If you could have just ONE powder for...

JJ45 · October 27, 2020, 11:57 AM

In the day and age of panic buying and shortages.

If you could have just one powder for loading these;
30-30
300 Savage
30-06

My overwhelming favorite for these, maybe not the best for every loading in these calibers, but will be the most versatile for my loads is Hodgdon's VARGET.

What other suggestions, can you offer, for a go to powder for these 3 cartridges

My applications would be medium game hunting. Bullet weights;
30-30 - 150 and 170
300S - 150
30-06 - 150 and 165

Metal god · October 27, 2020, 12:43 PM

Based on your premise of panic buying and the types of situations we are in now . Varget would be my last choice , it’s hard enough to find on good days and you’ll never find it in times like these .

If only one powder in times like these or leading up to ? w-748/760 , H-335 , IMR 4895 because more likely to find those then Varget , H-4895 . H-4350 etc . In fact I bought 16lbs of H-335 recently for this very reason .

This question comes up often and the first time it did for me I took note and actually bought less popular powders and worked up some loads in several cartridges. Not to use then or every day use but to have the data in my back pocket if I ever needed it .

JJ45 · October 27, 2020, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metal god

Based on your premise of panic buying and the types of situations we are in now . Varget would be my last choice , it’s hard enough to find on good days and you’ll never find it in times like these .

If only one powder in times like these or leading up to ? w-748/760 , H-335 , IMR 4895 because more likely to find those then Varget , H-4895 . H-4350 etc . In fact I bought 16lbs of H-335 recently for this very reason .

This question comes up often and the first time it did for me I took note and actually bought less popular powders and worked up some loads in several cartridges. Not to use then or every day use but to have the data in my back pocket if I ever needed it .

That's what I meant but I didn't say it right...

If no Varget, for me that is, then what ONE powder for those three loads. I was figuring one that isn't in as great a demand as Varget but which ONE. You listed 7

But you didn't mention IMR 4064 which I think a contender. I know it is excellent with those bullet weights for two of those calibers, not so much the 30-30 but probably doable.

Just looking

Metal god · October 27, 2020, 02:11 PM

The first three are what I looked for and bought . That second group was/is just as popular as varget along with IMR-4064 and those would not be my dependent powders . As you know , right now is not the time to figure out what alternative powders you could use . That was needed to be done a year ago so you would have the information you now seek.

There’s a bunch of powders that will do what you want but likely not great for each cartridge . Another way to go about this would be to go into your manuals and look up each of the cartridges you describe and see what powders for each overlap . Then start looking for those powders to buy . Keeping in mind you’re not looking for the best powder , only one/s that will do the job and you can find now . That is exactly what I did when I first started Reloading . I had no idea where to start with powders . So I looked at a couple manuals for the cartridges I wanted to reload and found some common powders that I could buy . At the time one of those was power pro 2000mr which is another powder you could consider.

Sarge · October 27, 2020, 02:29 PM

H4895 is the only rifle powder I've used for years in 30-30, 308 and 30-06.

hounddawg · October 27, 2020, 02:56 PM

delete

hounddawg · October 27, 2020, 03:38 PM

Vihtavuori N140 I would not choose any powder that is made in Australia. Shipping regulations changed and I have a feeling it is going to scarce from here on out

Kram · October 27, 2020, 05:12 PM

I was at Phillips Wholesale in Covina Ca last Wednesday. He had about 10x1#ers and 4x8#ers of Varget. It was all gone by the end of the day. He's managed to keep just about everything else that I would buy in stock (powder) but the Varget only last one day.

Average Joe · October 27, 2020, 06:12 PM

W748 will work in all of your calibers

Grant 14 · October 27, 2020, 07:35 PM

What about good old IMR 3031? In my older Lyman manual, it is listed first for all three of the rounds you mentioned. I dont know about availability, but it might be worth checking on. Just my 2 cents worth. Grant.

603Country · October 27, 2020, 09:36 PM

IMR 4064. I’ve used it in 223, 220, 270, and 35 Rem. And it’s usually not too tough to find.

**44 AMP** · October 28, 2020, 12:52 AM

Quote:

If you could have just one powder for loading these;
30-30
300 Savage
30-06

Which end of the performance spectrum are you willing to "go short" on?

