Maxam PSB+2 & 44 Mag

[Triffid]

Has anyone got any experience of using Maxam PSB+2 as a Unique replacement?

Their loading data indicates 10.4 - 11.5gr under a 240gr boolit for 1,100 to 1,200 fps. If anything, I'd like to go lower for a 25m CAS load.

http://www.maxamcomponents.com/media/De ... %20RES.pdf

Thanks
Triffid

[bradaz11]

can't speak for maxam, but I'm using Vectan A1, very consistent. uses around 5gr under a 200gr boolit

[dromia]

For lighter loads I would go for a slightly faster powder, my powders of choice for light 25 yrd loads is N310/320 so something in that burning rate would fit the bill.

Better to go for a faster powder than reduce a slower burning powder as all powders have the best performance criteria, the slower the powder then the more crucial good case fill becomes to ensure efficient combustion.

At the end of the day however there is the theory and the practice, you can try reducing the loads and see how it performs and keep us posted on your results.

[Triffid]

Thanks,
I'm interested in Maxam as it's about half the price of Unique. The PSB+2 was the only one in stock at the supplier which had published loads available for .44 Mag. . . I hear what you say, but I'm cautious about straying too far off-piste. PSB+2 is listed as being around the burning speed of N340, somewhere between Unique & Herco.
Triffid

[bewildered]

Some of the lads where I shoot are using Maxam CSB5 in 44 mag and it shoots extremely well at 25 yds.
I have used the same in 357 again at 25 yards where 3.5 grains does the job behind a 158 grain bullet.

[dromia]

Burning rate seems 'tween N310 and N320, excellent choice and should shoot well at those ranges.

[Mike95]

This powder shoots very well in most reduced mv loads...11gns with .308 will give me 1" groups at 100yds...similar results with 30-30. 8gns in .222 equally good....about same burn rate as Unique but the flakes are chunkier and not as powdery or dirty as Unique. At £45 a kilo.....no contest. Just copy the Unique published load in whatever calibre.
CSB5 about the same as Red Dot....half the price...
I have been using Maxam powders now for about 18 months in most calibres.

Mike95

[andrew375]

Where are you obtaining these powders?

[Alpha1]

I predict now that people have discovered these powders work well and are cheap the price will go up.
We have been using these powders in underlevers in our Club for a while but kept it quiet we bought a bulk order. I have used G.M.3 with a 158 grain bullet in my .38. CSB5 is also another popular powder.
There is a Clay shooting ground in Newcastle that stocks Maxam powders. The name of it escapes me at the moment.

[bradaz11]

problem with GM3 is because it is very irregular and dusty, I wasn't getting consistent FPS out of it. the Vectan A1 is brilliant for my needs

might have to see what maxam powders are similar, what is the maxam powders? granular, flake, extruded?