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CAS TOPICS => The Powder Room - CAS reloading => Topic started by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 11, 2017, 09:31:10 AM

Title: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 11, 2017, 09:31:10 AM
I picked up a 5 pound jug of Trail Boss for reloading my .45 Schofield.  I plan on loading 5.0 grains with a 200 grain bullet. Should be about 1.1 CC.   I am using a Lee four position turret press with auto index, and a a LEE Pro auto disk powder measure through a LEE charging die.  I have read that the airy little grey doughnuts don't measure well.  Besides giving the measure a slight tap between loading, any other tips?
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Buffalo Creek Law Dog on March 11, 2017, 10:41:35 AM
I have been using Trial Boss for my CAS guns over the past 5 years, using the exact same equipment as you, and I never had to tap the powder measure after each drop.  It gets a little fluffy when pouring from one container to another and I use my open hand to block any flying donuts.

I used to use Trail Boss for 45-70 but changed that to IMR 4198.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Baltimore Ed on March 11, 2017, 02:14:59 PM
I tried a small container of TB for my .30-40 Krag and at about 10 grs i went through a Dillon hopper full during load development so fast that I loaded a few cases with NO powder which I caught when I tried them out on my backyard range. Never had that happen before. When they say TB is light and bulky they ain't kidding. My tip to you would be to keep a close eye on your measure reservoir. I've since started using V-V Tin Star for my light Krag loads with good results and while it resembles TB it is a whole lot denser and acts like normal powder, not a bulky one.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on March 11, 2017, 04:51:23 PM
When I started using TB in my Dillon 550B there were many semi squibs with the bullet (200 grain laser cast) usually clearing the barrel some time not.
I tested by running 10 rounds and pulling them before seating the bullet and found a great variation in powder charge weight.
Solution...pull the handle down, count one Mississippi, two Mississippi while reaching for the next case then continue. that fluffy powder takes a while to fall and problem solved.
Yes it does slow down the loading process, but a squib stops the shooting process, simply find the right tempo to load.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Drydock on March 11, 2017, 06:11:42 PM
I always drop Trail Boss from a measure into a dipper, so I can see the load before I pour it into the funnel on my Powder Thru Die. (Lee 4 hole turret press)  Got a Lee Perfect drum measure set up next to the press.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: pony express on March 11, 2017, 07:01:24 PM
I use a single stage press, so all my charging is done with a Lyman 55 and a loading block. Check weigh about one in every 10 or 15. then visually check them in the loading block before doing bullet seating. It helps to "tap" the handle an extra time in the down position to make sure all the powder clears the measure. I've noticed that without a baffle in the hopper, the charge weights will vary a little as the powder level goes down, so I keep the can of powder handy and top it off after about 25 or so rounds. One nice thing about TB, you can visually check powder levels even in 30-40 or 30-06 cases, when using Unique or other "normal" pistol/shotgun powders, it's hard to see the powder, I always use a pencil (marked for proper powder level) to check each case.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on March 12, 2017, 08:51:22 AM
Another thing about TB is, unlike most other pistol powders, you cannot overcharge a case period. As I recall, since I am not at my
bench ,the way to find the correct charge is to fill a case and take some percent of that weight.
Now when using real Gun Powder I just fill the case bout 1/16" above the bullet base the seat the bullet and crimp that rascal down
 Back in the day I burned up a lot of smokeless back as far as Hercules HiVel 2 and when I am lazy about cleaning use TB in my .45-70 1886 rifle rather than FFg a proper powder for that cartridge.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: August on March 12, 2017, 12:18:24 PM
I only use Trail Boss in my Hornady Black Powder measure, where it works very well and consistent results are no problem.  If I had to use it in a measure with a steel charge bar or drum, I'd take the precausion of grounding the measure to prevent the static charges that are one of the biggest problems with Trail Boss and getting consistent charges.

I've learned that letting any powder sit in a measure for more than a few minutes between sessions is an invitation to problems.  This has been particularly true with Trail Boss in my experience.

And, of course, cleaning the powder measure occasionally has paid dividends in terms of consistent results and absence of powder bridging.

I like Trail Boss.  It seems that using a black powder measure has prevented problems.

Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 12, 2017, 03:40:41 PM
Well, I started cranking them out.  My best results were using ta single disk, using the 1.18 CC chamber.  Out of 20 throws, no more than 0.1 grain deviation:  between 4.9+ and 5 grains every time.  I randomly check every 15 or 20 rounds now, and always the same.  Now I need to see how I like the load, compared to 7.1 grns of Unique.  I hope I like it a lot, since all I could find to buy was a 5 pound jug! LOL ;D
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Professor Marvel on March 13, 2017, 12:55:56 AM
Well, I started cranking them out.  My best results were using ta single disk, using the 1.18 CC chamber.  Out of 20 throws, no more than 0.1 grain deviation:  between 4.9+ and 5 grains every time.  I randomly check every 15 or 20 rounds now, and always the same. 

Excellent drops!
Quote
Now I need to see how I like the load, compared to 7.1 grns of Unique.  I hope I like it a lot, since all I could find to buy was a 5 pound jug! LOL ;D

Well you better like iit , cuz you're not leaving the table until that whole jug is gone.....


yhs
prof (channelling mom) marvel
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Cliff Fendley on March 13, 2017, 07:59:41 AM
I run trail boss through my Dillon and always get proper weight charges. The trick is though to use the large powder bar rather than the one you would normally use for that small weight charge. That way you have a narrow column for the powder to fall through.

I first had all kinds of trouble when I tried using the small charge bar opened up. The fluffy donuts would bridge and fall after the ram was down making all kinds of mess.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 24, 2017, 11:00:55 PM
I have heard that it is impossible to overload Trail Boss in a pistol cartridge, unless you compress the load.  Folks are saying that 5 grains should be max for the 45 Schofield with a 200 grain bullet.  It seems like a light load to me.  Any input?
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Coffinmaker on March 25, 2017, 10:01:32 AM
Just an observation.  Trail Boss does not play particularly well with Petroleum Based Lubes.  Tends to get a bit gummy.  Personally, I have never particularly cared for Trail Boss.

Coffinmaker
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on March 25, 2017, 08:37:16 PM
My recollection , dim as it might be, seems that you fill a case to the position of the base of the bullet than take some %age of that for a max load. I will check on this in in the IMR manual tomorrow and post it here. I  shot a pretty good amount of it until I went to the Dark Side and had no problems with it. A few squibs until I figured out how to run it through my 550B but that was all on me, not the powder or press.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 25, 2017, 09:30:11 PM
OK, 44 Special and 45 Schofield cases are almost identical capacity, BUT Hodgdon list 44 Special with a 200 grain bullet max load with trail boss is 6.3 grains for 885 fps and 5.0 grains for Schofield with a 200 grain bullet with 780 fps.   I am looking for the 850+ fps from the Schofield.  I get it easily with 7.1 grains of Unique.  I just bought 5 pounds of Trail Boss and don't want to shot mouse f@rt loads....

EDIT:  I just checked and a 45 Schofield actually has about 5% MORE capacity than the 44 Special.  I have always been told that when there is no loading data for a 45 Schofield with  bullet weight, use 44 Special load data.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 27, 2017, 02:08:58 PM
Ugh, the 5 grains of Trail Boss was a no go for me.  After shooting Triple 7 and Unique, the Trail Boss was MOUSE FART loads!  I went back to 7.1 grains Unique.  Now I have to peddle the 5 pounds of Trail boss somewhere!
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on March 30, 2017, 10:05:15 AM
According to the IMR web site to determine data on a cartridge simply mark the place where the bullet base will be in the loaded cartridge and fill with Trail Boss to that point. According to the site that is maximum(!!!) load. Woowzy I would say so!
70% of the weight is your starting load. Seems a bit much to me.

http://imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

Is the site where I found this, but I would check a good manual first.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: rbertalotto on March 30, 2017, 01:02:37 PM
I've loaded thousands upon thousands of TB in 38-40, 45 Cowboy Special, 45LC and 38SPL......Never had a squib. Never any issues what so ever. Amazingly clean powder in these cases.

I'm using Lee 1000 progressive loaders for all four cartridges.

Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on March 30, 2017, 03:09:10 PM
According to the IMR web site to determine data on a cartridge simply mark the place where the bullet base will be in the loaded cartridge and fill with Trail Boss to that point. According to the site that is maximum(!!!) load. Woowzy I would say so!
70% of the weight is your starting load. Seems a bit much to me.

http://imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

Is the site where I found this, but I would check a good manual first.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk

That makes more sense than 5 grain mouse farts.  probably about 7 grains, I am guessing.  I will have to try it and see.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on April 10, 2017, 12:49:23 PM
well, using the "maximum load method" Hodgdon has on their web page, I come up with 8 grns of Trail Boss in a .45 Schofield Case with a 200 grain bullet.  Even considering how wimpy, 5 grains was, the 8 grains seems about a bit stiff.  They do say it is impossible to overload a revolver using their method. With that method, 5.6 grains would be a starting load. 

I guess I'll try 6 grains and 7 grains, and see what I get, and try them from the Henry and 1872s to see how the measure up to the 7.1 grains of Unique of my pet load.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on April 10, 2017, 04:19:10 PM
Interesting:  I did an unscientific comparison.  I loaded the following grain weights of Trail Boss: 5.0, 6.0. 7.0, and 8.0.  I fired each one, after firing one of my 7.1 grains of Unique loads for recoil comparison. ( TB then Unique, TB then Unique, TB then Unique, etc.)  5 grains and 6 grains Trail Boss were noticeably less kick than the 7.1 grains of Unique.  7 grains of Trail Boss felt identical to the Unique load, and 8 grains was noticeably heavier, with a slight sharpness.    No signs of pressure with the 7 grain load of TB, either.

When one considers that the velocity of a 5.0 grain load of Unique is nearly identical to a 5 grain load of Trail Boss, the fact that 7 grains of each felt identical is not too amazing.  The 7 grains of Trail Boss is 85% of the 8 grain maximum, using Hodgdon's method for determining min and max loads with Trail Boss.

You know, trail Boss is almost smokey enough to satisfy my like of BP cartridges, too!

I guess I am loading 7 grains of Trail Boss now.  The LEE auto disk 1.56 cc chamber throws 7 grains TB every time.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on April 10, 2017, 10:39:37 PM
Hmmm... Let's see. 7000 grains to the pound, so 35,000 grains in 5 pounds, that 5,000 rounds of .45 S&W loaded with 7 grains of trail Boss.  That should last me a couple years!  ::)
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on September 07, 2017, 02:41:20 PM
If you like the gun to push back, you should try 250 grain bullets, staying with that supply of TB. When you push 200 gr too hard, you are getting into excessive velocity (1000 fps Max allowed), even pressures beyond which the gun is certified, and unproven loads. Either way, when seeking more recoil rather than less, there is the possibility for being liable for damage to targets. There should be ricochet concerns as well.

I like Trailboss so I can see the charge easily in tall cases. It is certainly relatively soft shooting, and very clean in my guns/loads. When comparing loads, I found my Bullseye load with similar ratings had more snap to it, so maybe you could move toward a faster powder, watching for erratic ignition in mostly empty, cavernous cases meant for black powder.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on September 07, 2017, 03:26:28 PM
I load my .45 Schofield with 6.0 grains Trail Boss and a 200 grain bullet.  Lots of thump, but down around 900 fps.  Would be a little less in .45 Colt cases.  &.0 was too much, and accuracy suffered.  6.0 is perfect for me.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on September 07, 2017, 03:45:55 PM
I load my .45 Schofield with 6.0 grains Trail Boss and a 200 grain bullet.  Lots of thump, but down around 900 fps.  Would be a little less in .45 Colt cases.  &.0 was too much, and accuracy suffered.  6.0 is perfect for me.

You may be happy, but that is over the maximum by 10% according to the Lyman book.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on September 07, 2017, 03:55:25 PM
But it is far less than Maximum by Hodgdon's own web page.  "Load to bottom of bullet" is maximum, and reduce 30% and work up.  6 grains is about 30% less than a full case (minus bullet depth). I have fired a few with full case (Hodgdon's maximum).  They were stout, but still no signs of pressure and cases fell out of the chambers.  Published trail boss loads are "gamer loads" in my opinion (giving about 650 to 700 fps with a 200 grain bullet).  My bottom end, by the manual, Unique loads are stiffer than the 5.0 grains in a Schofield case (about 60% of volume less bullet depth).  Hodgdon even says it is impossible to overload a Trail Boss load...  Lawyers have other ideas, maybe.

I have been reloading for over 40 years, and shooting and reloading for SASS for 23 years.  I have watched the conventional wisdom go from good, solid loads in SASS, to load as low as you can go.  Suddenly if you choose to load full loads it is considered aberrant behavior....  I take Hodgdon at their word.  Our firearms are all SSAAMI spec.

