The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 4064 vs 4895 in 30-06 pro's cons

alan · September 24, 1999, 05:28 PM

Paul and others:

D0 NOT USE 4350 IN A GARAND. Medium burning rate propellants (3031, 4895, 4064 and maybe 4320) are suitable. Slower burning rate powders tend to be hard on the operating rod, chamber pressures are lower, but gas port pressure is to high for the rod. One can use virtually anything reasonable in a bolt gun, however gas guns tend to be somewhat sensitive. Best stick to propellants that are similar to what the military used, for the 30-06 Garand, 7.62 NATO Garands also, that was 4895, from the arsenals. If memory serves, the 1966 or 67 Match(last year it was loaded) load from Lake City used 47.5 grains of 4895 in 30-06, under the 173 grain FA Match bullet, which shot quite well in some rifles, and not so hot in others, depending on the lot also.

As for 3031, I had a Remington 40X Rangemaster, that came with a factory target. 15 shots at 100 yards indoors averaged 0.43". The load they used was 37 grains of 3031, in .308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO). Out of curiousity, I tried, in the same rifle, the same loads, at least powder charge, and was amazed at grouping at 600 yeards, the load held mostly inside 10 ring elevation, as I recall, and it seemed a mild load too.

September 24, 1999, 05:28 PM	#9
alan Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 1999 Posts: 3,847	Paul and others: D0 NOT USE 4350 IN A GARAND. Medium burning rate propellants (3031, 4895, 4064 and maybe 4320) are suitable. Slower burning rate powders tend to be hard on the operating rod, chamber pressures are lower, but gas port pressure is to high for the rod. One can use virtually anything reasonable in a bolt gun, however gas guns tend to be somewhat sensitive. Best stick to propellants that are similar to what the military used, for the 30-06 Garand, 7.62 NATO Garands also, that was 4895, from the arsenals. If memory serves, the 1966 or 67 Match(last year it was loaded) load from Lake City used 47.5 grains of 4895 in 30-06, under the 173 grain FA Match bullet, which shot quite well in some rifles, and not so hot in others, depending on the lot also. As for 3031, I had a Remington 40X Rangemaster, that came with a factory target. 15 shots at 100 yards indoors averaged 0.43". The load they used was 37 grains of 3031, in .308 Winchester (7.62mm NATO). Out of curiousity, I tried, in the same rifle, the same loads, at least powder charge, and was amazed at grouping at 600 yeards, the load held mostly inside 10 ring elevation, as I recall, and it seemed a mild load too.