Suppressors What powder or type of powder causes the least amount of fouling

[308sako]

Being the proud owner of several silencers, and having to deal with the disassembly and cleaning of several of them the thought comes to mind that perhaps there is a best "diet" to feed these useful devices. Most specifically to be used in the .223Rem/5.56Nato, 6.5 Creedmoor & the venerable .308 Winchester.

 

[TXSGFmrCWO3]

My experience has shown Vihtavuori pretty much lives up to its reputation as clean burning. I've had great experience with N135 and N140 in my M40 .308.

 

[XLR308]

The cartridge being used can also have an effect on your burn efficiency as well as the charge weight.

I've heard several people mention AR-COMP as being a dirty and heavy fowling powder but I think they are probably running on the low end for pressures or running an AR with the gas system out of balance for that powder.

In the three different cartridges I use it in 2 in AR's and one in a bolt action 308 it has been very clean but I'm running on the upper end of the charge weights.

Then there are some that are notably just dirtier like H1000 and would have to agree with the post above about Viht powders.

When I first started loading 308 I tested N140 with the 168smk and powder fouling was almost non existent.

 

[TXSGFmrCWO3]

Roger that with the cartridge. Add to that length of barrel, the primer, and bullet weight.

Granted, I've seen some powders smoke like a tire fire in my 24", compressed charge, heavy bullet. Turn it around in a 20", moderate charge and lighter bullet, and the fouling diminishes greatly. But, agreed some powders are inherently dirtier. I think Reloder 15 isn't especially clean with my LC/LR 175 SMK loads.

Forgot to mention one thing about the V-powders. I was using N135/N140 with lighter loads and/or lighter bullets. For greater velocities, N540 and N550 are a better choice.