The 460 Rowland, a potent cartridge born from the desire for more stopping power in a 1911 platform, demands careful consideration when choosing a powder. The wrong powder can lead to dangerous pressure spikes, inaccurate performance, or even damage to your firearm. This guide will delve into the best powders for the 460 Rowland, focusing on factors that ensure both safety and optimal ballistic results.
Understanding Your Needs: Factors Affecting Powder Choice
Before diving into specific powder recommendations, let's consider the crucial factors influencing your powder selection. These factors will help you tailor your load to your specific needs and firearm:
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Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets require more powder to achieve optimal velocity and accuracy. Lighter bullets, conversely, may require less. Your chosen bullet weight will significantly impact your powder choice.
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Desired Velocity: Are you aiming for maximum velocity for self-defense applications, or prioritizing accuracy for target shooting? This will influence your powder selection as different powders excel in different velocity ranges.
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Barrel Length: Barrel length directly affects pressure and velocity. A longer barrel generally allows for higher velocities, requiring a different powder charge than a shorter barrel. Always consult loading manuals for your specific barrel length.
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Your Specific Gun: Even within the 460 Rowland platform, there might be slight variations between firearms. Always begin with the minimum charge listed in a reputable reloading manual and work your way up cautiously.
Top Powder Choices for 460 Rowland
While numerous powders could be used, these stand out consistently for their performance and safety in the 460 Rowland:
1. Accurate Arms #9
Accurate Arms #9 is frequently cited as a top performer for the 460 Rowland. It provides excellent metering characteristics, burns cleanly, and consistently delivers impressive velocities. Its moderate burn rate makes it suitable for a wide range of bullet weights.
2. Alliant Power Pistol
Alliant Power Pistol is another popular choice known for its clean burning properties and consistent performance. It's versatile, working well with both lighter and heavier bullets. Its slightly slower burn rate compared to Accurate Arms #9 might be preferred in some applications.
3. Hodgdon Lil'Gun
Hodgdon Lil'Gun is a powerful powder, often used in hotter loads, and it's worth considering for experienced reloaders pursuing higher velocities with the 460 Rowland. However, caution is paramount with Lil'Gun, as it's crucial to meticulously follow loading data from a reputable source to avoid exceeding safe pressure limits.
The Importance of Reloading Manuals and Safety Precautions
Never attempt to reload ammunition without proper training and a comprehensive understanding of safe reloading practices. This is not a casual hobby. Consult reputable reloading manuals from manufacturers like Accurate Arms, Alliant Powder, and Hodgdon Powder Company. These manuals provide crucial load data specific to your chosen powder, bullet weight, and firearm. Always start with the minimum charge listed and work up gradually, carefully monitoring pressure signs.
Conclusion: Responsible Reloading is Key
Choosing the "best" powder for your 460 Rowland is a personal decision based on your specific needs and priorities. However, safety should always be your primary concern. By understanding the factors that influence powder selection, carefully following loading data from reputable sources, and prioritizing safety, you can successfully and safely load ammunition for your 460 Rowland, achieving optimal performance. Remember that this information is for guidance only and does not replace the necessity for proper training and the use of trusted reloading manuals. Always prioritize safety above all else.
