AA 2520 Powder

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Olpeddler
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Joined: Sat Nov 16, 2019 8:30 pm

AA 2520 Powder

Post by Olpeddler »

After a 40 year hiatus from reloading, in 1999 I got back into it because I had inherited my grandfather's Savage model 99 rifle chambered in .303 Savage, and I could not find any factory ammo for it. I bought Lee reloading equipment and Lee's book on reloading which listed AA 2520 for reloading .303 Savage and .30-06. Since then I have used that powder for my five 30-06 rifles to include a '03 Springfield and an M1 Garand. When I am "on my game" at 100 yards, I can still shoot reasonably good groups with with both rifles.

Last week I reloaded 25 rounds for my .30-40 model 1899 Krag Carbine using 28 grs of AA 2520 behind Hornady 220 gr Interlock RN bullets. Yesterday's range results are encouraging. At 75 yards I shot 4, 5 round groups measuring 3", 4.5", 6", and 7". There was a flyer in 3 of the 4 groups which I overlooked when measuring the groups. Recoil was mild. extraction was easy, and primers were still a bit recessed after firing. The temperature was 88 degrees with no wind.

I am out of 220 grain bullets, so for my next time at the range, I will move down to 180 gr Hornady RN Interlock bullets, using 25 grs of AA 2520. If results are OK,
I will increase the powder by half a grain until extraction becomes stiff and/or primers show signs of bulging. AA 2520 is double base, spherical powder that is easy to work with, and meters very well.

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Parashooter
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Location: Kragmudgeon House, CT

Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by Parashooter »

Olpeddler wrote: Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:18 pm. . . I will move down to 180 gr Hornady RN Interlock bullets, using 25 grs of AA 2520. If results are OK,
I will increase the powder by half a grain until extraction becomes stiff and/or primers show signs of bulging. . .
That's a significant undercharge - seldom a great idea with dense spherical rifle powders. QuickLOAD estimates below indicate 36 grains of AA2520 would be a mild "starting" load and 40 grains a conservative "maximum". If you're looking for the advantages of a reduced load, a faster tubular or flake powder could be a more effective choice. I'd also advise that loading up to stiff extraction or "bulging" primers might put you well beyond the Krag's normal maximum pressure.

Cartridge : .30-40 Krag
Bullet : .308, 180, Hornady RN 3075
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.089 inch or 78.46 mm
Barrel Length : 22.0 inch
Powder : Accurate 2520

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.857% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Burnt B_Time
%. . . %. . . Grn. . fps ft.lbs psi. . . psi. . . % . . ms

-28.6 52 25.00 1497 896 13415 4358 79.9 2.146
-25.7 54 26.00 1552 962 14431 4616 81.8 2.080
-22.9 56 27.00 1606 1031 15531 4875 83.6 2.016
-20.0 58 28.00 1661 1103 16720 5132 85.4 1.954
-17.1 60 29.00 1716 1177 18006 5388 87.1 1.895
-14.3 62 30.00 1772 1254 19395 5640 88.7 1.838
-11.4 65 31.00 1827 1334 20876 5887 90.2 1.783
-08.6 67 32.00 1882 1416 22442 6128 91.6 1.730
-05.7 69 33.00 1938 1500 24097 6362 92.9 1.679
-02.9 71 34.00 1993 1587 25857 6588 94.1 1.629
+00.0 73 35.00 2048 1676 27745 6805 95.2 1.582
+02.9 75 36.00 2103 1767 29767 7012 96.2 1.536
+05.7 77 37.00 2157 1860 31931 7207 97.1 1.491
+08.6 79 38.00 2211 1955 34248 7389 97.9 1.448
+11.4 81 39.00 2265 2051 36726 7559 98.5 1.407
+14.3 83 40.00 2319 2149 39378 7714 99.1 1.361

Compare to AA's published data for the similar .303 British cartridge (which has a working pressure some 12% greater than .30/40).
AA2520in303.gif
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Olpeddler
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Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by Olpeddler »

Parashooter, Thanks very much for your advice and data! I have never used the QuickLOAD program, but I will pull it up. Is it free? Based upon the load data you provided, in reloading the 180 gr Hornadys, I will start at 36 grains and work my way to 39 grains in half gr increments.

