IMR handgun powders

Brutus · May 4, 2014, 09:58 AM

Never used IMR powders in handguns before but do to the powder shortage I'm willing to use anything I can get my hands on.
What IMR powders are good for handgun loads and can you compare them to other powders as far as burn rate an application?

Urban_Redneck · May 4, 2014, 10:08 AM

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545968

Edit: The above is a link to a thread on the use of PB in the .40 S&W.

caffeinebuzz · May 4, 2014, 11:16 AM

I've used 800X in 40S&W 180 JHP loads and really like it. Tried published loads for 9mm, but proved too lite to cycle action on Nano. Reloading hotter for 9mm soon. I also have 700X and PB, but have not loaded. Both should work well with 45ACP.

mnoirot64 · May 4, 2014, 01:32 PM

I have also used 800-X in several semi-auto handgun loads - 40 and 45 being the most common. IIRC, it also has published loads for 44 Magnum.

buck460XVR · May 4, 2014, 03:09 PM

IMR4227 is my "go to" powder for hunting type loads in .44mag and .460 mag. I also used in in .357 with good results.

BOOMST1CK · May 4, 2014, 08:34 PM

I use 800x in a lot of calibers, 357, 40s&w, 44 mag, 45auto, 10mm,
Imr-4227 is a great metering powder. Definitely my go to powder for my .357 & 44 mag. It does not burn completely if your running light loads.

boondocker385 · May 4, 2014, 09:03 PM

I use 700x for 38 and 45acp. Burns pretty clean when you get just below max...

Hammerhead · May 4, 2014, 09:32 PM

IMR SR 4756 is a nice powder for mid-range .357 loads. Similar uses to HS-6, but 4756 burns much cleaner.

My pet load is a 158 Rainier plated FP over 6.5 grains 4756 and a WSPM magnum primer. I can go many range trips before I need to clean with that load.

SR-7625 is great in 9mm, .40 and .38 Super. Similar to Unique or Universal, maybe a bit faster.

chiefr · May 4, 2014, 10:37 PM

IMR. The "R" stands for rifle.
I too have only used 4227 in magnum loads. Never gave good results as 2400 and the my best results were only with magnum primers. Std primers sometimes gave incomplete burns even with extra heavy crimp.

Hunter Customs · May 5, 2014, 08:09 AM

I've used IMR4227 in some hot load 38 specials with 158 gr bullets.

I'm using SR7625 in 45 Colt with 200 gr cast bullets. It soot's the cases a little bit but it's accurate.

SR7625 is on the expensive side but I have several cans on hand and right now I'm having trouble finding other powders.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

BigCheese · May 5, 2014, 08:44 AM

I have been using 700-X for lead cast bullets in .45 and .38 wadcutter loads for 30 years. It fills the cases more than Bullseye, and it appears somewhat cleaner. Others have had problems with uniformity of charge weight due to its larger flake size, but it works OK in my Dillon powder measures.

passtime · May 5, 2014, 10:37 PM

I have been loading .45 ACP LRN with SR4756 lately with good results. I recently started reloading again and SR4756 was all I could find at the time. I would have preferred some 231 or HP38 and wasn't very happy about having to purchase the SR4756. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it metered and the ammo I have made with it has functioned accurately and flawlessly. Sad thing is I can't even find SR4756 anywhere now.

Peter M. Eick · May 8, 2014, 04:28 PM

Sr4756 is being discontinued this year. It is in Handloader and documented online. Find what you can and save it. I know I bought up a lot of it for use in the future.

madmo44mag · May 8, 2014, 04:34 PM

IMR 4227 is my mag revolver powder and in 357 mag it is all I use.

Over the years I have used a lot of their powders and never been dissatisfied.
They meter well and shoot great.
I have nothing bad to say about them.

Brutus · May 11, 2014, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the feedback, now I now what powders to keep an eye out for.

