6.5 Creedmoor and H4350

Janders · February 13, 2018, 11:06 AM

I have been reading through these and other forum threads regarding which powder is best for this popular cartridge.
I went to my local Sportmans Warehouse to pick up a few things and a pound or two of H4350. I couldn't find any. There were two guys in the same isle and we started talking about the 6.5 Creedmoor. I was advised to use lapua brass, "dont forget to use small primers" I was told, and 140 AMAX which was not a new idea but I listened.
Then he told me to use H4350. Again with the H4350.
They don't have it. I went online and could not find it. I finally found some on a popular auction site and purchased 3 lbs.
I sure hope this stuff is worth the price. I have read there are good results with other powders with lighter bullets like Varget. I have plenty of that.
Hey Hodgdon, make more of this stuff and it will sell.
I am building a Howa 1500 barreled action. Hey, don't make fun, it's what I want to do.
I can just see the purists out there with there one of a kind $5,000 + rifles throwing rocks at my Howa. I work for a living.
Thanks for listening.

Charlie98 · February 13, 2018, 11:54 AM

Both H and IMR4350 are in high demand and is THE goto powder in the 6.5CM. I didn't fool around trying to find it, I just went with IMR4451, one of the new Enduron powders, it's right in the burn range as the 4350's and I don't have to fight for it.

Just FYI, PowderValley has 4350... right now.

Rimfire5 · February 13, 2018, 12:13 PM

I have used IMR 4350, IMR4451 Enduron, R17 and N150.

While IMR4350 is different that H4350, it is quite similar and produces good results. Hodgdon, from what I have seen, seems to produce powders in 6 month intervals and the popular powders get bought up before they resupply.

The IMR4451 is new and it is difficult to get loading data but Hodgdon/IMR has the min / max load data on their web site.
IMR 4451 has characteristics similar to IMR4350 but is enough different that you will need to find what works best.

I load for two different 6.5mm Creedmoor rifles.
One has IMR4451 in three of the top 5 powder/bullet combinations and 3 in the top 10 out of a table of 24 powder-bullet combinations that includes 5 different powders.
(I have only shot 3 different bullets with it so I guess with 3 in the top 5 shows it isn't so hard to find what charges to load with it.)
A powder bullet combination includes and average of all loads with the powder and bullet regardless of charge, velocity, seating depth or trim length.
IMR4350 is in second place with 5 of the top 10 and RL-17 is in 3rd with 2 of the top 10.

The other rifle has 4 IMR4350 powder-bullet combinations in the top 10, with 3 of the 5 in the top 5 out of 19 powder bullet combinations.
RL-17 powder-bullet combinations also has 4 in the top 10 and 2 in the top 5.
IMR4451 has 2 powder-bullet combinations in the top 10 but one of those is the best result with the bullet used. There are only 3 IMR4451 powder bullet combinations in the table of 19

ed308 · February 13, 2018, 12:28 PM

Don’t feel bad OP, Savage 10T plus Ar10 in 6.5 CM. 4350 is the go to powder. But I’ve also had good grpoups with Varget and the lighter bullets.

Janders · February 13, 2018, 01:07 PM

Both H and IMR4350 are in high demand and is THE goto powder in the 6.5CM. I didn't fool around trying to find it, I just went with IMR4451, one of the new Enduron powders, it's right in the burn range as the 4350's and I don't have to fight for it.

Just FYI, PowderValley has 4350... right now.

Dang-SOLD OUT

Janders · February 13, 2018, 01:13 PM

Rimfire, thank you for all the information. Your response certainly details the exhaustive work involved to identify the best bullet, weight, type-Best powder, amount- OAL, Brass, Primer combination etc.
AND, every rifle is different. What works for you may not work for me.
Aint it great!!
Better get to work!!

Charlie98 · February 13, 2018, 01:28 PM

They have IMR4350...

ed308 · February 13, 2018, 07:37 PM

Bruno's had 8 lb jugs of IMR 4350 in stock for $170.

oldscot3 · February 13, 2018, 09:10 PM

try RL 17

and you need not apologize for having a Howa.

jmr40 · February 13, 2018, 09:51 PM

I've been reading that the new RL26 is very good too, but I can't find any. It is supposed to give a little more speed with equal accuracy. If I can find any I want to try it.

I'm using H4350 with excellent results, but have also experimented some with Ramshot Hunter. It seems to be readily available and is another good powder if you can't find H4350.

