IMR 4895 for .308 WIN in RCBS Uniflow

[jediagh]

Does IMR 4895 meter well in the RCBS Uniflow?
I would like to reload for .308 WIN but not sure what powder to use.
Just plan on shooting paper targets on the 25 and 100 yard range.

Have only loaded WIN 231 for .45 ACP and WIN 296 for .30 carbine using the RCBS Uniflow. Horndady reloading book says IMR is popular powder to use for .308 WIN.

Thanks

--UPDATED--
Also would it be large rifle primers I would be using?

 

[Waldog]

IMR 4895 is ideal for the 308. It will meter in your uniflow. HOWEVER, 4895 is a "stick" type powder and it doesn't meter nearly as well as a ball or flake type powder. I think you will find that your uniflow will meter 4895 at +/- .3 gr. or less. That is well within acceptable limits except at the EXTREME MAXIMUM load.

 

[Walkalong]

I think you will find that your uniflow will meter 4895 at +/- .3 gr. or less.

I agree.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO IMR4895 and H4895 are just fine for loading the .308. If you like ball powders better give BL-C(2) a try instead. I prefer using IMR4064 in the 308, it's just the best powder for that cartridge IMO.

The ball powder will meter best in the Uniflow...

 

[cfullgraf]

I get better results with my Uniflow and H4895. About plus/minus 0.1 to 0.2 grains or better.

Technique is the key. Operate the measure the same way every time.

I like to use a baffle in my measure, some folks don't. With a baffle, I do not have to fill the hopper as frequently.

i get better results if I settle the powder column by throwing 15 or twenty charges and then minimize the amount of vibration I put into the measure while I operate the measure.

I even have my measure mounted on a separate stand from the reloading bench so that vibrations from the bench while operating the press do not vibrate the measure.

Lots of folks like to vibrate or knock the measure with each stroke.

But, to repeat, operate the measure the same way every time.

 

[jediagh]

Is H4895 a ball type powder?
I have 2 benches for the reason you mentioned above.
One bench just has my uniflow and my scale.
The 2nd has my press and other tools. This way the only 'movement' on my 1st bench is me and the uniflow. When I fill up the hopper and set my number since Ihave the micrometer i then drop 20 charges back into the container and then the 21st Imeasure if good then Istart to reload. If no correct and drop 15 more chages back into the container. Repeat as needed.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No, neither 4895 is a ball powder but Accurate Arms makes a ball powder that's extremely close to 4895, it's AA2520. That powder is nicknamed "The Camp Perry Powder" so you know it works well.

IMR4895 and H4895 are almost clones and AA2495 is just as close. All are stick or extruded powders and AA2520 is the ball powder equivalent of those other 3. Of course none of the load data is interchangeable so be aware.

 

[cfullgraf]

Is H4895 a ball type powder?

I get the same results with IMR4895 as H4895. I just prefer H4895.

As ArchAngelCD said, both the 4895's are stick powders and will perform the same in a powder measure. Metering is generally considered more difficult with IMR4895 and H4895 than with a ball powder.

Also, as ArchAngelCD said, the load data is not interchangeable between the two.

 

[Steve in PA]

I use IMR-4895 for loads in my M1 Garand and 1903A3. Being the type of powder it is, it does not meter as well as a ball powder. However, I do use it for the above rifles, but I also weigh every load, using a trickler to add the last few kernels. I set my Uniflow to throw slightly below my desired weight.

 

[medalguy]

Having used ball powders for many years in both .30-06 and .308, I would have to argue that no, 4895 powders do not work really well in a Uniflow type measure. The stick powders all tend to break when you throw the charge, and while it's not a great problem, it does make using those powders just a little bit harder than using a ball powder.

 

[A Pause for the Coz]

All the powders described should be fine. As a matter of fact just about any med burn rifle powder should perform well.
Thats the great thing about the 308

I love my Uniflow. Its my favorite powder drop.
But not for stick powders. I have two and they both act like a coffee grinder with stick powders.

I have found that my LEE PPM works best with stick powder. YMMV though.

 

[MtnCreek]

Split the difference between extruded and ball and pick up some IMR8208.

FWIW, I think H 4895 meters better than IMR 4895. Either way, see above

 

[Slamfire]

IMR 4895/H4895 and AA2495 are so close that whatever differences in charge weight versus velocity is probably due to lot to lot variations. Accurate Arms told me AA2495 has the same pressure curve as IMR 4895, and so AA2520, and I cannot tell any visual difference between AA2495 and IMR 4895.

I think H4895 is the more advanced as it is an extreme powder and the coating are difference. Makes the powder green for one thing.

Buy by price





I don’t think the weight differences with thrown charges matter that much. People make a big hoopla over consistency in thrown charges, but unless it is a max charge, I throw 4895. I have used AA2520 and have kegs of the stuff, yes it is a ball powder, throws well, but it does not give much warning before blowing primers and leaves lots of residue in the gas systems of AR15's and M1a's.

This is AA2494, fired prone with a sling, with irons, in a 100 yard reduced Highpower Match. The charges were thrown.

 

[splithoof]

I agree with medalguy. After 32 years of reloading for .308 & .30-06 using a Uniflow measure, I got tired of the "sticking" stick powders, and purchased a Chargemaster combo. Now, I simply enter the weight, push the button, and watch it go! I will never go back to stick powders in the Uniflow, only ball types.