All the IMR powders from 3031 through 4350 are useable, also W748 and 760 and many others. For highest speeds in the 06, the slower powders are better (4350/760) For best efficiency in the smaller cases the faster powders are better (3031/748) and the middle ranges 4064, 4320, 4895 do it all pretty well, though not quite as well at the extreme ends of the spectrum.

All of them will produce good hunting loads in the normal velocity ranges in all the listed cases. SO, any of them you can get in sufficient quantity for your needs would do.

I found I got IMR 4895 more than others because I use it to duplicate the military loads in milsurp rifles calibers I have, as well as work well for others.

JJ45 · October 28, 2020, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

Which end of the performance spectrum are you willing to "go short" on?

All the IMR powders from 3031 through 4350 are useable, also W748 and 760 and many others. For highest speeds in the 06, the slower powders are better (4350/760) For best efficiency in the smaller cases the faster powders are better (3031/748) and the middle ranges 4064, 4320, 4895 do it all pretty well, though not quite as well at the extreme ends of the spectrum.

All of them will produce good hunting loads in the normal velocity ranges in all the listed cases. SO, any of them you can get in sufficient quantity for your needs would do.

I found I got IMR 4895 more than others because I use it to duplicate the military loads in milsurp rifles calibers I have, as well as work well for others.

I still have a small (about 1/2 LB each) quantity of Varget, 4064, and H4350 but thats it.

If I can't find Varget (like finding a needle in TWO haystacks

I narrowed it to 3031, 4895 (IMR or H) and possibly 748 or H335, IF I can find any.

FWIW, I got a quantity of 9X18 and 7.62X39 ammo for weapons that I don't load for but these are not generally hunting guns. This was acquired before the crunch, actually, with a possible crunch in mind

Bart B. · October 28, 2020, 08:09 AM

IMR4895 has produced best accuracy with those bullet weights and done so using metered powder charges with a 3/10ths grain spread.

lugerstew · October 28, 2020, 08:23 AM

Not sure if it was one of your choices, but i just read the other day that Hodgdon is discontinuing H414 this year.

hdbiker · October 29, 2020, 11:15 AM

my chaise would be IMR 4064 works great in almost everything. IMHO hdbiker

Road_Clam · October 29, 2020, 11:30 AM

My go-to .30 cal "panic" powder is W748. A very versatile ball powder for most anything .30 cal, and works excellent in .223/5.56 gas guns. Got about 27# so im able to conserve my Varget as needed to get through panics. Only downsides is W748 is a bit temp sensitive, and a bit messy vs Varget or 4895. The good is it meters extremly well .

T. O'Heir · October 29, 2020, 01:17 PM

IMR4064. More consistently accurate than IMR4895.
Isn't Varget one of the powders that have gone into the Twilight Zone Stateside?

Geezerbiker · October 29, 2020, 05:27 PM

I was going to say RL15 but it's only listed for on loading for the .30-30 in the books I have. Of the powders mentioned, 4064 is very versatile and has loads listed for the all the rounds you mentioned.

Back in the day I used it a lot in '06 and 7.7x58. I still keep it on hand but I don't use it as much as I used to.

Also I wouldn't want to be limited to just one powder but I suppose that's another conversation.

Tony

HiBC · October 29, 2020, 11:42 PM

I'd agree Varget is one good choice. Apparently,if I understand,its out because you find it unavailable.
OK. H 4895 and IMR 4895 have been mentioned,and would serve pretty well.

While they are not interchangable,generally Varget,the 4895's,RE-15,N-140 work pretty well in the same niche.

If it was me, I'd first work with the reality of what I could find,and I'd lose the "just one powder" requirement. That opens options.
You aren't necessarily finding 8 lb jugs. With 1 lb jugs,why not optimize per cartridge and buy as you can? If your 30-06 is a Garand,OK,use caution with slower powders, but the 30-06 thrives on the 4350 s
4064 serves all your cartridges. 3031 and BL C-2 might help you. RE-15 and RE-19 perform well for some loads.

GeauxTide · October 30, 2020, 12:08 AM

H-4895 is an Extreme Powder, with temperature insensitive coating. I've gotten the lowest ES of 7fps, SD of 5.5, and same point of impact with 150 and 165 in my 308. Accuracy on both bullets with a 42gr. load is .5".