SauerGrapes · May 11, 2014, 09:48 PM

+1 for the IMR SR 7625. I use it for .40 mostly, but has a wide range of uses. If you find some WST or WSF, they are good also.

flintlock62 · May 13, 2014, 08:20 AM

HS-6, SR-7625, SR-4756 are all great powders. I wish my LGS has SR-7625, and HS-6 in stock.

http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

The chart will give you an idea of relitive burn rates. I will still never use a powder simply because it's next to another similar burning powder. Call me old fashioned, but if I don't see published data from a reputable reload manual, I don't take the chance.

jimbob86 · May 13, 2014, 08:25 AM

I have used quite a bit of 700-x in .38 target loads ....

mnoirot64 · May 13, 2014, 09:06 AM

I have used SR-7625 quite a bit. It seems well suited for 9mm. I will eventually try it in 40. It was the slowest of the powders I've tried in 45 ACP: SR-7625, 800-X, Power Pistol, Unique, Competition, CFE Pistol and Longshot. However, with that being said, it would make a fine plinking powder.

flintlock62 · May 13, 2014, 09:23 AM

I have used SR-7625 quite a bit. It seems well suited for 9mm. I will eventually try it in 40. It was the slowest of the powders I've tried in 45 ACP: SR-7625, 800-X, Power Pistol, Unique, Competition, CFE Pistol and Longshot. However, with that being said, it would make a fine plinking powder.

I think it's more than just a plinking powder. It works very well in a 40 S&W, 165 gr.

mnoirot64 · May 13, 2014, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintlock62

I have used SR-7625 quite a bit. It seems well suited for 9mm. I will eventually try it in 40. It was the slowest of the powders I've tried in 45 ACP: SR-7625, 800-X, Power Pistol, Unique, Competition, CFE Pistol and Longshot. However, with that being said, it would make a fine plinking powder.

I think it's more than just a plinking powder. It works very well in a 40 S&W, 165 gr.

In all fairness, I did not load the 7625 very hot. It seemed stable, but it did not exhibit the same energetic qualities of Power Pistol, Longshot or Unique. I will inevitably work up some more loads in the future.

May 4, 2014, 09:58 AM	#1
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	IMR handgun powders Never used IMR powders in handguns before but do to the powder shortage I'm willing to use anything I can get my hands on. What IMR powders are good for handgun loads and can you compare them to other powders as far as burn rate an application? __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

May 4, 2014, 10:08 AM	#2
Urban_Redneck Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Posts: 73	http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545968 Edit: The above is a link to a thread on the use of PB in the .40 S&W. Last edited by Unclenick; May 13, 2014 at 09:33 AM. Reason: Drive by post. See board rules. All links require at least a one sentence introduction.

May 4, 2014, 09:03 PM	#7
boondocker385 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 640	I use 700x for 38 and 45acp. Burns pretty clean when you get just below max... __________________ No second place finishes in a gun fight.

May 8, 2014, 04:28 PM	#13
Peter M. Eick Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 1999 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,991	Sr4756 is being discontinued this year. It is in Handloader and documented online. Find what you can and save it. I know I bought up a lot of it for use in the future. __________________ 10mm and 357sig, the best things to come along since the 38 super!

May 8, 2014, 04:34 PM	#14
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	IMR 4227 is my mag revolver powder and in 357 mag it is all I use. Over the years I have used a lot of their powders and never been dissatisfied. They meter well and shoot great. I have nothing bad to say about them. __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

May 4, 2014, 11:16 AM	#3
caffeinebuzz Junior Member Join Date: January 24, 2014 Location: Texas Posts: 6	I've used 800X in 40S&W 180 JHP loads and really like it. Tried published loads for 9mm, but proved too lite to cycle action on Nano. Reloading hotter for 9mm soon. I also have 700X and PB, but have not loaded. Both should work well with 45ACP.

May 4, 2014, 01:32 PM	#4
mnoirot64 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2013 Location: Clarksville, Tennessee Posts: 365	I have also used 800-X in several semi-auto handgun loads - 40 and 45 being the most common. IIRC, it also has published loads for 44 Magnum.

May 4, 2014, 03:09 PM	#5
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	IMR4227 is my "go to" powder for hunting type loads in .44mag and .460 mag. I also used in in .357 with good results.

