Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Clean Burning Powders

Due to a cracked stock in my O/U, I have been using my SX 3 for skeet this summer. After a few rounds of skeet the action is really dirty & needs to be cleaned.

I am using Green Dot under 1 oz of shot in Blue Duster wads.

I sure would like some input on cleaner burning powders.

I dont have any crud issues with the Promo loads in my SX-1, one ounce and a CB 6100-12 wad in a cheepy Fed hull(wallyworld ammo ),load them once and when the Super X spits em out they stay on the ground. I use the Promo because it costs less and I utilize it for metallic calibers too.

The CB6100 works great in straight wall cases. I broke 23 yesterday with 1oz of reclaimed in the 24" cyl bore SX-1, not a hiccup all day.

I'm thinking the Green Dot may be a little slow powder for a good clean burn with a relatively light 1oz load. I've had good results with Clays powder in such applications and think it may be cleaner for you. I've even used Clays with 7/8ths ounce in a 12ga and had no issues with the loads being dirty. My theory is that you have to build enough pressure for a good clean burn.

Ditto. Clays is my powder of choice for all target loads of 7/8 and one ounce.

Another vote for the Clays family.

I use Clays, Int'l Clays, and Universal clays, for my 12, 20, and 28 ga loads, including light 7/8 oz loads in the 12 ga.

I've always been happy with them. Happy enough that there is always at least one 8 lb jug of each under the bench at any given time.

Clays and Solo 1000 are my go to 12 ga powders.

My 1st reply seems to have gotten stuck in cyberspace. If it ever posts this may seem redundant.

I switched from Clays to Alliant Clay Dot after reading many good opinions. My current favorite load is 17.5 grains of Clay Dot, WAA12SL (or clone) wad, Win209 primer, 1 ounce of #8 shot in a Rem or Win AA hull. Chronos about 1225 fps and the data lists it around 8000psi. Burns clean in my autos and crushes clay targets. Also costs around $20 less than Clays for 8 pounds and is American made.

BTW the Blue Duster is more suited for 1 1/8 oz loads. Not sure if this would cause lower pressure and/or more "crud" but you might try a WAA12SL, Green Duster, CB 1100-12, DRXL-1. If nothing else you might be more pleased with the fit.

I sure like E3 for reduced 12 gauge loads.

I picked up a pound of Clays last week & reloaded a 100 rounds of 1 oz loads.

Much better!!

I will also try e3 & if Clay Dot ever comes in 1 lb containers I will also give that a try.

Thanks everyone.

And I use E3 for both 7/8 oz and 1 oz 12 gauge loads, Claybuster wads, STS hulls.

I just tried E3 for the first time last week. That is the cleanest I have used. Great powder IMO

E3 is cheaper too, not by the pound but because I use less of it per round. Win all around.

I have used Clays for years. Sporting clays and skeet. Burns clean.

I my first adventure into shotshell reloading I have been using Alliant E3 and just finished off my first keg. I have another keg ready to go and I have been happy with the E3 in my 7/8 oz loads. I have a keg of Green Dot to use with heavier loads. We are about to submit a new order at the club so I am getting ready to restock. Some of the guys are using Alliant Extra-Lite and really like it. I know there are some very light powder recipes for the Extra-Lite.

Have any of you guys had any experience with Extra-Lite?