Sarge · October 30, 2020, 08:58 AM

H4895 is also one of a very few rifle powders which allows substantially reduced loads, for the kiddos and folks who are recoil sensitive.

https://www.ballisticstudies.com/sit...oad%20data.pdf

Geezerbiker · October 30, 2020, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

H4895 is also one of a very few rifle powders which allows substantially reduced loads, for the kiddos and folks who are recoil sensitive.

https://www.ballisticstudies.com/sit...oad%20data.pdf

So is IMR3031 but it doesn't get as much press about it as 4895...

Tony

jetinteriorguy · October 31, 2020, 11:30 AM

H4895 has been my surprise powder, it’s a good go to powder. Even though I’m well stocked on Varget I’m getting as much or more mileage from H4895. At my rate of shooting I’m pretty well set for powder for the rest of my life shooting wise.

Mike / Tx · October 31, 2020, 03:23 PM

Have to go with H4895 in quantity.

It can be reduced from 60% of max listed loads right back up to the top end listed. I've used it in everything from reduced 243 loads up to full blast 06 loads and have found it might not always burst velocity records it has been plenty accurate to put plenty of meat in the freezer.

October 27, 2020, 11:57 AM	#1
JJ45 Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2015 Posts: 908	If you could have just ONE powder for... In the day and age of panic buying and shortages. If you could have just one powder for loading these; 30-30 300 Savage 30-06 My overwhelming favorite for these, maybe not the best for every loading in these calibers, but will be the most versatile for my loads is Hodgdon's VARGET. What other suggestions, can you offer, for a go to powder for these 3 cartridges My applications would be medium game hunting. Bullet weights; 30-30 - 150 and 170 300S - 150 30-06 - 150 and 165 Last edited by JJ45; October 27, 2020 at 12:04 PM.

October 27, 2020, 12:43 PM	#2
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Based on your premise of panic buying and the types of situations we are in now . Varget would be my last choice , it’s hard enough to find on good days and you’ll never find it in times like these . If only one powder in times like these or leading up to ? w-748/760 , H-335 , IMR 4895 because more likely to find those then Varget , H-4895 . H-4350 etc . In fact I bought 16lbs of H-335 recently for this very reason . This question comes up often and the first time it did for me I took note and actually bought less popular powders and worked up some loads in several cartridges. Not to use then or every day use but to have the data in my back pocket if I ever needed it . __________________ 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 .

October 27, 2020, 02:11 PM	#4
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	The first three are what I looked for and bought . That second group was/is just as popular as varget along with IMR-4064 and those would not be my dependent powders . As you know , right now is not the time to figure out what alternative powders you could use . That was needed to be done a year ago so you would have the information you now seek. There’s a bunch of powders that will do what you want but likely not great for each cartridge . Another way to go about this would be to go into your manuals and look up each of the cartridges you describe and see what powders for each overlap . Then start looking for those powders to buy . Keeping in mind you’re not looking for the best powder , only one/s that will do the job and you can find now . That is exactly what I did when I first started Reloading . I had no idea where to start with powders . So I looked at a couple manuals for the cartridges I wanted to reload and found some common powders that I could buy . At the time one of those was power pro 2000mr which is another powder you could consider. __________________ 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 . Last edited by Metal god; October 28, 2020 at 04:17 AM.

October 27, 2020, 02:29 PM	#5
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	H4895 is the only rifle powder I've used for years in 30-30, 308 and 30-06. __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

October 27, 2020, 02:56 PM	#6
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	delete __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek Last edited by hounddawg; October 27, 2020 at 03:39 PM.

October 27, 2020, 03:38 PM	#7
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	Vihtavuori N140 I would not choose any powder that is made in Australia. Shipping regulations changed and I have a feeling it is going to scarce from here on out __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

October 27, 2020, 05:12 PM	#8
Kram Member Join Date: January 5, 2019 Posts: 70	I was at Phillips Wholesale in Covina Ca last Wednesday. He had about 10x1#ers and 4x8#ers of Varget. It was all gone by the end of the day. He's managed to keep just about everything else that I would buy in stock (powder) but the Varget only last one day.