May 4, 2014, 08:34 PM	#6
BOOMST1CK Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2014 Posts: 117	I use 800x in a lot of calibers, 357, 40s&w, 44 mag, 45auto, 10mm, Imr-4227 is a great metering powder. Definitely my go to powder for my .357 & 44 mag. It does not burn completely if your running light loads.

May 4, 2014, 09:32 PM	#8
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	IMR SR 4756 is a nice powder for mid-range .357 loads. Similar uses to HS-6, but 4756 burns much cleaner. My pet load is a 158 Rainier plated FP over 6.5 grains 4756 and a WSPM magnum primer. I can go many range trips before I need to clean with that load. SR-7625 is great in 9mm, .40 and .38 Super. Similar to Unique or Universal, maybe a bit faster.

May 4, 2014, 10:37 PM	#9
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	IMR. The "R" stands for rifle. I too have only used 4227 in magnum loads. Never gave good results as 2400 and the my best results were only with magnum primers. Std primers sometimes gave incomplete burns even with extra heavy crimp.

May 5, 2014, 08:09 AM	#10
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I've used IMR4227 in some hot load 38 specials with 158 gr bullets. I'm using SR7625 in 45 Colt with 200 gr cast bullets. It soot's the cases a little bit but it's accurate. SR7625 is on the expensive side but I have several cans on hand and right now I'm having trouble finding other powders. Best Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com

May 5, 2014, 08:44 AM	#11
BigCheese Member Join Date: June 17, 2012 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 24	I have been using 700-X for lead cast bullets in .45 and .38 wadcutter loads for 30 years. It fills the cases more than Bullseye, and it appears somewhat cleaner. Others have had problems with uniformity of charge weight due to its larger flake size, but it works OK in my Dillon powder measures.

May 5, 2014, 10:37 PM	#12
passtime Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2013 Location: NC Posts: 237	I have been loading .45 ACP LRN with SR4756 lately with good results. I recently started reloading again and SR4756 was all I could find at the time. I would have preferred some 231 or HP38 and wasn't very happy about having to purchase the SR4756. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it metered and the ammo I have made with it has functioned accurately and flawlessly. Sad thing is I can't even find SR4756 anywhere now.

May 11, 2014, 02:37 PM	#15
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Thanks for the feedback, now I now what powders to keep an eye out for. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

May 11, 2014, 09:48 PM	#16
SauerGrapes Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: S.E.PA. Posts: 920	+1 for the IMR SR 7625. I use it for .40 mostly, but has a wide range of uses. If you find some WST or WSF, they are good also. __________________ NRA member, DCF&S member, PAFOA member, USPSA member, NSCA member R.I.P.____Murphy

May 13, 2014, 08:20 AM	#17
flintlock62 Member Join Date: May 11, 2014 Posts: 18	HS-6, SR-7625, SR-4756 are all great powders. I wish my LGS has SR-7625, and HS-6 in stock. http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html The chart will give you an idea of relitive burn rates. I will still never use a powder simply because it's next to another similar burning powder. Call me old fashioned, but if I don't see published data from a reputable reload manual, I don't take the chance. Last edited by flintlock62; May 13, 2014 at 08:26 AM.

May 13, 2014, 08:25 AM	#18
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	I have used quite a bit of 700-x in .38 target loads ....

May 13, 2014, 09:06 AM	#19
mnoirot64 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2013 Location: Clarksville, Tennessee Posts: 365	I have used SR-7625 quite a bit. It seems well suited for 9mm. I will eventually try it in 40. It was the slowest of the powders I've tried in 45 ACP: SR-7625, 800-X, Power Pistol, Unique, Competition, CFE Pistol and Longshot. However, with that being said, it would make a fine plinking powder.

May 13, 2014, 09:23 AM	#20
flintlock62 Member Join Date: May 11, 2014 Posts: 18	I have used SR-7625 quite a bit. It seems well suited for 9mm. I will eventually try it in 40. It was the slowest of the powders I've tried in 45 ACP: SR-7625, 800-X, Power Pistol, Unique, Competition, CFE Pistol and Longshot. However, with that being said, it would make a fine plinking powder. I think it's more than just a plinking powder. It works very well in a 40 S&W, 165 gr.

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