IMR4451 vs 4350

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a pet load of 58.0gr H4350 under a 168gr HPBT match bullet for the 30-06. My backup is 57.0gr IMR4350 under the same 168gr match bullet.

From Hodgdon
H4350 55.0gr to 59.0gr
IMR4350 54.0gr to 58.0gr

IMR4451 52.7gr to 56.7gr.

My question is, has anyone here used IMR4451 in the 30-06 yet? Anyone also use 4530 in the 30-06? I'm wondering where I should start with 4451 to try and match the results I get with 4350. Yes, yes, yes, I know every gun is different but most times a good load is a good load. I have limited time to work this up or I wouldn't be asking. (I'm thinking 55.7gr if it followed the others but that's just a wild guess) Any first hand results would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Charlie98]

When IMR4350 was in short supply, I grabbed a can of IMR4451... for loading in 6.5CM. It certainly works well enough in that role.

I don't have direct data for the .30-06, but with the 6.5CM, the general rule is you don't get all the velocity that IMR4350 gets you, all things being equal.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thank you.

 

[sage5907]

Just yesterday I was going through the same mental process with a 270 Winchester with 140 grain Sierra GK bullets. I have been using 53 grains of IMR 4350 with good results. When I noticed on the Hodgdon Load Data website that IMR 4451 showed slightly greater velocity I thought about trying it. I probably should just leave well enough alone.

My basic game load in Oklahoma and Colorado for a 30-06 with a 165 grain bullet is 57 grains of IMR 4350 and I have been using this load since the 1970's. I have taken more large deer with this load than with any other cartridge, bullet or powder combination. Although I have loads for the Berger Classic Hunter and the Nosler AccuBond I still shoot most of my animals with a Speer 165 grain boattail.

 

[old heeler]

I shot IMR-4451 in my Shilen barrel 30-06 using 165gr AB. My loading data was from 2015 Hodgdon manual and that was first year for IMR-4451 . I also used H-4350 and IMR-4350 with 165g and I settle on H-4350 for hunting load prior to testing IMR-4451.
I get little better velocity as barrel is 25.6" long. All I can say, it didn't shoot as good as other powders and I did chrono loads. Gunsmith used Wilson die blank and made seater from chamber reamer and I do load at range. I've never started in the middle and I got little better than published on start load and same with other powders, if answer you question.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Yes, very helpful, thank you.