Trail Boss Powder

[mr surveyor]

experiences/opinions????

I load .38 spl, .357 mag, .44 mag, and just got my first can of TB to play with.

Just curious.


surv

 

[mike7mm08]

Loaded up some 38s for a friends fiance. Recoil was very light. But not much less than other powders at the same velocity. The ability to nearly fill the case is a plus though. What I really like the powder for is reduced loads in rifles. IMR mkaes it real easy to load any cartridge.

Take your case and mark the aprox depth of the bullet when seated. Fill to that line and weigh the charge that is max for trailboss. Multiple that charge by .7 to get your starting charge. I download a 8mm mauser. It is like shooting a 22 and extremely accurate.

For pistol I don't see much use for trail boss. Only real advantage is reducing the chances of double charges. Also you do eliminate the possible issues of some powders that are position sensitive when loaded in a case with lots of empty space. For reduced rifle loads trailboss will always have a place on my bench.

 

[williamc]

I've been using it exclusively for my .44 special. I'm just starting out, and it is easier to handle and easier to notice mistakes. I can't get enough powder in the case to cause damage, and double charges spill over the top.

It is a little dirtier than I'd like, but I have a stainless gun so I might be picky.

 

[Hammerdown77]

I have found loads at the top end of the load range on Hodgdon's online data center to be most accurate.

I did not have much luck with it in .38, as my powder measure didn't want to consistently meter charges at those weights. In large case revolver rounds 44/45/50, it really shines.

I tried 8 grains in my 454 Casull with a 300 gr. cast lead bullet, and the accuracy was phenomenal. Quite a nice surprise, and a good way to take a break from that same bullet at 1500-1600 fps....

 

[Rclark]

I'll point you to my experiences and testing with TB over a range of calibers: Trail Boss Tests . I like it for .44/.45 but on the fence with .357 . I still load some .357/.38 for my dad (5.0g under 125g bullet in either .38 or .357) as he likes the powder puff loads and pin point or long range accuracy isn't a concern. Oh, and the .44Mag tests: Trail Boss .44Mag tests

 

[mr surveyor]

I'll point you to my experiences and testing with TB over a range of calibers: Trail Boss Tests . I like it for .44/.45 but on the fence with .357 . I still load some .357/.38 for my dad (5.0g under 125g bullet in either .38 or .357) as he likes the powder puff loads and pin point or long range accuracy isn't a concern. Oh, and the .44Mag tests: Trail Boss .44Mag tests

I did have the opportunity to play with some .44 mags loaded by a friend with 7 gr TB and 240 gr swc. The 3 that I put through a chorny averaged 849 fps with a spread of 13 fps - from my 7.5" SRH. Not near enough of a sample to base anything on, but the dozen or so rounds I shot were mild, clean burning and fairly accurate (as accurate as the shooter) at 20 yards. I did load up 20 yesterday for my recently acquired 1963 vintage M36 (3.2 gr TB / 158 gr cast rnfp) and was pleasantly surprised. The thing I like the most is how easy the stuff is to work with, and I don't mind shooting "mild" occassionally :wink:

surv

 

[Pal Val]

I have been using Trail Boss for my .38 spec. light loads. Have found that anything under 4.5 grains under a 158 lead bullet will have very wide velocity variations. Accuracy goes out the window. 5 grns fills the case to the bottom of the bullet. Accuracy is much better, and it's still a very mild load. Have not tried any compressed loads.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I like it for the larger cases, 30-30, .45 Colt, .44 spl, .44 mag Sometimes it meters well for me. Other times it gets a bit erratic in my small chambered Redding 10X.

In revolver cases it works best (cleaner, more consistent velocities) when loaded to near 100% load density, but Trail Boss should never be compressed.

For .38 spl and .357 mag Universal is my go to powder.

 

[Rclark]

but Trail Boss should never be compressed.

Well .... not quite true anymore. That is a good rule of thumb for safe pressure loads in any cartridge though.... But it turns out for the .44Mag load 9.6g almost is to the top of the case. It is a 'true' compressed load and can be found in the newest Hornady Manual . Check out my load tests for the .44mag above.

 

[BCB]

This will get you going on any cartridge...

http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

Good-luck...BCB