You march to your drummer, I'll march to mine....
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on September 07, 2017, 04:48:11 PM
I was just saying, and now I see that Hodgdon's data is lower than Lyman's, maximum 5.0 for a 200 grain lead. I didn't find any statement about simply filling the case to get a good load. I was reacting to the guideline on most of the boards that going above maximum published by recognized sources at least requires a caveat. So, you do as you wish, but are somewhat limited in what you can share without qualification.

200 GR. LRNFP
Starting Loads
Maximum Loads
Manufacturer
Powder
Bullet Diam.
C.O.L.

Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure

Grs.
Vel. (ft/s)
Pressure
Hodgdon
Trail Boss
.452"
1.430"

4.0
684
9,000 CUP

5.0
791
13,200 CUP
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bunk Stagnerg on September 07, 2017, 06:35:19 PM
Trail Boss has the advantage of being impossible to double charge since it is such a bulky powder. It has the disadvantage of being very fluffy and slow to drop in a progressive loader in my experience YMMV. My Dillon 550B takes about about a "one Mississippi. two Mississippi" to drop the charge in a .45 CAS case. Until I figured that out I has some pretty feeble sounding shots. Finally I stopped fighting it and went to FFFg which fills the case, makes a bg bang, and solved the squib nonsense.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on September 07, 2017, 07:58:30 PM
Hodgdon's own data sheet....  Read the header, and then sections one, two and three.  I think this qualifies as from the horse's mouth.... "This formula may be used in both rifle and pistol applications"


https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/trail-boss-reduced-loads-r_p.pdf
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on September 08, 2017, 05:59:42 AM
Hodgdon's own data sheet....  Read the header, and then sections one, two and three.  I think this qualifies as from the horse's mouth.... "This formula may be used in both rifle and pistol applications"


https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/trail-boss-reduced-loads-r_p.pdf

That indicates that it applies only to rifles (with much higher pressure limits). There should be little doubt that Hodgdon would stand behind the load data they already posted for handgun cartridges.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on September 08, 2017, 08:15:31 AM
???? It says " May be used for both rifle and pistol applications"  Anyway, whatever.  I'll take their word.  Even the title of the document says "for rifle and pistol".
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on September 08, 2017, 05:42:52 PM
???? It says " May be used for both rifle and pistol applications"  Anyway, whatever.  I'll take their word.  Even the title of the document says "for rifle and pistol".

I see it now. Thanks. I am going to try it and see how it compares to their published loads. I use TB in 38 Spl, 44 Mag, and 45 Colt. I also plan to try it in 357 Magnum when my new bullets arrive.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Crow Choker on September 08, 2017, 08:51:39 PM
I've been loading 45 Colt with Trail Boss for maybe 10 years now, while it is a good powder, it's not the "Holy Grail" of available smokeless powders for 45 Colt or any other pistol caliber IMO. Two things it has going for it, a old timey sounding name and the fact it's fluffy and fills the case better than most SL powders. I like Titegroup (I think one of the best), Red Dot, 231/HP38, Unique, 700X (sorta dirty, but good shooter) for the 45 Colt, accurate for what I shoot at and don't need muzzle flippin recoil to enjoy (and I don't load mouse loads, but don't load to beat the guns to death.) Have never used it much for anything else except some 44 Special loads in Open Top and Richards II. In those two hoglegs I shoot FF black 99% of the time anymore. Have never tried it in a rifle, although I have three lever guns I could do so in 38/357 and 44 Spec/44 Colt. My Colt 72 topstrap Model and Ruger Vaquero will get some stiff loads though in 45 Colt, but not howitzers. I have .357's and a Super Blkhawk to shoot if I want to get feisty.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on September 08, 2017, 10:45:35 PM
Personally, I love Unique, but it is too easy to double charge....  I switched to Trail Boss after I caught a double load of Unique in a 44-40, before I put the slug in.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Crow Choker on September 09, 2017, 07:01:49 AM
Personally, I love Unique, but it is too easy to double charge....  I switched to Trail Boss after I caught a double load of Unique in a 44-40, before I put the slug in.
I use a Rock Chucker press and RCBS Uni-flow powder measure, have been since I started loading in Feb, 1976. I do around 200 rds in a batch, 50 rds to a tray. Each case gets one crank of the powder measure, look down into every case after 10 rds. After the tray gets powder and before I seat the bullets, every rd in the tray is viewed a 2nd time to ensure no double charge. I intentionally double charge powders such as Unique, 231, Titegroup to see what a double charge will look like in the case/caliber I'm loading. Fussy yes, I l load methodically to try and get the best reload I can and safe one. Have seen the results over the years of reloaders skipping steps, not paying attention, drinking while reloading. Have seen many get setup for reloading and end up selling their gear because of a variety of reasons, mostly they didn't want to take time and follow steps you need to do. My single stage is slower than using a Dillion or any other super duper ammo animal, yep, but have no desire for such a machine. If desired, I'd have no problem in writing a check for such a setup, but happy and satisfied with thee Ol' Rock Chucker. Besides other than case trimming, I enjoy reloading as much as shooting. Take care all, safe shooting.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Tuolumne Lawman on September 09, 2017, 08:40:28 AM
I use a 4-hole Lee Turret Press with an auto index (poor man's progressive).  I have used it for 25 years.  I use a LEE charging dir with a LEE powder measure on it.  Up until that point, I have never had a problem because of the auto index. This time, however, I did not finish the down stroke (which activates the auto index) because the wife called me.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on September 17, 2017, 07:44:29 AM
I use a 4-hole Lee Turret Press with an auto index (poor man's progressive).  I have used it for 25 years.  I use a LEE charging dir with a LEE powder measure on it.  Up until that point, I have never had a problem because of the auto index. This time, however, I did not finish the down stroke (which activates the auto index) because the wife called me.

