Moderately-slow burning rifle powders

[Toml]

I'm planning to handload for 7 X 57 Mauser (mil surplus) and .243 Winchester (Browning BLR).

Have never used these, but cross references from the Nosler and Speer manuals suggest that IMR4064, H380, and IMR4895 are suitable powders for both calibers.

Please recommend the best powder selection for mid-range, hunting loads in both rifles with pros and cons for these powders.

I know the best powder will be the one that gives the best results in each rifle, but I'm trying to start off by selecting the best powder that'll work well in both rifles.

Thanks.

 

[BsChoy]

H4350 is one of the best....after that Reloder 19 and the 4831's but they'd be a little slow for the mauser

 

[NCsmitty]

Win760/H414 can be a good choice for mid-weight bullets, flows accurately through most measures and has been used for years in many different Winchester factory ammo.

In reality, the 7x57 is very versatile and adapts to many different powders and bullet weights.
The 243 has a bit more narrow window, but can be used with many of the same powders. Both rounds benefit from slower burning powders when using their heavy bullets.



NCsmitty

 

[rogn]

As BSchoy said Hodgdons 4350 is tops for 140-160 grers. R19 is also very good and very accurate. If youre using heavier bullets H4381SC will allow you to pack more into the and get good velocity without excessive pressure, good accuracy also. One of the worlds best hunting rounds.

 

[Toml]

Thank you for your insights.

 

[GooseGestapo]

For accuracy and near top velocities I'd start with IMR4350.

For the .243. 39.5gr is a near universal load for the 100gr bullet. Max is 41.5gr. Be careful in approaching max with the .243. I've seen bad things happen with this cartridge at near max pressures. Be sure to consult the bullet manufacturer for recommendations for a particular bullet. Just substituting one bullet for another with the .243 can cause dangerous pressure increases.

For the 7x57Mauser, 47.0gr to 49.0gr with a 140gr bullet.
However, if your 7x57 is a military surplus, drop these loads by 10%.

With these two cartridges, I always start with IMR4350 when looking for good load. Another excellent powder is RL22. 42.5gr with a 100gr bullet is usually a most accurate load. Nosler #4 was my source for this load. They list it also as a max load with their 100gr partition, and 95gr Ballistic Tip bullet.

 

[cheygriz]

First off, I'd stick to a spherical powder. They flow through the measures far better than extruded. (although 4895 is excellent for an extruded)

WW 760/H414. H-380, H-335 will all work quite well for both calibres.

 

[j2crows]

In the early 70's I used to shoot 1/2" or less with the Sierra 85 Gr. HPBT's with the old H-4831, (44.5 grains).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you go on the Nosler site and look at their load data you will get a good idea what powders to use in the 7X57 Mauser. Like you said, the .243 and the 7X57mm seem to be using powders in the same burn rate range so you're in luck there.

When the powder don't match up don't fall into that trap of thinking you need to buy only 1 powder for all your reloading needs. You don't save any time or money and you produce a sub-standard product. If you burn 2 lbs of powder in both calibers what's the difference if they are the same or two different powders, it's still 2 lbs.

 

[Toml]

I may be trying to apply my pistol loading method to rifle, ArchAngelCD, having been satisfied with results using Win231 for .32 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP. Rifle seems more complex, with the variety of powders and critical handling of brass. Not to mention the power factor. I'm carefully wading into this.

Thanks again.

 

[Funshooter45]

I guess different folks have different opinions as to what a "moderate" powder is. To me, H4350 is moderate and I use more of it than any other single rifle powder. I use a fair amount of H4831 as well, but in my mind, I classify that as "slow", although not WAY slow like Retumbo or H1000.

Both Varget and H4895 are incredibly versatile, but fairly fast powders. The H-4895 can be used for nearly every rifle that I can think of. It might not be the ideal powder for a given application, but it will get the job done.

Alliant and others make equivalent burning powders to those mentioned. It's just that the Hodgdon family is more widely used and referred to. I use quite a bit of Ramshot Hunter and Big Game. They are nice to meter, just as W-760 and W-780 are.

I guess if I had to cut back to only 2 powders though, I would choose 4895 and H4350.