308 Powder Opinions

[jinxer3006]

I want to start working up a load for my .308. 150 grain bullets for hunting. I did a search but didn't really find anything that answered my question(s). So here goes: I have IMR4895, H4350, and H380 on hand. Which one would you start with? Or would you forget about all 3 and go with something else?

I'm not looking for anybody's specific loads since I know I'll have to start from the bottom and work up in my rifle. I'm just looking for some real-world experience and opinions for a powder choice. Thanks.

 

[USSR]

IMHO, IMR4895 is the perfect powder for all but heavy bullet loads for the .308. It's all I use for bullets up to 170 grains.

Don

 

[Marlin270]

My brother has been working up handloads for our M1916 Spanish Mausers that have been redone in 7.62x51. Since the rifles are based upon 7x57 mauser, we are limiting them to about 42,000+/- cup. The Hodgdon reload site shows 150 gr bullet using 45gr of BL-C(2) at about 40,000 cup. My brother likes BL-C(2) as it meters nicely, so the loads are quick and easy for plinking, settling on 44 gr with 147gr pulldown FMJ and NATO brass. We've tried SR4759 at 25gr, but I haven't found and good pressure data yet. Chuck Hawks says "Most of these are actually MAXIMUM pressure loads despite their reduced performance." (http://www.chuckhawks.com/reduced_recoil_reloads.htm).

In summary, we like BL-C(2) (because it is easy) and would like SR4759 for plinking if we can find pressure data. We are not trying for "match" performance, just nice bolt action plinking. Should have more range time this weekend.

Happy new year.

 

[BullfrogKen]

IMR4895 and .308 Winchester go together like peanut butter and jelly.


I've used AA 2495, and it didn't perform as well as IMR4895. It worked fine, but 4895 performed so much better. I've also had a lot of success using Varget in .308. But since you have 4895 on hand, use that first.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I agree, IMR-4895 is perfect in .308. I use it with 168 gr match bullets with great success.

 

[Slamfire]

The 308 round was developed using IMR 4895. It is hard to beat any of the 4895 series of powders in the 308, that includes H4895 and AA2495.

I have shot thousands of 175 SMK's using IMR 4895 out to 1000 yards.

I tested IMR 4350 with 155's. I was not able to get the velocity I wanted, even with a case full of the stuff. Forty seven grains is about all you can get in a 308 case. I also tested 190's with 4350, same outcome.

[SIZE="3"]Ruger M77 MKII 				
26 " Barrel 1:10 twist						
							
150 gr Hornady FMJBT 41.0 grs IMR 3031  wtd Lot 385 Mixed LC WLR	OAL 2.785 
	 						
4 July 2009  T =  86 °F					
							
Ave Vel =	2672			 			
Std Dev =	19			 			
ES =	37			 			
High =	2692		 	 			
Low =	2655		 	 			
N =	3						
							
155 Nosler Match 46.0 grs IMR 4350 wtd lot 6164 (late 60's) Mixed Brass CCI200  
	 						OAL LT. 2.800" 
4 July 2009  T =  86 °F					
							
Ave Vel =	2426						
Std Dev =	17						
ES =	56						
High =	2446						
Low =	2390						
N =	10						
				OK accuracy		
							
155 Nosler Match 47.0 grs IMR 4350 wtd  lot 6164 (late 60's) Mixed Brass CCI200  
	 	OAL LT 2.800" 				
4 July 2009  T =  86 °F					
							
Ave Vel =	2496						
Std Dev =	24						
ES =	78						
High =	2523						
Low =	2445						
N =	10						
		V. Good accuracy				
							
155 Nosler Match 42.5 grs IMR 4895  wtd lot L7926 mfgr 2000 TZZ  Brass CC#34  
	 	OAL 2.750" 				
4 July 2009  T =  86 °F					
							
Ave Vel =	2716						
Std Dev =	33						
ES =	113						
High =	2794						
Low =	2681						
N =	10						
				 Good accuracy	[/SIZE]

 

[onebigelf]

4895 or BL-C(2), but I prefer Varget over anything else.

John

 

[medalguy]

IMR4895 is the powder of choice. There are lots of others that will work but that's like saying "It's just as good as...." so why not go with the original unless you just have to use the powder du jour.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Has anybody tried Alliant 2000-MR yet? Alliant recommends that on their 168-175gr SMK load recipes now. This article sounded favorable: http://www.westernshooter.com/2010/07/alliant-power-pro-2000-mr.html
Picked up 160fps over varget and shot one hole groups.

 

[Adair]

With 150's in my A Bolt, Varget is great. I have used H4895 without much luck, but like others said, IMR 4895 is supposed to be the cat's meow.

 

[TooTaxed]

After many years of using just about everything on the market for different calibers and loads, I've settled on IMR4895 for loading everything from .223 NATO to light bullet loads in .300 Win Mag...IMR4350 is used for magnum loads. I purchase the IMR4895 in 8-lb cans and no longer bother with the rest...sure gained a lot of space at my bench, and there's no danger of mistaking what is in the powder measure! (I still label it anyway.)

(Note: IMR4895 and H4895 are not interchangable! IMR is slightly stronger.)

 

[243winxb]

Imr 4895

 

[jinxer3006]

Thanks everybody. Looks like I'll stick with the IMR4895 for now and go from there.