Load Testing: Nobel Sport Vectan Ba10 powder

[Wobbly]

I got busy and had some fun this afternoon with my Dan Wesson Model 15 and some 38 Spcl loads. Ever since testing Ba9 in 38 Spcl and 9mm, I've wanted to try the faster Ba10 in 38 Spcl. Although I received the powder several months ago, I've just found time in my life to start the testing.



Testing didn't top out the load, so I got to do some more firing tomorrow. I'll have a full report then.




* No chopsticks were hurt during the making of this test. 

[Wobbly]

Equipment List
Caliber:   38 Spcl
Bullets:    Berry 148gr DEWC  (Plated)
Brass:      Mixed
Powder:   Vectan Ba10 (single-base)
Max Velocity:  ~740fps
Primer:     Federal Small Pistol
OAL:         Seated flush with the case mouth
Pistol:       Dan Wesson Model 15
Qty:         10 rounds each, slow fired
Weather:  50F and clear, day two 60F and clear
Chrono:    ProChrono DLX

Load      Avg Vel           SD
2.0gr          554              54
2.1             617              25
2.2             647              18
2.3             659              41
2.4             712              26
2.5             727              29
2.6             727              18
2.7             759              16  Max Load
2.8             775              18  Above Max Load
2.9             778              31  Above Max Load
3.0             805              23  Above Max Load

NOTES
> Maybe it was the mixed brass, but my failure to achieve lower SD numbers was a surprise
> There was no evidence of sticking cases at any load (an indicator of over pressure)
> There was also no evidence of great accuracy at any load, which could be the plated bullets
> The sweet spot seemed to be around 2.7gr
> The powder shot very cleanly, as expected
> Shooting was split between 2 days, but they were as much alike as could possibly be expected
> As much as I love a deal, this powder doesn't have anything to brag about. Even with conservative loads and being sold in 1.1lb cans, buying it really can't be justified. I just don't think the Vectan Ba series is a match for common US powders, and certainly not the equal of the better single-base powders, like VhitaVuouri. There are probably better products from Nobel Sport, but the Ba Series really doesn't offer the American shooter any advantages.

[nicky]

Looking forward for your report.

Haven't see much testing lately.

[Wobbly]

More photos....

[painter]

I really like the Vectan powders for shotshell reloading. Too bad it's looking like Graf's won't be importing it any longer.

If you like it buy it now.