If only one rifel powder.

ky hunter · October 17, 2010, 06:10 PM

If you could only get one powder what would you chose? This powder would be used in all your cases from 223 up. Then tell me why? From burn rate to price? I load 243 up to 300mag.So please tell me your choices.

Sarge · October 17, 2010, 06:17 PM

H4895. It has worked well enough in every bottleneck rifle cartridge I've used in, that I no longer buy anything else.

ky hunter · October 17, 2010, 06:31 PM

I have been pushing bullets on cases for over 28 years.I have tried from fast to slow burn rate some give out more Fps.than others.Some go fast with poor group's.Please tell me your findings on this?

NWPilgrim · October 17, 2010, 06:36 PM

It depends on the relative case size, neck diameter and bullet weights. For me H4895 or Varget work well in both .223 (55gr - 75gr) and .30-06 (150gr - 168gr) for my M1 Garand. But your .243 and .300 Mag probably like something slower such as 4350 or 4381 speed.

Generally, the larger the case capacity relative to the case mouth diameter, the slower the powder you want. These ratios seem to be about the same for .223 and .30-06 or .308. for instance the .243 will do better with slower powders than what works well in .308 although they have essentially the same case capacity.

TXJohn · October 17, 2010, 07:04 PM

I guess I would use IMR-4064 have always got good accuracy from this powder in a number of calibers have not loaded in 300 win. mag but think I could find something acceptable. Should be fine in any of the smaller calibers.

oneoldsap · October 17, 2010, 07:50 PM

4064 might be a little speedy for the .300 WM.

cornbush · October 17, 2010, 07:55 PM

I'd be hard pressed to pick between IMR 4895 and H380

Hog Buster · October 17, 2010, 08:57 PM

IMR 4895.... Been using it for years in .243 to 30/06. Lord knows now many others I've tried in the last 50 years and none have performed better.

TXGunNut · October 17, 2010, 09:22 PM

I load 223's and 45-90's, lots of cartridges in between. Sometimes jacketed, sometimes cast. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast. I don't think I can do all that with one powder. On top of that I use BP in the 45-90 and 45-70. 4895 comes close, Varget and 4064 are pretty versatile as well. 8208 is trying but jury's still out on that one. I think I could get by on 3 powders but would feel restricted with less than 6.

GeauxTide · October 17, 2010, 09:30 PM

It would be 4064 or Varget, which would be fine for the 223, 260, 308, 30-06, and 338-06. Guess I'd have to retire the 6.5-06, 280, and 7mmRM,

Snobal · October 17, 2010, 09:56 PM

4895 -- either H- or IMR-

That powder has been around forever and there is a ton of data for it and most common center-fire rifle cases.

Of course, for any particular rifle/bullet weight, something else may work a bit better, but 4895 normally does a good job.

JMHO

Crankylove · October 17, 2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

I'd be hard pressed to pick between IMR 4895 and H380

+1

I would have to throw the 4064 in there as well, it has always worked well for me.

I would be sad to lose my Win 748 though, it is the best I have found for my .358 Winchester.

If down to just one though, I think the 4895 would be my pick.

Sarge · October 17, 2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyhunter

I have been pushing bullets on cases for over 28 years.I have tried from fast to slow burn rate some give out more Fps.than others.Some go fast with poor group's.Please tell me your findings on this?

This followed my post and if it was directed at me... it'd take me two hours to type it all. Instead, I did a little work for you and you can find most of my results with H4895 here and here.

FWIW I loaded IMR's version of this powder for years and it is an excellent rifle powder. It seems like I got started on Hodgdon's because it was easier to get, where I lived at the time. So I started working toward one good load for all my bottleneck-cased rifles, which has been relatively easy with H4895. Several years ago my wife got me a chronograph for Father's Day (yes, she's a keeper too) and practically all my H4895 handload velocities were within 100 fps of factory or published handload velocities- and they were plenty accurate for what I was doing with them. So I found loads that worked- and I hate to mess with anything that works.

If you're looking to wring the last foot-per-second out of a magnum rifle, or trying to optimize a straight-wall like the 45-70, you may need more than one powder.

reloader28 · October 17, 2010, 10:33 PM

I went thru all my books one time and came up with either 4064 or 4350. They would reload all but one of my rifle loads.

Then I got into cast boolits. Now I think Unique would load everything I got. It might not be the best for everything, but anything will shoot with it.

This is for if the SHTF.

oneoldsap · October 18, 2010, 06:28 PM

IMR-4350 , it's like 6011 welding rod , it might not be perfect but it'll get the job done . I don't care who's reloading bench you look at there is a 99% chance it'll include a can of IMR-4350 !