There are family issues that conflict with reloading, even shooting a match. There are simply times when it must be understood that we are off line. Only a generation since communication was somehow less urgent and essential. Trailboss does help though, I must say.

Yesterday I tested a Trailboss load for my 357 rifle, using 357 cases and 158 gr RNFP bullets, crimped over the leading band. 3.2 grains, per the published IMR/Hodgdon data is going to work well, it seems. The pistols use 38 Special.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Baltimore Ed on September 17, 2017, 08:24:15 AM
I feel that I've solved my potential double load issue by using Dillon 550 auto powder measures on my Lyman T2 turret presses. Have a pair of T2s, one is set up for .45lc and the other .38 spcl. Station 1 deprimes/sizes, station 2 expands/ primes, station 3 dumps my powder. To dump my powder charge all I do is raise the case to operate the Dillon measure. Pretty foolproof and Dillon measures are very consistent. Station 4 seats the bullet. I had been using the manual 450 measures with the black button but got to thinking why not so I tried the auto measure, works great. Eliminates a step.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bryan Austin on March 08, 2019, 10:44:27 AM
But it is far less than Maximum by Hodgdon's own web page.  "Load to bottom of bullet" is maximum, and reduce 30% and work up.  6 grains is about 30% less than a full case (minus bullet depth). I have fired a few with full case (Hodgdon's maximum).  They were stout, but still no signs of pressure and cases fell out of the chambers.  Published trail boss loads are "gamer loads" in my opinion (giving about 650 to 700 fps with a 200 grain bullet).  My bottom end, by the manual, Unique loads are stiffer than the 5.0 grains in a Schofield case (about 60% of volume less bullet depth).  Hodgdon even says it is impossible to overload a Trail Boss load...  Lawyers have other ideas, maybe.

I have been reloading for over 40 years, and shooting and reloading for SASS for 23 years.  I have watched the conventional wisdom go from good, solid loads in SASS, to load as low as you can go.  Suddenly if you choose to load full loads it is considered aberrant behavior....  I take Hodgdon at their word.  Our firearms are all SSAAMI spec.

You march to your drummer, I'll march to mine....


I know this is an old post but I wanted to add my test results. I used the Pressuretrace II strain gauge system.

Using Buffalo Bore's "Heavy" 44-40, said to be withen SAAMI MAP 11,000psi, I set this load at 11,300psi...SAAMI MAP is 11,000psi

Buffalo Bore's 44-40 Heavy is certainly more powerful than any other factory loaded 44-40 ammunition...thus the "control" and gives me 1,350fps.

