Did I make a mistake? IMR 4895 vs H4895? Plus 45-70 questions

[jibbs]

Sorry making this more long winded than it needs to be, but just so you know why it happened the way that it did. This kind of goes along with my VV post. I did the math and figured that since I was getting multiple pounds of powders I got at a cheaper price, it made sense to order online. Well in the ordering process I noticed that they didn't have any N120, no big deal as my local store talked with their dealer and that could be shipped no problem. I got AA1680 instead because those are the only powders listed from Barnes Data sheet for the TSX FN in 45-70 lever-action rifle. 300gr TSX is roughly 1.5x longer than the 300gr Hornady so I figured that using their recommend powders with that particular bullet may have some merit.

Since I was on a ordering bonanza, I figured why not get powders I wanted and heard good things about, why not save a bit and make the hazmat fee a lil less painful. So I ordered IMR 4895 and IMR 4198. Both along with IMR 3031 should put me in good standing with my 45-70 and other bullets that are not as long as the TSX's. My question to you guys, did I pick the right company? I totally wasn't thinking about H4895 and H4198. I know that they have similar burn rates but the data between them is not comparable, but for the 45-70, should I have gone with Hodgdon instead? I ordered it later in the day today, so maybe I can call in the morning and switch powders?

I mistakenly bought the 3031 thinking it was the go to powder for the 45-70, but only to find out it has taken a back seat to 4895. That was why I order IMR, because I was looking at the 3031 can right in my face. Should I switch or just let it ride?

Literally as I am writing this post forgot that I inherited all my reloading gear from my father who only reloaded for 30-30 and 30-06. I go downstairs to the reloading room and what do I find?


Either way, which one do you guys like better in 45-70, or is it like splitting hairs?

Sorry for such a long winded post form a person who was in a internet ordering euphoric daze and not paying attention until now when I have come to my senses. You guys are great, all responses are appreciated in advanced.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have used both IMR4895 and H4895 and both deliver similar performance. I use mostly H4895 but that's because I think it develops slightly less pressure while producing the same velocity. MANY reloaders swear by IMR powders and I can't argue with them, they make an excellent line of powders. You didn't make a mistake IMO.

 

[Slamfire]

I have shot kegs of IMR 4895 in the 308, 30-06 and it is an outstanding powder. I purchased a keg of H4895, tested it in 308, the only differences in velocity were consistent with differences in lots. It also shot very well. When H4895 was introduced in the 80's, it was advertized as a duplicate of IMR 4895.

I called Hodgdon to talk powders and found that the latest H4895 is one of those extreme powders. The characteristic I remember is that the powder pressure curve is pretty consistent over temperature.

That’s pretty good.

I would buy by price but I think the extreme version of H4895 is an improvement over IMR 4895. I also doubt I will ever see any difference on target.

Not unless I shoot benchrest. And then what I will see is conjecture.






IMR 3031 is an outstanding 308 powder, too long for things like .223, but it shoots very well in the 30-06. I have not used IMR 3031 in the 45/70, I may have used IMR 4895, but I found a better powder than both for the 45/70.

For the 45/70, my favorite powder is AA5744. It is bulky, not sensitive to position, so it works very well in this big case.


45/70 Martini Henry

26" Shilen Barrel


405 LRN 26.5gr AA5744 R-P cases WLR
29-Apr-04 T = 80 °F
Ave Vel = 1294
Std Dev = 14
ES = 40
Low = 1274
High = 1314
N = 15


405 LRN 27.0gr AA5744 R-P cases WLR
24-Mar-04 T = 70 °F
Ave Vel = 1284
Std Dev = 23
ES = 80
Low = 1263
High = 1343
N = 12


405 LRN 27.5gr AA5744 R-P cases WLR
24-Mar-04 T = 70 °F
Ave Vel = 1323
Std Dev = 14
ES = 38
Low = 1307
High = 1345
N = 5

 

[Eb1]

I feel that H4895 is a better powder for my guns. I am loading for 30-30 and .303 British, and I get better accuracy from my guns using H4895 rather than IMR4895.

I will say that I do use IMR powders. I like IMR 3031, IMR 4227, and IMR Trail Boss. All are very good powders. I find IMR 3031 with the 125 grain Sierra FNHP out of 30-30 to be very accurate and speedy! IMR 4227 is wonderful for my .44 Magnum with a 240 grain LWSC, and so is Trail Boss.

The only way to tell is to load it up, and see if it shoots good.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use mostly 3031 in my 30-30 ammo. It doesn't deliver the highest velocity but it's extremely accurate in my Marlin levergun.

 

[x_wrench]

i shoot a lot of IMR powders. i, and my guns seem to like it. i seldom have trouble finding a couple of good loads for any of my guns with it. i have not used the 4895 as of yet. but the best load i have for my 45/70 is using IMR 4198. that olso works well in my 30-30, and in some loads for my 300 win mag. it will take a bit of testing to find a good load or two. but you will get there. just think logicly, and experiment with loads till you find one or two you and your gun are happy with.

 

[squarles67]

IMR 4198 is my favorite for 45-70

 

[jibbs]

Thanks for the replies guys. I feel a bit better about my situation now. Only bad news was I couldn't get a hold of them in tie to take the 4895 off my order, but oh well. Guess I will just have to shoot it up? I figure the case sizes are big enough that it will be gone before I know it.

I will truly know which one I prefer with the next few months, and who knows which one it will be. Im fortunate enough to have a lot of different powders to choose from.