Powder compression

[Klaus]

Hi Kurt,

thx for this topic and the efford you have done to show what happen with different compression levels.
Nice and exporatory Pics also.

i`ve not a experienced shooter like you and the other fellows due to the lack of long range and the opportunity of Matches,Shilhouttes or any others here in Germany.
So i read a lot of Books and in serval Forums to acquire experience in Black Powder Loading and Shooting for me and my short ranges.
The question of Compression seem to be a neverending story and i feel that the thruth will never found.
If i remember that Paul A. Matthews often wrote in his Books that less compression with attention of no damaging the Powder Kernels are necessary to get a good and clean burn but he also told that the old US Goverment Loads are filled with a full compressed Mass of Powder.
in a old Sharps Catalog i read ... loading your Match Cartr. with Powder, set a Cardwad and gently press it down on the Top of the Powder mainly take care that you don`t crush the Powder. Finally set the Bullet with your fingers....

For me i have not found any difference in claen burning on different levels of compession but however on different kinds of Powder Brands.

will keep your further results carefully

thx and regards
Klaus