6.4gr of Trailboss under a popular manufactured 200gr Magma hard cast bullet (the same style as BB uses) produced 7,224psi
9.3gr, a case capacity load where the bullet sits firmly on top of the powder, gave me 1,250fps from my 20" testing barrel @ 15,182psi. That would be close to 18,000cup with a SAAMI MAP of 13,000cup. The is no magic formula to convert psi/cup BUT factory High Velocty loads produced 22,000cup which would be in the ball park of 19,000psi

Trailboss also says that if a load is not supplied for a cartridge, the caseload formula will work. Well, there is a max load data supplied and it is 6.4gr...about a 30% reduction from max psi of 11,000.

I also tested 40gr/w og Swiss FFG with a .19-.21 compression in original semi-balloonhead cases which resulted in 14,284psi with handcast Lyman 427098 soft lead bullets @ 1,373fps. Same loads with Goex FFG resulted in consistent 12,650psi @ 1,300fps and in modern Starlin brass.....10,000psi-11,000psi @ 1,250fps. Swiss FFG in modern brass required more compression and pressures dropped to 8,8000psi @1,230fps

For what it's worth
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Professor Marvel on March 08, 2019, 06:22:01 PM

I know this is an old post but I wanted to add my test results. I used the Pressuretrace II strain gauge system.


Thanks Bryan for the pressuretrace data! Such contributions are extremely valuable.

yhs
prof marvel
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bryan Austin on March 08, 2019, 09:22:29 PM
Thanks!!!

Early Smokeless Powders for the 44-40: https://curtisshawk21.wixsite.com/44centerfire/early-smokeless-powders
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Rube Burrows on April 06, 2019, 06:28:28 PM
I use Trail Boss for my .45 Colt and .38spl along with some 38-55 loads. I use a RCBS Uniflow powder measure and have never really had a problem with it throwing wrong loads. I have a ChargeMaster also but hardly ever use it because the Uniflow is just so much more convenient. I will double check loads periodically on a digi scale but have never had any problems.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bryan Austin on April 06, 2019, 06:41:43 PM
Updated the web site with the following...Trail Boss included

https://curtisshawk21.wixsite.com/44centerfire/modern-smokeless-powders (https://curtisshawk21.wixsite.com/44centerfire/modern-smokeless-powders)
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Cliff Fendley on April 22, 2019, 10:59:56 PM
Trail Boss has the advantage of being impossible to double charge since it is such a bulky powder. It has the disadvantage of being very fluffy and slow to drop in a progressive loader in my experience YMMV. My Dillon 550B takes about about a "one Mississippi. two Mississippi" to drop the charge in a .45 CAS case. Until I figured that out I has some pretty feeble sounding shots. Finally I stopped fighting it and went to FFFg which fills the case, makes a bg bang, and solved the squib nonsense.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk

Since this thread has been revived I noticed Bunk might have missed my earlier post I did on page 1.

If you have trouble with trail boss not dropping correctly on a Dillon the trick is to use the large powder bar. Even though only dropping 5.5 grains or so of trail boss the large powder bar works and leaves a much smaller straight column for the powder to drop.

The small powder bar that normally goes up to 20 grains has to be almost all the way open for 5.5-6 grains of trail boss and the light donut shaped granules just bridge and hang up and go everywhere.

I about gave up on it years ago and after thinking about what was happening switched to the large powder bar and never looked back, never even spill one flake now been using that setup for years.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Rube Burrows on April 07, 2020, 09:42:31 AM
I've loaded thousands upon thousands of TB in 38-40, 45 Cowboy Special, 45LC and 38SPL......Never had a squib. Never any issues what so ever. Amazingly clean powder in these cases.

I'm using Lee 1000 progressive loaders for all four cartridges.


I am in this same camp. I have primarily use Trail Boss in all my cowboy loads for years and have never had the slightest of problem.

When on my Dillon 650 in .45 Colt the powder throw would always throw an accurate load.

