I have worked up very accurate loads using Titegroup in my .357 and .44 (5 grains and 5.4 grains respectively). I love how it shoots in my revovlers but am experiencing quite a bit of smoke and powder residue on the outside of the cylinders and frames. Is this typical with Titegroup and if so any reccomendations for a powder with similar performance but less smoke?

Thanks

I aven't used Titegroup, but if you're using lead bullets, the bullet lube is the cause of most of the smoke and grime. Some lubes are worse than others. If you're using commercial bullets you may have to switch brands. If you're casting your own try Lyman Orange Magic. IMR 700-X isn't too smoky, and is good for light loads.

Bye
Jack

I have been using LaserCast and a local variety. Thanks for the info

I have worked up very accurate loads using Titegroup in my .357 and .44 (5 grains and 5.4 grains respectively). I love how it shoots in my revovlers but am experiencing quite a bit of smoke and powder residue on the outside of the cylinders and frames. Is this typical with Titegroup and if so any reccomendations for a powder with similar performance but less smoke?

Thanks

I have used and still use Titegroup in every handgun cartridge I reload for and have never experienced the problem you describe. In fact, I consider Titegroup to be the cleanest buring powder that I use. I have used it in everything from 9mm to 454 Casull and love it. You get many more loadings from a pound of powder. Having said that, I load almost exclusively copper jacketed bullets. I do load lead in my Casull, but use Ranier bullets for most of my other handgun loading for plinking. I use other brands for hunting rounds, but for plinking I go as cheap as I can. I agree with the other poster in that it may be more a factor of the lube on lead bullets that is causing the smoke and unburned powder.

It's the lube. I've used it with cast bullets and it doesn't smoke any more than anything else (and quite a bit less than some powders).