Looking for a flexible powder other then IMR-4895

[devils4ever]

I've been using IMR-4895 powder almost exclusively for reloading .223/5.56mm and .30-06. I know IMR-4895 is the choice for my M1 Garand. But, I also reload for my bolt action Remington in .223 and for my semi-auto AR-15 type rifle. Is there better choice for these? I need to get more rifle powder and want to place an order. Thanks.

 

[VoodooMountain]

8208xbr, varget, h4895, 4064, and 4320 all work for 223 and 308. They may not be optimal in the 30-06 case but they would certainly work for lower end loads.

 

[Bart B.]

IMR4064 was the favorite in the .30-06 with 150 to 180 grain bullets in competition. One of the arsenals learned IMR4064 shot their 172-gr match bullet more accurate than IMR4895, but charges have to be weighed. IMR4895 meters more precisely on automated production lines.

190's shot very accurate wth IMR's 4320 and 4350; 200's with IMR4350.

 

[Kaldor]

There is, and you only need to change 1 letter. H4895 is probably more flexible. Great in betweener type powder that is very flexible and generally very accurate and consistent.

My favorite powder is 8208 XBR, but as VooDoo said, probably not the best powder for 30-06, but is a great choice for 223 for almost all weights and 308 probably up for 168gr. Varget would be a great choice overall, but can be a little too slow burning in short barreled AR's in my opinion.

 

[devils4ever]

I'll probably stick with IMR4895 for the M1. Maybe, I'll try H4895, IMR4064, Varget for .223/5.56.

 

[spitballer]

I also reload for my bolt action Remington in .223...

...all I ever load for is my Rem 700 in .223 with a 30" aftermarket barrel, 12" twist. Man there are so many variables but I've used H4895 like you have and I've found that it really packs a punch with a longer barrel but fouls quickly. For hunting H4895 would still be my choice because it provides immediate accuracy, but for target shooting I've been re-discovering Varget. Hope this helps

 

[ericuda]

H4895 is probably more flexible and works well for reduced loads. ? why not just order 2 powders.

 

[Kaldor]

H4895 is probably more flexible and works well for reduced loads. ? why not just order 2 powders.

My thoughts as well. 8208 and Varget would be 2 powders that can load almost anything, and do it well. As much as I like 8208, I still keep a couple pounds of H4895 on hand to tinker with. Its just great stuff, better than IMR 4895 because its far more flexible.

 

[rodregier]

With the reduced loading capability as a bonus I'm very impressed with H4895 for "balanced" cases like .223 Rem, .308 Win etc. Meters really nice too.

 

[devils4ever]

Hmmm. Selway Armory seems to be out of stock on H4895. I'll have to check around.

 

[VoodooMountain]

Powder valley has some. I just picked some more up last week.

 

[stoky]

TAC ?
IIRC, I asked the same question (to myself) and after some research, Ramshot TAC seemed like the answer.
I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Except for the Garand, IMR3031 works well. It's my personal favorite for the AR, and bolt/lever action 308s

 

[sellersm]

Varget or H4895.

 

[jaysouth]

WCC 844/H-335

WCC 846/Ball (C)

 

[Hardtarget]

I've been using Tac in .223 with 62 and heavier bullets. Seems to shoot good and meters great. For 55 grain I've been shooting H-335...meters great, too.

I'm not a competitor or high end target shooter. I just like reloading and a little range time.

IMR-4895...M1 Garand

IMR 4064... .30-30

Mark

 

[devils4ever]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I just ordered from Powder Valley some: IMR-4895, IMR-8208XBR, Accurate-4064, H4895, and Varget.

 

[au_prospector]

Well good, there you go! Since you were "placing an order" anyway it makes sense to buy the optimal powder for the separate chamberings anyway.

 

[devils4ever]

Hmmm. Is Accurate-4064 and IMR-4064 similar? Just noticed the two are from different companies.

 

[blue32]

IMR 4166 has been working well for me in 223

 

[Bart B.]

Accurate powders are different that IMR powders.

I looked at Accurate's web site and their 4064 has a Bulk Density(grains/cc) +/-3.0% per 14.182 grains of powder. Which means that if your measure is set to throw 42.546 grains (3 cc) of Accurate 4064, there'll be a 1.27638 grain spread in charge weights across several lots of powder with the same metering chamber setting on a powder measure. Interesting.

 

[devils4ever]

Accurate powders are different that IMR powders.

I looked at Accurate's web site and their 4064 has a Bulk Density(grains/cc) +/-3.0% per 14.182 grains of powder. Which means that if your measure is set to throw 42.546 grains (3 cc) of Accurate 4064, there'll be a 1.27638 grain spread in charge weights across several lots of powder with the same metering chamber setting on a powder measure. Interesting.

I don't see any load data for .223/5.56 using Accurate-4064. I do for IMR-4064. I'm not sure if I can use Accurate-4064 for these calibers. Has anyone used it?

 

[devils4ever]

I was able to contact Powder Valley before shipment and was able to swap IMR-4064 for the AA-4064. Kudos to Powder Valley!!!!

 

[hdbiker]

Best Powder

I started out with IMR 4064, in 1972 in my .308 Win. I chased many similar powders for all these years for all my rifles and have went back to IMR 4064 for all of them.It also works very well in my 30-30's,.243, .270,and 30-06, One powder for me and all my rifles. hdbiker