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Parashooter
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Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by Parashooter »

QuickLOAD, a moderately-costly software suite, provides estimates of interior ballistic performance based on its developer's interpretation of several critical factors. It produces estimates, not tested load data. Caution is necessary in applying these estimates to loading actual cartridges for firing. One precaution is checking the estimates against manufacturer's tested data. When dealing with a cartridge for which such data is not available, comparison to tested loads for a similar-capacity cartridge is sometimes useful. Such experiments are appropriate only for experienced handloaders who have the skills and tools (e.g. a chronograph) needed to evaluate the safety of untested combinations. Beginners should stick to components for which reliable tested data is available - and never rely on "data" posted by unverified sources (like me :( ).

For basic information on such software, see https://reloadtoday.com/ballistics-soft ... %20Tool%29.

Olpeddler
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Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by Olpeddler »

Many thanks to Parashooter for the data he recently sent me on using AA 2520 Powder for reloading .30-40 Krag cartridges using 180 gr Hornady RN Interlock bullets. Since acquiring my Model 1899 carbine 2 years ago, my goal had been to develop a deer hunting round for ranges from 50 yds. out to 200 yards that will deliver 1 shot, quick kills using the 1901 rear sight elevation adjustment bar to quickly put the sight at whatever distance notch required for the shot. (Luckily, my range has a 200 yd. lane.) Using Parashooter's QuickLoad tables, I loaded 42 rounds in batches of 6 cartridges each beginning with 36 grs of AA 2520 and, in increments .5 grs, concluding with 39 grs. The distance was 75 yds using a bench rested shooting sled. Humidity was at 65%, there was little wind, and the temperature was 91 degrees F. The temperature extended my time at the range because I needed to wait 25 - 30 mins. between strings to let the barrel cool down.

The 36 gr string formed a 12" circle around the bull. In successive batches as the the powder weight increased, the groups tightened up. When I reached 38.5 grs, the group surrounding the bull measured only 6". Interestingly, the batch with 39 grs of powder measured 7.0". I had a flyer in 4 of the 7 batches. Encouragingly, when I moved the rear sight elevation bar either up or down, the rounds' POI's responded accordingly. So, thanks to Parashooter, this fall when on deer hunts in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, I will be able to confidently carry my Krag into the woods knowing that I have a good-shooting, hard hitting rifle.

Parashooter, if you get a chance please look in your private message box and you will see that I have humbly requested data on Hornady 165 BTSP and 220 gr Interlock bullets using AA 2520.

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Parashooter
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Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by Parashooter »

Olpeddler wrote: Mon Aug 09, 2021 6:19 pm Many thanks to Parashooter for the data he recently sent me on using AA 2520 Powder for reloading .30-40 Krag cartridges. . . if you get a chance please look in your private message box and you will see that I have humbly requested data on Hornady 165 BTSP and 220 gr Interlock bullets using AA 2520.
At the risk of being tedious, I have to repeat that QuickLOAD estimates must NEVER be confused with loading "data". I suggest you download QL or GRT software by following the link previously posted in this thread so you can learn more about the utility and hazards of such emulators (and relieve me of responsibility for any negative outcome).

madsenshooter
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Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by madsenshooter »

Hey I just saw a recall notice on AA2520! Let me see, here it is, it was over a year ago. Western Powders is issuing a recall of Accurate 2520 1 lb. bottles with lot number 0913192116. The lot number is stamped on the back of the bottle. ... If you are in possession of this propellant, please discontinue use immediately and contact Western Powders at 406-234-0422. https://blog.westernpowders.com/2020/07 ... 913192116/

Olpeddler
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Joined: Sat Nov 16, 2019 8:30 pm

Re: AA 2520 Powder

Post by Olpeddler »

Thanks Madsenshooter, I saw that recall when it was announced. Luckily, I had purchased 3 lbs. of AA 2520 a few months before the announcement, and those 3 bottles were not involved in the recall. As I mentioned in an earlier posting, it is my universal/"go to" powder for my 3, .30-06 bolt action rifles, my M1 Garand, .303 Savage Model 99, and now for my .30-40 Krag.

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