Thread: Sooty Necks

A sooty inside color can indicate an inefficient burn of the powder. BUT, that could be for several reasons. It could be from a powder that burns too slowly, a very light powder load of the correct powder, or other causes. IMHO, the root cause is low chamber pressure.

However, you should be aware that sooty cases ranks right up there with fired primers as being no more than "a general indicator". It is NOT exact in any manner, shape, or form. Nor should you use it as a reliable reference in place of chrono data.

Having said that, let me say also that I'm not aware of any fuel (wood, coal, kerosine, nat gas, gasoline, or smokeless powder) that is sooty when it's burning efficiently.


A sooty exterior can indicate not enough chamber pressure to properly expand the brass.