SR4759 vs AA5744?

hotcha45 · October 21, 2010, 05:28 AM

Finally acquired a good shooting shape '03 Springfield. The intended use is my rifle club's military bolt rifle matches. Since this is 60 rnds per course, I'd just as soon NOT pound my shoulder 60 times w/full house '06 loads with a steel butt plate. These days, reduced load data seems scarce. My Speer manuals up to the most recent showed loads using SR4759 & 110 gr bullets. The most recent shows the same type of load but w/AA5744. This is not readily available around here while 4759 is. Anyone know why the switch? Lower pressure or what? Also, anyone have a source for reduced loads in the 125-130gr bullet weight area? In case my new rifle does not like the 110 grainers?

Loader9 · October 21, 2010, 08:51 AM

My reduced load is 19.0 grs SR4759 under a 147 gr ball bullet. It's extremely accurate in about the 10 or so 03's I've tried it in. I've also used the Remington 150 Core Lok on top of the same load and hunted with it but range is short- I limit it to about 150 yds. Recoil is almost nothing- less than a 222. I teach the local Boy Scouts reloading and this is the load I have them use. It's a hoot to shoot and they love it. As far as 5744, it has to be one of the dirtiest powders I've ever used. Loads of unburned powder regardless of charge or cartridge.

From a DuPont handout loading manual the following:
110 gr bullet- 35.0 grs SR4759= 2820'ps
150 gr bullet- 31.0 grs SR4759= 2365'ps
180 gr Bullet- 29.5 grs SR4759= 2135'ps

The above are all max loads with pressure at 50,000 CUP. You'll need a drop tube to get that much of it in a case. The 19.0 grs is about an 80% loading density. If your 03 is sighted with ball ammo, you'll need to raise the rear sight to the 300 yds setting to be on at 100 yds with the reduced load.

I think the switch to the 5744 powder is mostly because of cost. SR4759 is not cheap. A half pound can costs as much as a one pound of anything else. I have found that some gunshops that have carried it and have older stock will deal pretty hard to unload it. The last I bought about 3 months ago I paid $7.00 a can for it. The deal before that I paid $1.50 a can so chat with the guys at the counter and see if they are wanting to deal on it. Most are moving it out of inventory and are not going to stock it anymore. Shame, it's one of the best powders out there if you're looking for good accuracy, low recoil, clean burning, and respectable but not max velocity.

Shoney · October 21, 2010, 01:17 PM

Hodgdon Youth Loads
125 GR. NOS BT - - - 40.5 H4895 - - 2614fps - 3.27
130 GR. HDY SSP- - - 39.0 H4895 - - 2544fps – 3.22
135 GR. SIE SP- - - - 39.0 H4895 - - 2495fps - 3016

Jim Carmichael in Handloader
130 gr HrnSP – - - - 32gr SR4759 – 2489fps - 3.235 OAL
150 gr SprSP - - - - 30gr SR 4759 – 2268fps - - ?

Quantrill · October 21, 2010, 04:00 PM

Various Lyman manuals over the years have had 4759 info in them.

hotcha45 · October 22, 2010, 05:18 AM

Thanks for the load info, guys. Shooter9: I finally found a shop that had 5744. It was $24/lb compared to $27/lb for the SR4759. I'll try both and if the 5744 is as dirty as you say I'll stick with the 4759 unless there is a noticeable accuracy edge. Heck, with my old eyes and peep battle sights I may not be able to tell the difference. Its why God made telescopic sights. I checked the AA website and, surprisingly, they show no reduced load data for the '06.

Loader9 · October 22, 2010, 07:50 AM

Well, there's a problem in yer math. SR4759 doesn't come in 1 lb cans. While the can is the same size as a 1 lb, it only has a 1/2 lb in the can. The powder is extremely bulky. Also, if you intend to use a powder measure, SR4759 will not go thru a powder measure.

Rusty W · October 22, 2010, 02:34 PM

I haven't shot any 4759 in an 06 but I burn a bunch of it in 45/70. The older metal cans were 1/2lb but the new stuff is 1lb. I use a Lee Perfect Powder Measure with it and seems to do fine for me.

hotcha45 · October 22, 2010, 05:51 PM

Shooter 9, I have to go w/Rusty W on this one. The SR4759 I've just purchased is in the new round plastic bottles (the old rectangular metal cans stacked more efficiently, but I assume the round shape is cheaper to make) and it says net wt. 1 lb. I was wrong on the $27, that was with tax, the tags say $24.62/lb, so the cost is essentially identical w/5744.
I still have a few of the cute little Hercules squaroid metal canisters w/ the pop lids that are held down w/a metal strap arrangement when bought. A 1/2 lb can of green dot is still unopened. Probably starting to be collectible.

Loader9 · October 22, 2010, 10:53 PM

I went by Midways website and they do sell it in one pound bottles. Now I'm a little hacked because my supplier has been attempting to rip me at the cost $27.00 for a half pound can. Looks like we're gonna have a chat tomorrow. Luckily, I've been able to deal for it in gunshops that are closing it out so I haven't had to pay the ridiculous price. But it makes me wonder what else I buy from him that I'm paying too much. Looks like it's time to search the websites.