October 27, 2020, 06:12 PM	#9
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	W748 will work in all of your calibers

October 27, 2020, 07:35 PM	#10
Grant 14 Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2018 Posts: 167	What about good old IMR 3031? In my older Lyman manual, it is listed first for all three of the rounds you mentioned. I dont know about availability, but it might be worth checking on. Just my 2 cents worth. Grant.

October 27, 2020, 09:36 PM	#11
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	IMR 4064. I’ve used it in 223, 220, 270, and 35 Rem. And it’s usually not too tough to find.

October 28, 2020, 08:09 AM	#14
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	IMR4895 has produced best accuracy with those bullet weights and done so using metered powder charges with a 3/10ths grain spread.

October 28, 2020, 08:23 AM	#15
lugerstew Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2019 Location: Colorado Posts: 260	Not sure if it was one of your choices, but i just read the other day that Hodgdon is discontinuing H414 this year.

October 29, 2020, 11:15 AM	#16
hdbiker Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2012 Posts: 297	my chaise would be IMR 4064 works great in almost everything. IMHO hdbiker

October 29, 2020, 11:30 AM	#17
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	My go-to .30 cal "panic" powder is W748. A very versatile ball powder for most anything .30 cal, and works excellent in .223/5.56 gas guns. Got about 27# so im able to conserve my Varget as needed to get through panics. Only downsides is W748 is a bit temp sensitive, and a bit messy vs Varget or 4895. The good is it meters extremly well . __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

October 29, 2020, 01:17 PM	#18
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	IMR4064. More consistently accurate than IMR4895. Isn't Varget one of the powders that have gone into the Twilight Zone Stateside? __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

October 29, 2020, 05:27 PM	#19
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I was going to say RL15 but it's only listed for on loading for the .30-30 in the books I have. Of the powders mentioned, 4064 is very versatile and has loads listed for the all the rounds you mentioned. Back in the day I used it a lot in '06 and 7.7x58. I still keep it on hand but I don't use it as much as I used to. Also I wouldn't want to be limited to just one powder but I suppose that's another conversation. Tony

October 29, 2020, 11:42 PM	#20
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,289	I'd agree Varget is one good choice. Apparently,if I understand,its out because you find it unavailable. OK. H 4895 and IMR 4895 have been mentioned,and would serve pretty well. While they are not interchangable,generally Varget,the 4895's,RE-15,N-140 work pretty well in the same niche. If it was me, I'd first work with the reality of what I could find,and I'd lose the "just one powder" requirement. That opens options. You aren't necessarily finding 8 lb jugs. With 1 lb jugs,why not optimize per cartridge and buy as you can? If your 30-06 is a Garand,OK,use caution with slower powders, but the 30-06 thrives on the 4350 s 4064 serves all your cartridges. 3031 and BL C-2 might help you. RE-15 and RE-19 perform well for some loads.

October 30, 2020, 12:08 AM	#21
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,426	H-4895 is an Extreme Powder, with temperature insensitive coating. I've gotten the lowest ES of 7fps, SD of 5.5, and same point of impact with 150 and 165 in my 308. Accuracy on both bullets with a 42gr. load is .5". __________________ Reloading For: 223R, 243W, 6.5 GR, 6.5 CM, 260R, 6.5-06, 280R, 7mmRM, 300HAM'R, 308W, 30-06, 338-06, 9mm, 357M, 41M, 44SPL, 44M, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 450BM.

October 30, 2020, 08:58 AM	#22
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 5,457	H4895 is also one of a very few rifle powders which allows substantially reduced loads, for the kiddos and folks who are recoil sensitive. https://www.ballisticstudies.com/sit...oad%20data.pdf __________________ People were smarter before the Internet, or imbeciles were harder to notice.

October 31, 2020, 11:30 AM	#24
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,184	H4895 has been my surprise powder, it’s a good go to powder. Even though I’m well stocked on Varget I’m getting as much or more mileage from H4895. At my rate of shooting I’m pretty well set for powder for the rest of my life shooting wise.

October 31, 2020, 03:23 PM	#25
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Posts: 2,102	Have to go with H4895 in quantity. It can be reduced from 60% of max listed loads right back up to the top end listed. I've used it in everything from reduced 243 loads up to full blast 06 loads and have found it might not always burst velocity records it has been plenty accurate to put plenty of meat in the freezer. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX