IMR powder

[chief99]

My local dealer has plenty of IMR 4198, 4064 and SR 4759. Are these good pistol powders ? Loading 38 spec. , 40 and 45's. With everything else in short supply , should I go for it. If they are great pistol powders, can't understand why they are still on the shelf. The only thing I find in my manuals are IMR 700x and 800x .

 

[NCsmitty]

They are not pistol powders in the calibers that u mentioned.


NCsmitty

 

[buck460XVR]

I think the lack of info in manuals relates completely to the reason they are still on the shelf.

 

[kerreckt]

Not handgun powders. IMR4198 and 4064 good rifle powders. SR4759 can be used for some handgun calibers but not the ones you mentioned. Mostly magnum calibers and then kind of limited. Keep looking. Handgun powder is out there. Bought some AA#2 and #5 a few days ago.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Not handgun powders. IMR4198 and 4064 good rifle powders. SR4759 can be used for some handgun calibers but not the ones you mentioned. Mostly magnum calibers and then kind of limited. Keep looking. Handgun powder is out there. Bought some AA#2 and #5 a few days ago.

Incorrect on SR4759! SR4756 is a middle speed handgun powder while SR4759 is a light rifle load powder which is very good for lead bullets in rifles. The numbers are very close, be careful when making suggestions on how to use both.

chief99, I highly suggest buying a load manual or two and reading the front of the manual where they discuss powder choices. You can also go to the company websites and see what they say about different powders. Yes all 3 are good powders but not for handgun loading.

 

[BYJO4]

As the others have said, the powders you list are for rifle. With the shortage of powder, I keep a list of powders shown in my loading manuals for the bullets and calibers I shoot, so I can see if my local stores have what I might want. I also continually check web sites.

 

[kerreckt]

I don't believe the the OP mentioned SR4756. Posters should take care when correcting other that they first have read the OP correctly. They should also know what they are talking about. Not incorrect on SR4759, at least not according to the IMR profile of this powder. It is indeed a good magnum handgun powder which can also be used for light rifle loads.

 

[uzimon]

Grab some 4756 if u see it

 

[kerreckt]

Yup, SR4756 is good stuff for many handgun loads.

 

[Walkalong]

SR 4759 can be used in .44 Mag, but it will not give best performance. It is a bulky powder designed for reduced rifle loads. (Like AA5744)

IMR 4198 is a very fast rifle powder.

IMR 4064 is a medium speed rifle powder.

 

[rodregier]

A good burn rate chart is helpful to provide guidance about the general suitability of a candidate powder. You'll still need a reloading manual or trusted online source for the *actual* load data for the candidate powder.

http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html

So, for example - you know that AA #5 works for your application.
Powders near that on the chart would include:

N-340, 800-X, SR4756, HS-6, Autocomp, CFE Pistol

So, any of those would worth a second look to see if loads are available for your application.

You can also look to see if a powder is in the right "neighborhood", but you still need to find actual load data for your usage for the powder you want to use.

Sometimes the powder packaging will suggest general usage guidelines.

For example, a new-to-me powder that I picked up "on spec" was Autocomp.
The packaging says "The Competition Pistol Powder".

 

[gamestalker]

Regarding powder applications, there is really no better source than a published data source. That said, I would spend a little bit of time going through your books, or the online powder and bullet manufacturer's reloading sites researching suitable powders. Then using a business card or two, just make a list of the powders that pertain to cartridges you load, slip it into your wallet, and then you'll always have that list with you when you're out and about.

GS

 

[horseman1]

Then using a business card or two, just make a list of the powders that pertain to cartridges you load, slip it into your wallet, and then you'll always have that list with you when you're out and about.

GS

Great idea!

 

[32_d3gr33s]

The thread of all of the handgun powders that work well just down the page got copied and saved as a note on my phone so I can compare when I'm out and about. Also sent it to my dad so he can grab some if he sees anything

 

[rondog]

Say, I like the idea of creating a powder "shopping list" on your phone's Notepad and saving it! Great idea.

 

[UziLand]

I just discovered Hodgdon PB powder. Saw it on the shelf and picked up a couple of the store copy manuals to check it out. Brought a jug took it home and worked up some 9mm and 38 spcl light target loads. Tested them and went back and bought another pound (actually 14 0z). The stuff burns really clean and meters great through my uniflow. It's a crossover shotgun powder but works great for me.

UL

 

[jrdolall]

I'm thinking someone needs to create an app.