smokeless loads. I can tell you they feel more like black powder than other smokeless loads. They are very pleasant to shoot.
You can still break 25,000 CUP with trail boss and a 250gr bullet. You don't want to compress Trail Boss.
I haven't seen pressure data on BP in a .38-55. BP is it's own animal for sure. I'd like to see the pressure curve data on a graph before I would make the decision.
Marlin's are tough and Trail Boss reduces very well. But I doubt even IMR will ever recommend you use it in a firearm marked for Black Powder. They would tell you to stick to the manufacturers recommendation on the firearm. And I think debates like that will continue for some time.
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