Brian Pfleuger · October 18, 2010, 08:33 PM

Right now, I'd have to pick Win748. It produces unreal velocities with sub-1/2 MOA accuracy in 22-250, top velocities with acceptable (not yet thoroughly tested) accuracy is 204 and near or at top velocities in both my Encore and rifles in 7mm-08.

I say "right now", because those are the only guns I've tried and I've only used 4 powders. So my opinion could easily change. I'm unimpressed with H380 though. It's functional, but not a top performer.

Dr. Strangelove · October 18, 2010, 10:33 PM

IMR-4350 has performed well in any cartridge I load, it may not be the most efficient or provide the highest velocity in some cartridges, but it will work and provide acceptable results.

Most any rifle powder in the middle of the burn rate chart will provide acceptable results in most any cartridge, it's when you get into the high and low ends of the burn rate chart that you see powders being unsuitable for use in certain cartridges.

**Mike Irwin** · October 19, 2010, 01:10 AM

Another vote for 4064. I've always been very happy with it.

P-990 · October 19, 2010, 06:10 PM

If you're running cartridges like the .223, .308, .30-06 and .30-30, I would be hard pressed to find something more useful than Varget. It's not perfect for everything, but it will work acceptably for a broad range of purposes.

Now if you're running cases with large capacity-to-bore ratios, I think something like 4350 or 4831 would be more useful. I used to use H3450 in my .260 Remington with great results.

Aldadentist · October 19, 2010, 07:09 PM

I only load .223, 30-06, .308, and 45-70 for an old trapdoor and varget gets the job done very nicely. There are probably some powders that are better for one or the other but varget works well in all of them.

TheNatureBoy · October 19, 2010, 08:45 PM

Reloader 22 for my 7mm rem mag., and IMR 4350 for my .243. I'll go with RE-19 for my .280.

Quantrill · October 20, 2010, 01:26 PM

IMR 4895

temmi · October 20, 2010, 03:28 PM

Frankly I think you are making a mistake.

One of the nice things about reloading is you can find the best powder, bullet and primer for each application...

Anything less and you are selling yourself short

Dave R · October 20, 2010, 05:13 PM

OTOH, I have only used H335 for rifle rounds, precisely because it does well with both .308 and .223, the two main rounds I reload. Then I found it also does well with 7.5 Swiss for my K-31. I've tried Varget and 4064, but saw no improvement. In fact, my groups with .308 were 'slightly' smaller with H335.

H335 meters well in powder measures, and is cheaper than most other rifle powders, so what's not to like?

mrawesome22 · October 22, 2010, 08:20 PM

4895.

October 17, 2010, 06:10 PM	#1
ky hunter Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2010 Posts: 132	If only one rifel powder. If you could only get one powder what would you chose? This powder would be used in all your cases from 223 up. Then tell me why? From burn rate to price? I load 243 up to 300mag.So please tell me your choices.

October 17, 2010, 06:17 PM	#2
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	H4895. It has worked well enough in every bottleneck rifle cartridge I've used in, that I no longer buy anything else. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

October 17, 2010, 06:36 PM	#4
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	It depends on the relative case size, neck diameter and bullet weights. For me H4895 or Varget work well in both .223 (55gr - 75gr) and .30-06 (150gr - 168gr) for my M1 Garand. But your .243 and .300 Mag probably like something slower such as 4350 or 4381 speed. Generally, the larger the case capacity relative to the case mouth diameter, the slower the powder you want. These ratios seem to be about the same for .223 and .30-06 or .308. for instance the .243 will do better with slower powders than what works well in .308 although they have essentially the same case capacity. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

October 17, 2010, 07:55 PM	#7
cornbush Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: The retarded place below Idaho Posts: 1,408	I'd be hard pressed to pick between IMR 4895 and H380 __________________ The best shot I ever made was an accident

October 17, 2010, 08:57 PM	#8
Hog Buster Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2009 Location: Pointe Coupee, Louisana Posts: 772	IMR 4895.... Been using it for years in .243 to 30/06. Lord knows now many others I've tried in the last 50 years and none have performed better. __________________ Those who beat their guns into plows, will plow for those who don't.-Thomas Jefferson

October 17, 2010, 06:31 PM	#3
ky hunter Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2010 Posts: 132	I have been pushing bullets on cases for over 28 years.I have tried from fast to slow burn rate some give out more Fps.than others.Some go fast with poor group's.Please tell me your findings on this?

October 17, 2010, 07:04 PM	#5
TXJohn Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Location: Ft Worth TX Posts: 163	I guess I would use IMR-4064 have always got good accuracy from this powder in a number of calibers have not loaded in 300 win. mag but think I could find something acceptable. Should be fine in any of the smaller calibers.