Load data here:

http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/up...2016_Web-1.pdf

I hear RL17 is supposed to be good too, but I've not tried it

603Country · February 13, 2018, 10:59 PM

I have a 260, which is about the same as the 6.5CM. I use IMR 4064 on the 100 gr bullets and R17 on the 120’s. I get superb accuracy with R17. Some folks say that it’s temp sensitive, but the new 1lb bottles say that it isn’t. The old bottles didn’t address the issue. If I needed a new powder, I might try the new R16.

m&p45acp10+1 · February 14, 2018, 07:27 PM

For 140 grain bullets I go with IMR8208XBR. It works very well. Other than that I would advise trying 130 grain Hornady ELDMatch with Reloader15. An awesome combination.

hooligan1 · February 15, 2018, 05:41 AM

I use RL19 with decent results and 140 grn Accubonds....

std7mag · February 15, 2018, 06:29 AM

H4350, and IMR4350 are go to powders for many cartridges. Not just the Manbun.

ed308 · February 15, 2018, 08:46 AM

Has anyone noticed any difference between H4350 and IMR4350? I've just started loading the 6.5 CM and have used H4350 but not IMR4350. I've seen a price difference of $50 between the two and a 8 lb jug.

Chainsaw. · February 15, 2018, 10:32 AM

Ditto on the above question. Local shop has a bunch of imr4350. Wondering if its good to go.

Colorado Redneck · February 15, 2018, 11:45 PM

Take a look at the Hodgdon Load data. IMR 4350 is not interchangeable with H4350. And those two powders perform differently when loaded with the same projectiles. Both are good products, but not the same stuff.

LOLBELL · February 18, 2018, 06:16 PM

I too hope IMR 4350 will preform well in the 6.5 CM. I just bought 11 pounds at an estate sale for a really good price. I understand they're not interchangeable but maybe the IMR will produce loads as good as the H version.

supercub99 · February 19, 2018, 02:50 AM

I have been shooting the 6.5 for a little over a year now. Initially the 4451 was all I could find readily so went with that. Its not bad with the 140 grn bullets. I have one 6.5 lightweight hunting rifle I worked up a load for the 143 Eld-x Hornady. I couldn't get as good a result out of the 4451 and ended up using Vihtavuori N550 which is quite good with those heavier bullets and is more than acceptable for hunting. I have used both the large rifle and small rifle brass for it. the later seems a tad bit more consistent but mainly it's tougher brass. Varget shoots ok, better in the 24'' Savage T10 than the longer 26'' FV.
The H4350 comes from Australia. Rumor was it was getting used up by Hornady for the factory ammo they were making. It was also rumored that the factory in aust. burned and they shut down to rebuild it. No proof on any of those so who knows.
It has been easier to find here lately, I have a pretty good supply on hand.

February 13, 2018, 11:06 AM	#1
Janders Junior Member Join Date: December 11, 2016 Location: Paradise, CA Posts: 11	6.5 Creedmoor and H4350 I have been reading through these and other forum threads regarding which powder is best for this popular cartridge. I went to my local Sportmans Warehouse to pick up a few things and a pound or two of H4350. I couldn't find any. There were two guys in the same isle and we started talking about the 6.5 Creedmoor. I was advised to use lapua brass, "dont forget to use small primers" I was told, and 140 AMAX which was not a new idea but I listened. Then he told me to use H4350. Again with the H4350. They don't have it. I went online and could not find it. I finally found some on a popular auction site and purchased 3 lbs. I sure hope this stuff is worth the price. I have read there are good results with other powders with lighter bullets like Varget. I have plenty of that. Hey Hodgdon, make more of this stuff and it will sell. I am building a Howa 1500 barreled action. Hey, don't make fun, it's what I want to do. I can just see the purists out there with there one of a kind $5,000 + rifles throwing rocks at my Howa. I work for a living. Thanks for listening. Last edited by Janders; February 13, 2018 at 01:07 PM.

February 13, 2018, 11:54 AM	#2
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	Both H and IMR4350 are in high demand and is THE goto powder in the 6.5CM. I didn't fool around trying to find it, I just went with IMR4451, one of the new Enduron powders, it's right in the burn range as the 4350's and I don't have to fight for it. Just FYI, PowderValley has 4350... right now. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

February 13, 2018, 01:28 PM	#7
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	They have IMR4350... __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

February 13, 2018, 09:51 PM	#10
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	I've been reading that the new RL26 is very good too, but I can't find any. It is supposed to give a little more speed with equal accuracy. If I can find any I want to try it. I'm using H4350 with excellent results, but have also experimented some with Ramshot Hunter. It seems to be readily available and is another good powder if you can't find H4350. Load data here: http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/up...2016_Web-1.pdf I hear RL17 is supposed to be good too, but I've not tried it __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

February 14, 2018, 07:27 PM	#12
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	For 140 grain bullets I go with IMR8208XBR. It works very well. Other than that I would advise trying 130 grain Hornady ELDMatch with Reloader15. An awesome combination. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

