.375 Ruger IMR 4831

[DK123]

Anyone have any experience with this combo? Hodgdons start load for a 250 grain SF ST is 79.4. Unfortunately I only have 235 grain Speer hot core. I am relatively new to reloading. Will I be wasting my powder trying to get this combo to work. 4831 is slow burning, seems like I should be able to get it to work?
Thanks in advance merry Xmas!
Doug

 

[Archie]

IMR 4831 is indeed a relatively 'slow' powder among rifle powders. It is slower in burn rate - all other factors being equal - than many others. If you check a current reloading manual, you will find IMR 4831 can be used in greater quantities - assuming the same case and same bullet weight - than others.

Looking at the specifics you cite, it looks as if 4831 is too slow for what passes for 'good results' in Hodgdon's eyes. One problem one must consider is, at times a slow burning powder with too much air space in the case will explode. No one is quite sure why this happens (which is to say, no one can make it happen on command) but it seems prudent to avoid the set up. Another thing to consider is the velocities shown. The 235 grain bullets seem to demand a faster burning powder to perform properly.

So, presuming you don't have a problem with the 'underloaded slow powder' possibility, one would expect rather disappointing velocities with that combination. I know powder (like everything else) is in short supply, but it looks like something a bit faster is indicated. Either IMR4895 or H4895 is a faster powder, yet has great versatility.

On the other hand, you might be able to score some heavier bullets. The .375 Ruger is a large game round; to my way of thinking deserving of a big bullet.

 

[DK123]

Thanks Archie. I will look into a heavier bullet. I have a little bit of imr 4064. Hodge dons does list a load for it in 235 grains. But it’s a Barnes bullet. May I’ll try it in the meantime.thanks again. Doug

 

[Legionnaire]

Just ran your data through QuickLoad. Looks like 4831 is too slow. Assuming a COAL of 3.340 and 100% case fill (80.4 grains) of 4831 under a 235 Hot Core, QL projects 2,676 fps at 44,199 psi from a 24-inch barrel. You're leaving a lot of potential on the table there. The max load of 72.5 grains of IMR 4064 does a little better, but it still isn't optimal. QL projects the Speer 235 will give up almost 100 fps compared to the Barnes TSX.

I don't know what powders you have on hand, but QL suggests the following among the "best" for the 235 Speer:
Alliant RL-17
Winchester 760
Hodgdon H414
Vihtavuori N550
Hodgdon H380

 

[DK123]

Well Darn. Looks like I dont have anything that will work great and I can’t find more powder. I guess the best thing to do is go up in bullet weight? I have a lot of 4831. I was hoping to use it. Thanks for the help.

 

[edwardware]

Well Darn.

First, try. You have data for a 250gr bullet, so start there for your lighter 235gr bullet. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Note: more caution would be indicated if you were going to a heavier bullet than your data. . . but a somewhat lighter bullet is safe.

 

[DK123]

10-4 thanks. I’ll give both powders a try. I didn’t think the 15 grains of bullet weight would make a big difference from the data for the 4831 powder. But I am a newbie. I’ll start with the start load and build up in .5 grain increments. I have about one quarter pound of imr 4198 but can’t find any data for the.375 on it. Thanks again

 

[GooseGestapo]

For me, best powders for the.375Ruger are IMR4350, H4350, RL17, and my favorite RL15.

I use 77.0gr of RL15 and the discontinued Hornady 225gr PtSpt. NOT a max load, but minimum that delivers peak accuracy. Runs 3,000fps.
For the Speer 235gr SMP, I use 75.0gr. Gets 2,900fps and tack drives. Moderate recoil. I used it in fall of 2011 to shoot a smallish 10pt buck. Bullet performed just like a 180gr from a .30/06, EXCEPT for the 8ft x 6” divot in the dirt behind the deer!!!! Likely could have killed three deer!

I also use the Sierra 250gr GameKing over the 75.0gr load for 2,900fps. Took it elk hunting in Colorado in ‘13. Elk didn’t cooperate.
81.5gr of the three “4350’s” duplicates factory with a 270gr.
My full power practice load is 81.5gr of IMR4350 under some ancient 270gr Hornady RN I bought for 1970 retail. 5 50rd boxes. $9.99/50.

I also managed some Hornady 270gr PTSPT Interlock blems. $24.00/100. The 250gr Sierras were the deal, Plastic bag of 250 for $27.00! My near lifetime supply of .375’s were less than $125.00 Retail would have been closer to $600. Got them on clearance or bargain bins at various gun shops...

Did something similar for my .260Rem circa 2012 before the current surge of .264”/6.5mm popularity.

True to the “legend”, all the loads in my .375 shoot within 1.25” of same POI at 100yds. The 225’s shoot about 1.25” higher than the 270RN. A Mixed group o 225,235, 250, and 270’s would shoot a 2” tall x1”wide group at 100yds.
It also shoots good with a Lee 255gr FNC over 16.0gr of Unique! But 10” low at 50yds...

 

[Legionnaire]

... I guess the best thing to do is go up in bullet weight? I have a lot of 4831. I was hoping to use it.

The only data Hodgdon has for 4831 in .375 Ruger is for a 300 grain Hornady round nose. So yes, upping the bullet weight would help.

I don't mean to suggest that 4831 with the 235 grain Speers is unsafe; it's just inefficient. You should be able to drive the 235s to 2,900 fps or even faster with a more appropriate powder.

 

[DK123]

Thanks Legionnaire! I got what you meant. I am using the Hodgdons website. That’s where I got the 250 grain over imr 4831. Let me know if there is something I am missing.

BULLET WEIGHT250 GR. SFT SP
ManufacturerIMR
PowderIMR 4831
Bullet Diameter0.375"
C.O.L.3.270"
Starting Load
Grains79.4
Velocity (ft/s)2,627
Pressure49,000 PSI
Maximum Load
Grains84.5C
Velocity (ft/s)2,829
Pressure58,700 PS

 

[Legionnaire]

Looks like you're on track. What rifle are you loading for?

I load the 235 Hot Cores for a Ruger Hawkeye African. Using Speer's data, I've driven them to over 3,000 fps with Varget with no signs of pressure. They are comfortable and accurate at 2,900 fps over 78.0 grains.

 

[Thomasss]

Why not just go to Hodgdon Reloading Website and at the bottom of the page you can email their technical staff and ask them for a recipe for your caliber, bullet and powder and see what they say. If they say no, you can always ask why. I have found that sometimes it's a matter of efficiency rather than safety. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[DK123]

It’s a Ruger m77 Hawkeye. I will keep an eye out for varget. I would like to develop a good load with the hot core. It’s cheap and I love shooting. I would love to get them close to 3,000. I can pick up some 250 grain Sierra game king as well. I am going to hunt elk with it next year.

Thanks for the info Thomasss. I will try their technical support. I have 2 lbs imr 4831. That’s why I am using it. I see now that it’s not the most efficient but I can use it for sighting it and just getting comfortable with the rifle.
Thanks again,
Doug