Accurate Arms 2015 propellant:"The
New Best Thing?"
Many of the most experienced
Savage 10ML-II shooters in the country currently shoot 44-45 grains of Accurate
Arms 5744. It is a fabulous field powder; and "forgiving" in all the
right ways. It scoop loads beautifully with Lee 3.4cc dippers, and due to its
double-base composition gives consistent performance through all ambient conditions.
Whether a 200 gr. class sabot, or a 300 grain sabot-ignition is initiated instantly,
and sustained beautifully. It is a tailor-made propellant for the 10ML-II, and
is likely to be the number one choice for 250 - 300 grain projectiles for decades
to come.
However, Accurate Arms 2015 has its place, and it offers a broader area of performance than one might think at first blush. A single based powder; it is a slower powder as well. It starts to come alive with 300 grain sabots, and for those using heavier bullets (350 grain class) it offers clear advantages over 5744.
According to Accurate Arms data, assuming identical projectile and velocity, you can look for somewhere between a 5% to 7% pressure decrease. This, of course, inflicts less punishment on today's polyethylene sabots. Viewed a bit differently, and assuming a 350 grain projectile, you can achieve a 200 fps muzzle velocity increase at roughly the same pressure. Again, potential accuracy-robbing damage to the sabot is avoided, while gaining a velocity and generally a ballistic coefficient advantage. Combined, that offers what many of us seek in trajectory improvement: a decrease in time of flight.
An additional benefit of AA2015 is the muted pressure curve. Rather than a jolt, it offers a softer push-- assuming same muzzle velocities, it translates into less felt recoil. Now, let's take a look at the "vague specifics," if there is such a thing:
72 grains of AA2015 pushing a 300 gr. Hornady XTP generates a muzzle velocity in the 2250 fps area. As an aside, this can be enhanced a tad by use of Federal 209A primers, and Savage aficionados will understand that a vent liner of .033" or so is ideal for this powder as well. Until further ballistics lab measurements present themselves, I personally look at this as a "MAX CHARGE." 70 grains of AA 2015 pushing the same 300 gr. bullet generates muzzle velocities in the area of 2200 fps. Seldom (if ever) in muzzleloading has such a lethal projectile been pushed along with such a comfortable level of felt recoil.
NOT YET a recommended propellant by Savage Arms, you are "on your own" with its use-- but the fundamental appropriateness of this load is clear to me. If the task at hand calls for a 375 grain Buffalo SSB or perhaps a 350 gr. Barnes bullet-a realistic approach is to start at 65 grains and work up to suit your needs.
Accurate Arms 2015 has been largely overlooked as a 10ML-II propellant, but I have a feeling that is about to change.
© 2004 by Randy Wakeman
