Thread: .303 Learnings

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings All,
A couple of years ago a batch of .303 handloads was given to me. I don't shoot other peoples hand loads so finally, yesterday, they were broken down. The projectiles were 175 grain FMJ boat tails a little over .310" dia and the first one showed a bit of light corrosion on the base. Hmm. The powder was a short stick powder, like AR2206H but darker. Most poured out OK but some needed a tap or two and some a stir up. There was some light corrosion on the inside of some cases. I had seen this before on CAC ammo and am reasonably sure that the powder is AR2201. A charge was weighed 38 grains, one grain under the max for AR2201 listed in Cyril Waterworth's book Reloading Simplified. Snap.
AR2201 was the first of what is now ADI's powders which was noted for its short shelf life. It was never offered as a cannister powder so speed varies from batch to batch. It was also very temperature sensitive. It was marketed in NZ by CAC in one pound tins costing around $10.00. It was my first powder and used in .303, .308 and .223 loads plus others now forgotten.

The powder from the loads was spread in a gully behind the house. Would I use any if I found a tin in good condition? Hell no! An obsolete powder over 40 years old with no pressure tested data, Under the trees is the right place for it.
Regards Grandpamac

I scored a couple of plastic containers of 2201 years ago after CAC switched to other more suitable powder, They even loaded 243 and 270 with 2201
until they got surplus 4831,
Shot up all the 2201 in .303's and .308's with cast bullets had about 4 kgs of it
Excellent powder for cast bullets burn rate was similar to IMR3031.