Does an AK need a certain types of powder?

TargetTerror · February 6, 2009, 12:09 AM

I know with the M1 Garand (and most semi autos) you can mess up the timing and possibly damage the gun if you don't use a powder of a certain burn rate, even if pressure is ok. Does the AK care?

I've got some IMR 4227, 3031, 4895 and 5744 on hand. I've seen loads for the 4227 for 123 gr bullets, and I recall seeing 3031 and 5744 loads too. Speer does list IMR 4895, though it seems a bit slow for this cartridge (but what do I know?)

Would loading any of these powders with published loads damage an AK? I'm not too concerned about maximizing accuracy, I just want some plinking loads I can make with the powders I have on hand.

NuJudge · February 6, 2009, 05:52 AM

The Garand is set up for powders only in a narrow range of speeds, 3031-4895-4064.

The AK and SKS are not. They tollerate a wide range of powder speeds. There is a narrow range of powder speeds where you will get the best performance.

pacomdiver · February 14, 2009, 12:49 AM

i reload for mine with a couple different loads and powders, i use 4064, 3031 and another imr i cant remember, but the labels a light shade of purple. i use 123 -125g bullets

joneb · February 14, 2009, 01:10 AM

I've had good results with IMR 4198 for a SKS I would like to try AA 1680. I have some BLC-2 I will try try when I find some .311" 150gr.ish bullets.

**Unclenick** · February 14, 2009, 01:41 AM

The Sierra manual has about 17 pages devoted to special considerations when loading for gas guns. While it is true those gas mechanisms more modern than the Garand have less sensitivity to powder type, they still can't be counted on to handle the wide range of powders and chamber pressures a bolt gun can. Not loading to exceed the chamber pressures they were designed for is a good idea.

dlb435 · February 14, 2009, 09:35 AM

AK's are garbage eaters. Very loose tolerances and the gas piston is way over sized. I think you could use any powder listed for that load without worry. That's the great thing about an AK. It was built to take the worst and keep on working.

February 6, 2009, 12:09 AM	#1
TargetTerror Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Posts: 424	Does an AK need a certain types of powder? I know with the M1 Garand (and most semi autos) you can mess up the timing and possibly damage the gun if you don't use a powder of a certain burn rate, even if pressure is ok. Does the AK care? I've got some IMR 4227, 3031, 4895 and 5744 on hand. I've seen loads for the 4227 for 123 gr bullets, and I recall seeing 3031 and 5744 loads too. Speer does list IMR 4895, though it seems a bit slow for this cartridge (but what do I know?) Would loading any of these powders with published loads damage an AK? I'm not too concerned about maximizing accuracy, I just want some plinking loads I can make with the powders I have on hand. __________________ Head shots are hard, but nut shots are twice as hard.

February 6, 2009, 05:52 AM	#2
NuJudge Member Join Date: October 17, 2005 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 86	I've used 2400, 680 and 4198 The Garand is set up for powders only in a narrow range of speeds, 3031-4895-4064. The AK and SKS are not. They tollerate a wide range of powder speeds. There is a narrow range of powder speeds where you will get the best performance.

February 14, 2009, 01:41 AM	#5
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The Sierra manual has about 17 pages devoted to special considerations when loading for gas guns. While it is true those gas mechanisms more modern than the Garand have less sensitivity to powder type, they still can't be counted on to handle the wide range of powders and chamber pressures a bolt gun can. Not loading to exceed the chamber pressures they were designed for is a good idea. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 14, 2009, 12:49 AM	#3
pacomdiver Member Join Date: February 11, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 21	i reload for mine with a couple different loads and powders, i use 4064, 3031 and another imr i cant remember, but the labels a light shade of purple. i use 123 -125g bullets

February 14, 2009, 01:10 AM	#4
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I've had good results with IMR 4198 for a SKS I would like to try AA 1680. I have some BLC-2 I will try try when I find some .311" 150gr.ish bullets.

February 14, 2009, 09:35 AM	#6
dlb435 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 654	AK's are garbage eaters. Very loose tolerances and the gas piston is way over sized. I think you could use any powder listed for that load without worry. That's the great thing about an AK. It was built to take the worst and keep on working.