If you could have just ONE powder for... - Page 2

Old Stony · October 31, 2020, 07:35 PM

There are a lot of options, but I have to agree that either IMR4895 or H4895 would be my choice. It can perform quite well in any of those calibers.

Road_Clam · November 1, 2020, 11:06 AM

While I agree with all of you in stating that 4895 is a very versatile powder , it's also a popular powder. So that being said when the reloading panic buying sets in, my choice of the lesser popular W748 will stay on the shelves longer.

As an example back in '14 when we were in the height of another gun panic, only oddball niche powders were on the shelves at the LGS's. The only rifle powder I could find was primarily 2000MR and more scarce but available was W748 . I experimented with both, ultimately I found out both are great (but not ideal) substitutes for 223 and .30 cal . So I guess my point is experiment and test with the less popular powders as backups when the panics ensue.

Sarge · November 1, 2020, 04:28 PM

I don't load or shoot tons of rifle ammo and a couple pounds of H4895 makes me a a 3# coffee can of 30-06 ammo, with powder left over.

458winshooter · November 3, 2020, 11:42 AM

Varget or IMR-4064

Metal god · November 4, 2020, 01:37 AM

I don't know if the OP came back and updated but through PM he said he found some Varget . Lucky man I'd say

Hanshi · November 4, 2020, 05:11 PM

Since I no longer own a .308 or 30/06 I could get by with just one powder and rarely use any others. I load for the 30/30, .350 Rem mag, 45/70 and 250/3000. All are reloaded with 3031 and provide excellent accuracy.

P Flados · November 7, 2020, 12:11 AM

As a veteran of past "shortages" and something of a tightwad, I decided to go for bigger volume purchases.

I have stocked up on WC 844 (the milsurp version of H335). Although there will be shortages from time to time, WC 844 will be available between shortages. With the lower cost per lb, I felt I could afford to stock up for what should be a 8 to 10 year supply (48 lbs).

**Unclenick** · November 8, 2020, 01:12 PM

Just be aware that a surplus powder is likely to be older than what comes off the shelf, so the odds of it going bad over the next decade are greater, too.

Marco Califo · November 8, 2020, 08:56 PM

If I wanted to stock up more than I have, I would opt for new H335 jug or two. I have and use WC844, that was recovered from 25 year old military ammo that lifed-out. I would hesitate to think it will last another 25. But new H335 should.
And if I were to have only one powder it would be A-2460. It will handle all 223, 308 and many others.

sparkyv · November 9, 2020, 07:43 AM

IMR4064 if no Varget can be had.

November 1, 2020, 11:06 AM	#27
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,719	While I agree with all of you in stating that 4895 is a very versatile powder , it's also a popular powder. So that being said when the reloading panic buying sets in, my choice of the lesser popular W748 will stay on the shelves longer. As an example back in '14 when we were in the height of another gun panic, only oddball niche powders were on the shelves at the LGS's. The only rifle powder I could find was primarily 2000MR and more scarce but available was W748 . I experimented with both, ultimately I found out both are great (but not ideal) substitutes for 223 and .30 cal . So I guess my point is experiment and test with the less popular powders as backups when the panics ensue. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid" Last edited by Road_Clam; November 1, 2020 at 11:12 AM.

November 1, 2020, 04:28 PM	#28
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,494	I don't load or shoot tons of rifle ammo and a couple pounds of H4895 makes me a a 3# coffee can of 30-06 ammo, with powder left over. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

November 3, 2020, 11:42 AM	#29
458winshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Transplanted to Ridgeland,SC Posts: 607	One powder Varget or IMR-4064

November 4, 2020, 01:37 AM	#30
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 7,130	I don't know if the OP came back and updated but through PM he said he found some Varget . Lucky man I'd say __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

November 4, 2020, 05:11 PM	#31
Hanshi Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2017 Posts: 239	Since I no longer own a .308 or 30/06 I could get by with just one powder and rarely use any others. I load for the 30/30, .350 Rem mag, 45/70 and 250/3000. All are reloaded with 3031 and provide excellent accuracy. __________________ Young guys should hang out with old guys; old guys know stuff.

October 31, 2020, 07:35 PM	#26
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	There are a lot of options, but I have to agree that either IMR4895 or H4895 would be my choice. It can perform quite well in any of those calibers.

November 7, 2020, 12:11 AM	#32
P Flados Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2017 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 265	As a veteran of past "shortages" and something of a tightwad, I decided to go for bigger volume purchases. I have stocked up on WC 844 (the milsurp version of H335). Although there will be shortages from time to time, WC 844 will be available between shortages. With the lower cost per lb, I felt I could afford to stock up for what should be a 8 to 10 year supply (48 lbs).

November 8, 2020, 01:12 PM	#33
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,738	Just be aware that a surplus powder is likely to be older than what comes off the shelf, so the odds of it going bad over the next decade are greater, too. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 8, 2020, 08:56 PM	#34
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,722	If I wanted to stock up more than I have, I would opt for new H335 jug or two. I have and use WC844, that was recovered from 25 year old military ammo that lifed-out. I would hesitate to think it will last another 25. But new H335 should. And if I were to have only one powder it would be A-2460. It will handle all 223, 308 and many others. __________________ ............

November 9, 2020, 07:43 AM	#35
sparkyv Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2015 Location: Deepinnaheartta,Texas Posts: 326	IMR4064 if no Varget can be had. __________________ μολὼν λαβέ NRA Life Member