Now I load on a Redding T-7 and use a RCBS powder throw. I have one set up for .38 and one set up for .45 and they both throw accurate loads. I periodically check the loads and they all measure very accurately to what they were set for. Plus with the Trail boss I can look down as I'm loading and see that the powder threw properly. 
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Coffinmaker on April 07, 2020, 10:25:16 AM

Necromancers REJOICE!!  I personally don't like Trail Boss.  Never did like Trail Boss.  Don't have any Tips for using Trail Boss other than as a fertilizer.  So my entry is of absolutely no use to anyone least of all the OP.  Please feel free to ignore these comments as superfluous drivel of no material value and I will take to offense.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Dirty Dick on April 07, 2020, 02:14:00 PM
My experience with Trail Boss has been entirely positive even though I load on a dreaded Dillon RL1050 with Dillon measure AND small charge bar. My thoughts on the small charge bar are that the powder cavity in the charge bar is linear as compared to the large charge bar where the cavity is more nearly vertical. The large charge bar with the vertical cavity tends to dump the powder in one large mass into the powder funnel, whereas the small charge bar with the linear cavity dumps the same charge of powder in progression as the bar moves over the funnel, much less chance of bridging IMHO. I use a Dillon powder checker at the station before bullet seating and the charge is always right on the money. I don't load fast, I use the RL1050 for precision and the extra die station allows the use of the powder check die, not for speed. I'm retired and have all the time in the world.

my $.02

Dirty Dick
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Abilene on April 07, 2020, 02:40:13 PM
I am currently loading 3 calibers with TB, but all with dippers.  44 Spcl pistol, 44-40, and 32-20.  Lee dippers except for the .32 which is home-made.  Not sure I'd want to try 2.7 grains of Trailboss through an automatic powder measure.  :)
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Roscoe on April 12, 2020, 03:17:32 PM
I picked up a 5 pound jug of Trail Boss for reloading my .45 Schofield.  I plan on loading 5.0 grains with a 200 grain bullet. Should be about 1.1 CC.   I am using a Lee four position turret press with auto index, and a a LEE Pro auto disk powder measure through a LEE charging die.  I have read that the airy little grey doughnuts don't measure well.  Besides giving the measure a slight tap between loading, any other tips?
I do well with exactly that equipment by removing the baffle from the hopper. Apparently TB is coarse enough to bridge around the baffle openings. Other than that I try to keep the hopper about half full.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bryan Austin on April 12, 2020, 03:37:43 PM
I have never yet had a problem with the Lee hoppers and Trail Boss


(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KaSSOEjVUrfXsdxwjpFBmf2G5E5t6VyeSUxxPLBB1iXd1ezXI0ORgBn_bnkDZcnzzrsI4MMNNpgZQK_4f8ZkHTaJjtQSA0zPIyHbMANnWkn5gZ7zSg=w1280)
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: DeaconKC on July 29, 2020, 08:03:29 PM
Okay guys, I have used Acc#5, Unique, 231, Blue Dot and 4227 for years. I have picked up some TB to try. I load .45ACP, AutoRim, .44 Special, .45 Colt and .38-40. I also use Lee Powder dispensers on my Dillon 550. What does the collective suggest I try first and which rounds? Thanks to y'all.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: pony express on July 29, 2020, 09:38:10 PM
I can't be any more helpful than Coffinmaker usually is on this one. I only use it for cast loads in bottleneck rifle cartridges. For rounds like what you mentioned, I use Titegroup, Bullseye or Unique.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Abilene on July 29, 2020, 10:34:21 PM
Howdy Deacon.  My 44 Spcl pistol load for CAS is 1cc (4.5gr) TB with a 180 RNFP.  I used the same 1cc of TB in a 45 Colt with 250 gr RNFP for a CAS rifle load, before switching to Schofields in the rifle.  These are at the low end of Hodgdon data but are very consistent.
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Major 2 on July 30, 2020, 06:06:15 AM
Like PE..." I only use it for cast loads in bottleneck rifle cartridges. "

Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Drydock on July 30, 2020, 08:39:46 AM
That's all I ever used it for, until I ran out, could not find any, and tried some classic loads with Unique, and the holes in the paper got closer together.  And it's cheaper!
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Major 2 on July 30, 2020, 09:14:57 AM
Probably that's what I'll do too... I got a 2.5 lb. can last fall after it became available again.
I have not looked but suspect its out of stock again... but when its near gone , if it not available I'll try Unique in the old Battle rifles.

Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Coffinmaker on July 30, 2020, 09:32:37 AM

 :)  PLUS ONE too Coffinmaker above  ;)

Oh ... Wate ... thats ME!!  Plus wonning to myself??

Hide and Watch
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: Bryan Austin on July 30, 2020, 09:49:20 AM
Hard to beat Unique or Bullseye, been around since 1900
Title: Re: Trail Boss tips, anyone?
Post by: DeaconKC on July 30, 2020, 08:10:36 PM
Thanks to you all!