October 17, 2010, 07:50 PM	#6
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	4064 might be a little speedy for the .300 WM.

October 17, 2010, 09:22 PM	#9
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	I load 223's and 45-90's, lots of cartridges in between. Sometimes jacketed, sometimes cast. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast. I don't think I can do all that with one powder. On top of that I use BP in the 45-90 and 45-70. 4895 comes close, Varget and 4064 are pretty versatile as well. 8208 is trying but jury's still out on that one. I think I could get by on 3 powders but would feel restricted with less than 6. __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

October 17, 2010, 09:30 PM	#10
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	It would be 4064 or Varget, which would be fine for the 223, 260, 308, 30-06, and 338-06. Guess I'd have to retire the 6.5-06, 280, and 7mmRM,

October 17, 2010, 09:56 PM	#11
Snobal Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2009 Location: Arizona Wilderness Posts: 121	4895 -- either H- or IMR- That powder has been around forever and there is a ton of data for it and most common center-fire rifle cases. Of course, for any particular rifle/bullet weight, something else may work a bit better, but 4895 normally does a good job. JMHO

October 17, 2010, 10:33 PM	#14
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	I went thru all my books one time and came up with either 4064 or 4350. They would reload all but one of my rifle loads. Then I got into cast boolits. Now I think Unique would load everything I got. It might not be the best for everything, but anything will shoot with it. This is for if the SHTF. Last edited by reloader28; October 18, 2010 at 08:00 AM.

October 18, 2010, 06:28 PM	#15
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	IMR-4350 , it's like 6011 welding rod , it might not be perfect but it'll get the job done . I don't care who's reloading bench you look at there is a 99% chance it'll include a can of IMR-4350 !

October 18, 2010, 08:33 PM	#16
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Right now, I'd have to pick Win748. It produces unreal velocities with sub-1/2 MOA accuracy in 22-250, top velocities with acceptable (not yet thoroughly tested) accuracy is 204 and near or at top velocities in both my Encore and rifles in 7mm-08. I say "right now", because those are the only guns I've tried and I've only used 4 powders. So my opinion could easily change. I'm unimpressed with H380 though. It's functional, but not a top performer. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

October 18, 2010, 10:33 PM	#17
Dr. Strangelove Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2008 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 1,436	IMR-4350 has performed well in any cartridge I load, it may not be the most efficient or provide the highest velocity in some cartridges, but it will work and provide acceptable results. Most any rifle powder in the middle of the burn rate chart will provide acceptable results in most any cartridge, it's when you get into the high and low ends of the burn rate chart that you see powders being unsuitable for use in certain cartridges.

October 19, 2010, 01:10 AM	#18
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Another vote for 4064. I've always been very happy with it. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 19, 2010, 06:10 PM	#19
P-990 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2002 Location: Only1/2WayThere Posts: 1,316	If you're running cartridges like the .223, .308, .30-06 and .30-30, I would be hard pressed to find something more useful than Varget. It's not perfect for everything, but it will work acceptably for a broad range of purposes. Now if you're running cases with large capacity-to-bore ratios, I think something like 4350 or 4831 would be more useful. I used to use H3450 in my .260 Remington with great results. __________________ NRA Master, Highpower Rifle, Across-the-Course NRA Expert, Highpower Rifle, Mid-Range Prone

October 19, 2010, 07:09 PM	#20
Aldadentist Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 58	I only load .223, 30-06, .308, and 45-70 for an old trapdoor and varget gets the job done very nicely. There are probably some powders that are better for one or the other but varget works well in all of them.

October 19, 2010, 08:45 PM	#21
TheNatureBoy Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Posts: 1,204	Reloader 22 for my 7mm rem mag., and IMR 4350 for my .243. I'll go with RE-19 for my .280.

October 20, 2010, 01:26 PM	#22
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	IMR 4895

October 20, 2010, 03:28 PM	#23
temmi Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 531	Frankly I think you are making a mistake. Frankly I think you are making a mistake. One of the nice things about reloading is you can find the best powder, bullet and primer for each application... Anything less and you are selling yourself short

October 20, 2010, 05:13 PM	#24
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	OTOH, I have only used H335 for rifle rounds, precisely because it does well with both .308 and .223, the two main rounds I reload. Then I found it also does well with 7.5 Swiss for my K-31. I've tried Varget and 4064, but saw no improvement. In fact, my groups with .308 were 'slightly' smaller with H335. H335 meters well in powder measures, and is cheaper than most other rifle powders, so what's not to like? __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

October 22, 2010, 08:20 PM	#25
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	4895.