February 13, 2018, 12:13 PM	#3
Rimfire5 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 923	I have used IMR 4350, IMR4451 Enduron, R17 and N150. While IMR4350 is different that H4350, it is quite similar and produces good results. Hodgdon, from what I have seen, seems to produce powders in 6 month intervals and the popular powders get bought up before they resupply. The IMR4451 is new and it is difficult to get loading data but Hodgdon/IMR has the min / max load data on their web site. IMR 4451 has characteristics similar to IMR4350 but is enough different that you will need to find what works best. I load for two different 6.5mm Creedmoor rifles. One has IMR4451 in three of the top 5 powder/bullet combinations and 3 in the top 10 out of a table of 24 powder-bullet combinations that includes 5 different powders. (I have only shot 3 different bullets with it so I guess with 3 in the top 5 shows it isn't so hard to find what charges to load with it.) A powder bullet combination includes and average of all loads with the powder and bullet regardless of charge, velocity, seating depth or trim length. IMR4350 is in second place with 5 of the top 10 and RL-17 is in 3rd with 2 of the top 10. The other rifle has 4 IMR4350 powder-bullet combinations in the top 10, with 3 of the 5 in the top 5 out of 19 powder bullet combinations. RL-17 powder-bullet combinations also has 4 in the top 10 and 2 in the top 5. IMR4451 has 2 powder-bullet combinations in the top 10 but one of those is the best result with the bullet used. There are only 3 IMR4451 powder bullet combinations in the table of 19

February 13, 2018, 12:28 PM	#4
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	Don’t feel bad OP, Savage 10T plus Ar10 in 6.5 CM. 4350 is the go to powder. But I’ve also had good grpoups with Varget and the lighter bullets.

February 13, 2018, 01:07 PM	#5
Janders Junior Member Join Date: December 11, 2016 Location: Paradise, CA Posts: 11	Both H and IMR4350 are in high demand and is THE goto powder in the 6.5CM. I didn't fool around trying to find it, I just went with IMR4451, one of the new Enduron powders, it's right in the burn range as the 4350's and I don't have to fight for it. Just FYI, PowderValley has 4350... right now. Dang-SOLD OUT

February 13, 2018, 01:13 PM	#6
Janders Junior Member Join Date: December 11, 2016 Location: Paradise, CA Posts: 11	Rimfire, thank you for all the information. Your response certainly details the exhaustive work involved to identify the best bullet, weight, type-Best powder, amount- OAL, Brass, Primer combination etc. AND, every rifle is different. What works for you may not work for me. Aint it great!! Better get to work!!

February 13, 2018, 07:37 PM	#8
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	Bruno's had 8 lb jugs of IMR 4350 in stock for $170.

February 13, 2018, 09:10 PM	#9
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 997	try RL 17 and you need not apologize for having a Howa.

February 13, 2018, 10:59 PM	#11
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I have a 260, which is about the same as the 6.5CM. I use IMR 4064 on the 100 gr bullets and R17 on the 120’s. I get superb accuracy with R17. Some folks say that it’s temp sensitive, but the new 1lb bottles say that it isn’t. The old bottles didn’t address the issue. If I needed a new powder, I might try the new R16.

February 15, 2018, 05:41 AM	#13
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,586	I use RL19 with decent results and 140 grn Accubonds.... __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

February 15, 2018, 06:29 AM	#14
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	H4350, and IMR4350 are go to powders for many cartridges. Not just the Manbun.

February 15, 2018, 08:46 AM	#15
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	Has anyone noticed any difference between H4350 and IMR4350? I've just started loading the 6.5 CM and have used H4350 but not IMR4350. I've seen a price difference of $50 between the two and a 8 lb jug.

February 15, 2018, 10:32 AM	#16
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	Ditto on the above question. Local shop has a bunch of imr4350. Wondering if its good to go. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

February 15, 2018, 11:45 PM	#17
Colorado Redneck Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: Northeast Colorado Posts: 1,993	Take a look at the Hodgdon Load data. IMR 4350 is not interchangeable with H4350. And those two powders perform differently when loaded with the same projectiles. Both are good products, but not the same stuff.

February 18, 2018, 06:16 PM	#18
LOLBELL Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2010 Location: Fayette AL Posts: 226	I too hope IMR 4350 will preform well in the 6.5 CM. I just bought 11 pounds at an estate sale for a really good price. I understand they're not interchangeable but maybe the IMR will produce loads as good as the H version. __________________ Don't squat with your spurs on!!

February 19, 2018, 02:50 AM	#19
supercub99 Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2012 Location: Alaska Posts: 146	I have been shooting the 6.5 for a little over a year now. Initially the 4451 was all I could find readily so went with that. Its not bad with the 140 grn bullets. I have one 6.5 lightweight hunting rifle I worked up a load for the 143 Eld-x Hornady. I couldn't get as good a result out of the 4451 and ended up using Vihtavuori N550 which is quite good with those heavier bullets and is more than acceptable for hunting. I have used both the large rifle and small rifle brass for it. the later seems a tad bit more consistent but mainly it's tougher brass. Varget shoots ok, better in the 24'' Savage T10 than the longer 26'' FV. The H4350 comes from Australia. Rumor was it was getting used up by Hornady for the factory ammo they were making. It was also rumored that the factory in aust. burned and they shut down to rebuild it. No proof on any of those so who knows. It has been easier to find here lately, I have a pretty good supply on hand.