4831 vs. 4831SC

imq707s · August 27, 2001, 11:32 AM

I've been loading my 7mag loads with 64gr of Hodgson 4831 powder and 139 Hornady SST's with good results. I saw that they now have a 4831SC (short cut) powder out. I bought a can and loaded some rounds with it. One thing that I noticed is that I had to make a big adjustment to my Lee powder measurer to get back to 64gr when I switched from the 4831 to the 4831SC. Why is that? Is it becuase the SC takes up less volume than the same number of grains of the 4831? Will my rounds shoot the same with 64gr. of 4831SC as they did with 64gr. of 4831? I hope I didn't confuse anyone with these questions.

Clint Tickler · August 27, 2001, 11:50 AM

My understanding is, yes the sc takes less volume for the same amount of weight, the idea being you can get more powder in the case within safe limits of course.

imq707s · August 27, 2001, 11:52 AM

But will my groups change at all going to the 431SC?

Poodleshooter · August 27, 2001, 12:02 PM

Yeah, it's manufactured to shoot identically to regular 4831. Regular 4831 is cut sorta like 4064, SC is more like Varget or 4320- taking up much less volume. Speaking of which, I need to get some 4831....

Clint Tickler · August 27, 2001, 12:27 PM

The only way to know for sure if your groups will change is to test it. Some loads fire best if the powder is somewhat compressed and you might not have that with the short cut. Theoreticaly the powder is ballisticaly the same I'm told. I bet it won't change much if at all. In other words I don't have the answer but maybe a more knowledgable person will.

Gewehr98 · August 27, 2001, 09:52 PM

I run 59.0 grains of H4831SC (Short Cut) in my 6.5-06. That comes halfway up the neck, and bullet seating definitely compresses the charge. The standard H4831 would be closer to the case mouth. The shorter grains of Short Cut also meter better through powder measures and tricklers, which is rather nice.

Archie · August 28, 2001, 12:36 AM

H4831SC is as close to H4831 as Hodgdon can make it.

However,

all powders vary from lot to lot. So always back off a little and see how much different they are for your application.

I won't go into detail, but if I didn't have a 1917 Eddystone action, my nickname would be "Old Bolt in the Cheekbone".

August 27, 2001, 11:32 AM	#1
imq707s Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2000 Posts: 179	4831 vs. 4831SC I've been loading my 7mag loads with 64gr of Hodgson 4831 powder and 139 Hornady SST's with good results. I saw that they now have a 4831SC (short cut) powder out. I bought a can and loaded some rounds with it. One thing that I noticed is that I had to make a big adjustment to my Lee powder measurer to get back to 64gr when I switched from the 4831 to the 4831SC. Why is that? Is it becuase the SC takes up less volume than the same number of grains of the 4831? Will my rounds shoot the same with 64gr. of 4831SC as they did with 64gr. of 4831? I hope I didn't confuse anyone with these questions.

August 27, 2001, 09:52 PM	#6
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	Definitely fits more in a given case! I run 59.0 grains of H4831SC (Short Cut) in my 6.5-06. That comes halfway up the neck, and bullet seating definitely compresses the charge. The standard H4831 would be closer to the case mouth. The shorter grains of Short Cut also meter better through powder measures and tricklers, which is rather nice. __________________ "Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round... Neural Misfires

August 28, 2001, 12:36 AM	#7
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	From the "experience" file..... H4831SC is as close to H4831 as Hodgdon can make it. However, all powders vary from lot to lot. So always back off a little and see how much different they are for your application. I won't go into detail, but if I didn't have a 1917 Eddystone action, my nickname would be "Old Bolt in the Cheekbone". __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

August 27, 2001, 11:50 AM	#2
Clint Tickler Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 1999 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 184	My understanding is, yes the sc takes less volume for the same amount of weight, the idea being you can get more powder in the case within safe limits of course.

August 27, 2001, 11:52 AM	#3
imq707s Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2000 Posts: 179	But will my groups change at all going to the 431SC?

August 27, 2001, 12:02 PM	#4
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	Yeah, it's manufactured to shoot identically to regular 4831. Regular 4831 is cut sorta like 4064, SC is more like Varget or 4320- taking up much less volume. Speaking of which, I need to get some 4831....

August 27, 2001, 12:27 PM	#5
Clint Tickler Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 1999 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 184	The only way to know for sure if your groups will change is to test it. Some loads fire best if the powder is somewhat compressed and you might not have that with the short cut. Theoreticaly the powder is ballisticaly the same I'm told. I bet it won't change much if at all. In other words I don't have the answer but maybe a more knowledgable person will.