October 21, 2010, 05:28 AM	#1
hotcha45 Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 96	SR4759 vs AA5744? Finally acquired a good shooting shape '03 Springfield. The intended use is my rifle club's military bolt rifle matches. Since this is 60 rnds per course, I'd just as soon NOT pound my shoulder 60 times w/full house '06 loads with a steel butt plate. These days, reduced load data seems scarce. My Speer manuals up to the most recent showed loads using SR4759 & 110 gr bullets. The most recent shows the same type of load but w/AA5744. This is not readily available around here while 4759 is. Anyone know why the switch? Lower pressure or what? Also, anyone have a source for reduced loads in the 125-130gr bullet weight area? In case my new rifle does not like the 110 grainers?

October 21, 2010, 01:17 PM	#3
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	Hodgdon Youth Loads 125 GR. NOS BT - - - 40.5 H4895 - - 2614fps - 3.27 130 GR. HDY SSP- - - 39.0 H4895 - - 2544fps – 3.22 135 GR. SIE SP- - - - 39.0 H4895 - - 2495fps - 3016 Jim Carmichael in Handloader 130 gr HrnSP – - - - 32gr SR4759 – 2489fps - 3.235 OAL 150 gr SprSP - - - - 30gr SR 4759 – 2268fps - - ? __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

October 21, 2010, 08:51 AM	#2
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	My reduced load is 19.0 grs SR4759 under a 147 gr ball bullet. It's extremely accurate in about the 10 or so 03's I've tried it in. I've also used the Remington 150 Core Lok on top of the same load and hunted with it but range is short- I limit it to about 150 yds. Recoil is almost nothing- less than a 222. I teach the local Boy Scouts reloading and this is the load I have them use. It's a hoot to shoot and they love it. As far as 5744, it has to be one of the dirtiest powders I've ever used. Loads of unburned powder regardless of charge or cartridge. From a DuPont handout loading manual the following: 110 gr bullet- 35.0 grs SR4759= 2820'ps 150 gr bullet- 31.0 grs SR4759= 2365'ps 180 gr Bullet- 29.5 grs SR4759= 2135'ps The above are all max loads with pressure at 50,000 CUP. You'll need a drop tube to get that much of it in a case. The 19.0 grs is about an 80% loading density. If your 03 is sighted with ball ammo, you'll need to raise the rear sight to the 300 yds setting to be on at 100 yds with the reduced load. I think the switch to the 5744 powder is mostly because of cost. SR4759 is not cheap. A half pound can costs as much as a one pound of anything else. I have found that some gunshops that have carried it and have older stock will deal pretty hard to unload it. The last I bought about 3 months ago I paid $7.00 a can for it. The deal before that I paid $1.50 a can so chat with the guys at the counter and see if they are wanting to deal on it. Most are moving it out of inventory and are not going to stock it anymore. Shame, it's one of the best powders out there if you're looking for good accuracy, low recoil, clean burning, and respectable but not max velocity.

October 21, 2010, 04:00 PM	#4
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	Various Lyman manuals over the years have had 4759 info in them.

October 22, 2010, 05:18 AM	#5
hotcha45 Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 96	Thanks for the load info, guys. Shooter9: I finally found a shop that had 5744. It was $24/lb compared to $27/lb for the SR4759. I'll try both and if the 5744 is as dirty as you say I'll stick with the 4759 unless there is a noticeable accuracy edge. Heck, with my old eyes and peep battle sights I may not be able to tell the difference. Its why God made telescopic sights. I checked the AA website and, surprisingly, they show no reduced load data for the '06.

October 22, 2010, 07:50 AM	#6
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	Well, there's a problem in yer math. SR4759 doesn't come in 1 lb cans. While the can is the same size as a 1 lb, it only has a 1/2 lb in the can. The powder is extremely bulky. Also, if you intend to use a powder measure, SR4759 will not go thru a powder measure.

October 22, 2010, 05:51 PM	#8
hotcha45 Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 96	Shooter 9, I have to go w/Rusty W on this one. The SR4759 I've just purchased is in the new round plastic bottles (the old rectangular metal cans stacked more efficiently, but I assume the round shape is cheaper to make) and it says net wt. 1 lb. I was wrong on the $27, that was with tax, the tags say $24.62/lb, so the cost is essentially identical w/5744. I still have a few of the cute little Hercules squaroid metal canisters w/ the pop lids that are held down w/a metal strap arrangement when bought. A 1/2 lb can of green dot is still unopened. Probably starting to be collectible.

October 22, 2010, 10:53 PM	#9
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	I went by Midways website and they do sell it in one pound bottles. Now I'm a little hacked because my supplier has been attempting to rip me at the cost $27.00 for a half pound can. Looks like we're gonna have a chat tomorrow. Luckily, I've been able to deal for it in gunshops that are closing it out so I haven't had to pay the ridiculous price. But it makes me wonder what else I buy from him that I'm paying too much. Looks like it's time to search the websites.