Granular vs Coated Carriers for Can Shells

[Mumbles]

I've switched back and forth over the years between granular BP and coated carriers for bursting canister shells. I had to use a slightly larger cannula for the coated carriers, but I often got what I thought was a rounder burst. I've switched for the final time (hopefully) to granular BP dusted with flash.

 

I was wondering what you guys use? I am talking about a standard color break. Large burst volume shells like farfalle and comets I still use coated rice hulls or rice puffs for economical sake, and are a completely different thing.

 

I switched back to granular BP after I started building bigger shells. The coated rice hulls were actually more convenient. I switched because I felt like it harmed the integrity of the shells. They would always be a bit squishy, and I was worried about a soft spot in the bottom of a shell on lift. Then again, there are always bottom shots to secure the bottom of the shell.

[dagabu]

For single break shells I like coated media, for multi break I use 2FA with hot flash for the same reasons, the contents shift and crush with coated media.

 

D

[50AE]

I use 2 or 3FA rough powder, because the contents are more tight and the burst strength is greater.

[Cookieman]

For cannister shells I always use Pulverone 12-16 Mesh with some slow flash and works fine for me. I use BP Meal on hulls for anything larger than 4"inches.

[AdmiralDonSnider]

I never used anything else than 2FA so far (which is corned gunpowder with a known density by the way, not hand-granulated). Have you ever tried packing the coated hulls down really well in order to lock the components in place? Using a combination of solid grain and hulls may also work, give improved solidness and the best of both worlds, don´t know.

 

In the crossette shell video I have the guy uses meal coated hulls coated with whistle mix for a 5" shell - but this is not the kind of shells your question was aiming at.

[dagabu]

I completely screwed up on a 4" canister and had to take it apart and rebuild it. I found that even with moderate compaction the coated media comes apart. I like the fire tunnels in 2FA and when I dust it with fast flash, it breaks really nice.

 

Now, I use rough powder or pulverone for filler, I do not use coated medial for filler on larger shells.

 

D