Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Norma Powder?

ClarkEMyers

I am appreciating the input from all you guys. Do you have access to the above statistics? I am interested in the Norma 205 for 257 Robt AI info in particular.

With full realization that some of reloading is science and some is art I'm fully convinced that one does not abandon the statistics in our manuals or other carefully developed loads by reliable shooters.

Thanks

Jim

Clark H205 was another double based,dense powder and it, too had issues with lot to lot variations...or at least that was the rumor mill

It was more on the burning rate of the 4350's;quicker than Norma 205. We used it in the 30/06,338 Win Mag, and 375H&H. It went the way of the DoDo Bird, too.

In Waters "Pet Loads", he mentions N-204 and N-205. In many cases, these powders are the best ones for most accurate loads.

DF

Lot to lot variation was the common feature of the slow Norma powders back in the day. When I shifted to MRP I was fortunate to buy the stock of a gunshop going out of business, and I am still shooting that lot of powder.

I also heard from a Swedish source that RL22 is MRP that doesn't make all the requirements, and it is more variable than MRP. I can't confirm this statement, but I develop fewer loads now a days. I am looking forward to the .26 Nosler when it becomes available.

jim

I heard that too, about RL-22 being MRP without the stringent standards Norma places on their branded products.

If that's true or just urban legend, I have no clue.

DF

Clark

Thanks for the PM. You gave me exactly what I need.

Thanks

Jim

If I'm not mistaken Mule Deer had an article in Hand loader or Rifle magazine dealing with wonder powders where he talked about Norma 205.

In the 60's I used 205 in my 6/284 and 25//284. With good results I would add. Powder just disappeared from being imported. Hasbeen

grumpy7904
Thanks for jumping in on the conversation

Sure would like to read MD's comments. Do you know how I could access his article? I would like to know what I can about N205 and any experiences with it.

Thanks

Jim

MRP works great in a 270 winchester with 150gr Partitions,
try 58gr It gives almost 3000fps in my Vanguard. Also works
well in my 7mm mag with 160gr Accubonds.

From speer #9

257 "Improved


6.5x55

That's just plain wrong, posting data from an outdated manual. The powder, bullet, data police are going to ream you for this. I was told to forget my old books as they offer nothing. But I see you are from the west, and probably in their circle so you can do what others cannot without getting an azz chomping .

Right J.B ?

By the way, I just ordered Norma's new manual to go along with my old data.
Fire standard applies, Kiss, find pressure, rock on!!! Even if it's 1 or 2 grains over max!!!

I keep waiting for a hen with teeth, riding on a unicorn, to come by with Norma Powder for sale.

rosco1

You and others continue to find and share info that I have not been able to uncover and that is greatly appreciated.

The gift of powder to me was an honor to receive especially considering from whom it came. I'm also privileged to have those who have no connection with me except for 24hourcampfire research and respond to my inquiry.

Any information about Norma 205, statistical or experiential, will be gladly received.

Thanks

Jim

Sorry to hi jack your thread.
Honest answer is that Norma 205 was discontinued in the late 70's. Norma MRP showed up on the scene just about the time 205 disappeared.
The Speer #9 was put out in 73.
Burn rate of 205- MRP, 4831, RL22 are very close.
The data Roscoe put up will be about the last book it was in, so will also be your best bet.
If not, then would start on the low side of MRP data and work up.

Swifty52

Thanks for joining in. I agree with you. Seeing the Speer #9 rather anchored things for me. You appear to be confirming the observations and memories of others here and there is value in confirmation.

It appears that N205 was a great powder so I am wondering just why Norma discontinued it. It will probably be weeks before I get to shoot any. When I started this thread I had no idea what I had except it is a discontinued powder and a gift from an old friend. Now I am quite confident that I know where to begin to work up a load. The first rifle and probably the only one that I will test it in is the 257 Rbts IMP.

Thanks for the input.

Jim

I am looking at Rifle Issue 30, November-December 1973. There’s an article on the 375 Improved (improved 375 H&H), written by John Williamson. Since I have a rifle so chambered, I was quite interested in this article.
His loads only included IMR4350, N204 & N205. The IMR4350 did OK with 270 grain bullets, N204 and N205 groups and velocities were very good. (He mentioned that some of the loads were absolute maximum.)
I don’t have any MRP on hand and frankly I have not seen much for sale. He was getting up to 2,900 FPS with 300 grain Nosler (partitions, I’m sure) and a little over 3,000 FPS with 270 grain Noslers -using N205 and getting 100 yard groups as good as 5/8” with 270 grain and 1” with 300 grain Noslers.
My question:
What powders will come close to N204 & N205 that are not temperature sensitive? (Since the Norma powders have long been discontinued - right?)

https://www.norma-ammunition.com/en-us/products/dedicated-components/gunpowder

N550, Re 17, 19, Hybrid 100 are close. Norma is still making powder.

Here's their dealer locator, but they probably don't have a lot in stock. https://www.norma-ammunition.com/en-us/faq/dealer-locator

Thanks. I have some RE17 which states it’s an extreme powder and some RE19.
One of those dealers is only 50 mikes away. I’ll check with them next time I’m in town. Do you know how temperature sensitive the Norma powders are?