Newbie Grain Question

[Alleydude]

I guess this is probably as newbie as a question can get, but I'm confused about all of this bullet weight and grains and stuff.

So here's an example, and maybe I could get some explination as to what it all means. I have two boxes of bullets for my 22 Win. Mag. One is 30 grain, the other 45 grain. I had thought that this might be the amount of gun powder in the shell, but I am beginning to think that this is the actual weight of the projectile. I have similar differences in my 22LR's. So what really IS the diffence, and what does it all come down to once the bullet leaves the barrel?

Thanks, and sorry if this has already been gone over somewhere, searching on "grain" brings up over 11 pages of threads.

[Seabeescotty]

It's the bullet weight. I'd hate to try to shoot a .22 with 40 grains of gunpowder in it, as it would end up in lotsa pieces! I only load 20 grains of powder in my .44 mags!!

[Alleydude]

Originally Posted by Seabeescotty

It's the bullet weight. I'd hate to try to shoot a .22 with 40 grains of gunpowder in it, as it would end up in lotsa pieces! I only load 20 grains of powder in my .44 mags!!

Thanks for the reply.

So in store bought ammo, is the amount of gunpowder fairly consistant? I don't see anything that indicates a difference in gunpowder.

[Seabeescotty]

Yeah, most factory ammo is pretty consistent, some brands are better than others. Winchester has always been pretty good, as far as factory ammo goes. If you want to get really good consistency, load your own with a good scale. Unfortunately, you can't reload rimfires. The lighter weight bullet will give you more distance, but won't give as much knockdown power at long distance.

[neophyte]

Alleydude: Sir; most folks will not ask your question. For fear of embarrassment I like your question

When reloading:::? The 'BOOK' will call for 12grn. in this hypothetical

YOU look into the case; WOW there is a bunch more room:

I did something wrong! Now to pour the mess back out and start over!!!!! I know I did it right!!!????

What is wrong? ====== powder burn-off rate
Powder have differences and we all need to be careful. Manufactured stuff is well inside the "SAFETY" range.

Depth of bullet seating will increase PRESSURE. Under seated BULLETS will change the dynamic of bullet, maybe ok, maybe BAD.

All thing being equal. bullet seating, powder charge, bullet length will [in general] be ok.

Find a loaded bullet that looks like it is too short. THROW it away.
Do not chance yourself or the firearm when in question

7,000 grain to a pound

[gak906]

Great reply and Information, NEOPHYTE !

[Alleydude]

Originally Posted by gak906

Great reply and Information, NEOPHYTE !

I agree, thanks for the great information!

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by Alleydude

I have two boxes of bullets for my 22 Win. Mag. One is 30 grain, the other 45 grain. I had thought that this might be the amount of gun powder in the shell, but I am beginning to think that this is the actual weight of the projectile.

I'll stand corrected here, but I recall reading somewhere that 22LR has about 1 grain of powder. The Mags have more 3-4 grains? In any case the total weight of a 22LR with a 40 grain bullet will be in the range of 51 grains; 40 grains lead, 10 grains brass, & 1 grain of powder? My guess. I've weighed a few hundred of the total cases so I'm very sure of the total weight, and less sure of the actual powder weight. Have to save a misfire and pull the bullet to see.

Ron

[samuel]

You had me curious so I checked 3 Federal .22lr hv,s and they all had 1.5 gr,s powder.The problem now is,we dont know what powder and if there is a difference in different brands.I always thought there was about 2gr,s.I read somewhere that there was 4gr,s in a .22mag.That sounds about right due to the larger case. sam.

[Purdy]

Originally Posted by Seabeescotty

It's the bullet weight. I'd hate to try to shoot a .22 with 40 grains of gunpowder in it, as it would end up in lotsa pieces! I only load 20 grains of powder in my .44 mags!!

Depends on the powder too. 20 gr. of Bullseye would wreck your 44mag (and probably you too)

[Alleydude]

I see somehow this thread got moved into the hand loading forum, which explains why so many hand loading answers. It wasn't my intent to get advice in handloading, though it is intesting. My question was more of a basic question on factory loads and the specifics on premade ammo. I do appreciate all the input, though.

I'm not ready to load my own, yet.

[lefty o]

7000 grains to a pound.

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by Alleydude

I see somehow this thread got moved into the hand loading forum, which explains why so many hand loading answers. It wasn't my intent to get advice in handloading, though it is intesting. My question was more of a basic question on factory loads and the specifics on premade ammo. I do appreciate all the input, though.
I'm not ready to load my own, yet.

Can't reload rimfires to my knowledge. In any case I hope you got your question answered? If not ask again. This is a good group here, and I think you have the audience that can give you the right answers.

Ron

[Seabeescotty]

Sorry, Purdy, I should have been more specific. I use Alliant 2400 in my .44 loads, with a Hornady JHP XTP 180 gr. bullet on top. I prime 'em with CCI magnum pistol primers. They are very consistent, and make for good tight groups. Iwas just trying to make a point there. I'm careful when I'm reloading ammo, and I guess that may have looked a bit hairbrained.

[runfiverun]

a grain is a weight measurement
it is also an individual piece of powder or a seed from wheat
it is how a load recipe is written
x-grains powder
x-grain bulllet weight
x-primer in x- case will approximate x-velocity from x-gun
i'm in an xxxx mood today
and the factorys blend powders to give a pressure value that is why
thier stated velocity is not always what it is [powder lots]

thats the way it is .

[samuel]

The factory doesnt "blend" powders.They smash it in different ways to change burn rate.Granular, Extruded at different diammeters,ball,ball/flake, flake,disk,open center disk. sam.

[rdale501]

Billy blends powder.....

[samuel]

Originally Posted by rdale501

Billy blends powder.....

Billy is a nice fellow even if he does have to wear full suit kevlar for his own reloads. sam.

[runfiverun]

i saw billys blend
but was trying to keep the explanation simple about the powder

[rdale501]

Well, Billy has a picture of it burning snow....