M856 Tracer Powder Question

[Squaregrouper]

I read from many sources that H335 is the go-to powder for getting them to light reliably. I have on hand a good supply of Shooter's World Tactical Rifle (SWTR), which is considered to be the H335 burn rate equivalent. That being said, H335 is a flake powder and SWTR is a fine ball powder.
My question is whether the burn rate or powder type is the bigger determining factor in getting tracers to light.
Normally I would simply try a few out with the SWTR, but I am very limited on where I can fire tracer rounds.

 

[outrider58]

I read from many sources that H335 is the go-to powder for getting them to light reliably. I have on hand a good supply of Shooter's World Tactical Rifle (SWTR), which is considered to be the H335 burn rate equivalent. That being said, H335 is a flake powder and SWTR is a fine ball powder.
My question is whether the burn rate or powder type is the bigger determining factor in getting tracers to light.
Normally I would simply try a few out with the SWTR, but I am very limited on where I can fire tracer rounds.

If you can't get a definitive answer, I would recommend a hotter primer for the spherical, which is often recommended.

ETA: I just checked; my H335 is spherical.

 

[Squaregrouper]

If you can't get a definitive answer, I would recommend a hotter primer for the spherical, which is often recommended.

ETA: I just checked; my H335 is spherical.

The SWTR is very fine, not unlike H110/W296. I thought H335 was small flakes.
I have a decent stash of SRMP I use in my Grendel.

 

[outrider58]

The SWTR is very fine, not unlike H110/W296. I thought H335 was small flakes.
I have a decent stash of SRMP I use in my Grendel.

It appears to be a blend of ball(90%) and disc(10%). I'd load it as ball(spherical).

 

[mtlcafan79]

H335 has no flash suppressant in it. I would assume that's why it's recommend to get tracers to light. SWTR is flash suppressed so it might not work as well. One way to find out!

 

[Squaregrouper]

H335 has no flash suppressant in it. I would assume that's why it's recommend to get tracers to light. SWTR is flash suppressed so it might not work as well. One way to find out!

Good to know.

 

[Uncle Duke]

H335 is ball (spherical) powder.

"Ball" is a trademark name for Olin Corporation. Hodgdon typically uses the term "spherical". Nothing like keeping things clear as mud, right?

I have never loaded a round of tracer in my life. So sorry SG, no help with that.

To Outrider's mention though, some load data (most notably SPEER) will generally recommend a magnum primer with (typically considered harder to ignite) ball powders generally. Other industry recognized data sources do not, and will specify standard primers.

Now I wouldn't swap primers indiscriminately or interchangeably. But if you DO find that you have a problem with tracer ignition, next step may well be load redevelopment (this time working up and using a magnum primer). May prove to be worthwhile.

 

[Rockzilla]

H335, H322 would give you the best results, tried it and they lite. Now on the other hand
WC-844 works great, and WC-844T (for tracers). Still have quite a bit WC-844. But did do
some testing years ago 335 / 322 worked, using them as an alternative to the 844.

WC-846 / 846T work good for 7.62 tracers

-Rock