Quick Answer
Fowlers' Grains are generally not recommended for steel shot loads as they can be too small and inconsistent, potentially resulting in incomplete or uneven burning of the powder.
Grain Size Considerations
When it comes to steel shot loads, grain size plays a critical role in ensuring consistent and reliable performance. Fowlers’ Grains, with their relatively small size (typically 1/8 inch or 3.175 mm in diameter), may not be ideal for steel shot loads. In contrast, larger grains such as 12 or 15 (3.81 mm or 4.76 mm in diameter) are more commonly used in steel shot loads.
Powder Burn Time
A key factor in determining the suitability of grains for steel shot loads is the burn time of the powder. Fowlers’ Grains have a relatively fast burn time, which may not be sufficient to properly ignite and burn the steel shot. In contrast, larger grains tend to have a slower burn time, allowing for a more complete and reliable ignition of the steel shot.
Practical Implications
In practice, using Fowlers’ Grains in steel shot loads can result in inconsistent and potentially unreliable performance. This may manifest as a failure to ignite the steel shot, leading to incomplete combustion and reduced range. To achieve optimal performance, it is recommended to use larger grains specifically designed for steel shot loads.
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