please recommend a rifle powder

[thomis]

I load frequently for the .243 and .308 Winchester. I've used IMR 4064 almost exclusively for these two calibers for 15 years. I'd like to try another powder, but one that will do well in some standard .30/30 loads as well. A friend picked up a lever gun so I'd like to load some for him.
I've tried a little Varget and H4895 here and there but not extensively.
Please recommend a powder that could serve all 3 calibers well, if one exists.
Many thanks,

 

[kingmt]

Hard to best 4064 but I have with BL(C)-2.

 

[Josh45]

Please recommend a powder that could serve all 3 calibers well, if one exists.

This is the catch.
You can probably find a powder that will work in each caliber but may not work the best in all three of them. I have been told and have used IMR-3031 for the 30-30 Winchester and it gave good results. This was the * go to powder * for IMR3031 or so I have been told.

As for .308, Varget did a nice job and in my 30-06 as well.
I have never reloaded for .243 so that I cannot comment on.
Sorry I didn't give you an answer you were looking for. Thought this might help tho.

 

[elwoodm]

good to hear from another n.c. loader. the powders that will do for the three are varget and RL15. these two are easy to find at the local gun stores.

 

[HOOfan_1]

H380, IMR 3031, IMR 4895

any reason you wanna switch from your standby?

 

[hdbiker]

I also have used IMR 4064 in .243 & .308 Win. for years with great results.Last Summer I tried Varget, Win 748, and AA2520 just for grins.I coulden't tell any differance in performance or accuracy,but the finer grained powers did meter better in my Uniflow.Take your pick.hdbiker

 

[thomis]

I'm fine to stick with the 4064 if it makes decent loads in the .30/30

I've never had a complaint with 4064

 

[wankerjake]

I've used IMR 4895 with good results in 243, 30-06 and 30-30.

 

[45lcshooter]

Imr 4895

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I just can't understand why any reloader would want to limit themselves to only 1 powder for multiple calibers? One of the reasons we load is to produce the most accurate ammo we can. Limiting ourselves to 1 powder goes against that in most cases. A thread like this pops up weekly and I just can't understand it. Sorry, I can no longer accept the "I just want to make things simple" excuse.

Don't get me wrong, do what you feel is best, I just can't understand it...

 

[Certaindeaf]

I try to use powders that have a wide spectrum of practical usability. I find BL-C(2), H335 and R-15 useful. I used to use a lot of IMR-4895 but for some reason don't any more.. it's a good powder too.

 

[thomis]

arch angel, don't give yourself a headache trying to understand everyone's posts, and definitely don't assume what you assumed about my reloading practices. I have 20 different kinds of powders in my powder cabinet, mostly for handgun loading. I only handload for 2 rifle calibers but will be adding the .30/30.
As I stated; "Please recommend a powder that could serve all 3 calibers well, if one exists".
By adding one more rifle caliber to my current list of calibers that I handload for, I just don't want to have to buy a separate can of powder if I have something that can work.

 

[kingmt]

BL(C)-2 is the best powder in all my rifles as far as tiny groups go but doesn't do what I want it to. If all I wanted was small groups & speed I'd only need one powder. Since I make special ammo I need a few different powders.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I was making no assumptions, it's just I see this question so often and it confuses me.

I see no reason why IMR4064 can't be used for the 30-30 since you're already using it for the other 2 rifle rounds you load. IMO 4064 is an overlooked powder that is more versatile than most others, even 4895.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I used to use black powder in a model 600 Remington .243. It worked pretty good for around one shot.

 

[thomis]

Certaindeaf, I have the same rifle in .243. The Mohawk 600

One of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot, at least the first 3 shots, then the 16" barrel gets so hot the shots begin to walk. (or is it 18")

[/IMG]

 

[Certaindeaf]

I only shot a few rounds or so of black powder through my Mohawk.. it was just for the fun of it when I was young. Cleaned it within a half hour too.
Mine was about the most accurate rifle I've ever shot also. I'm pretty sure it's a 18".

 

[FROGO207]

I would get that pound of IMR 3031 and be done with it. I am willing to bet that you will be happy you did it after working up some 30-30 loads.

 

[NCsmitty]

H4895 is as versatile as it gets, and does a good job in the calibers listed. It's also an Extreme powder offering from Hodgdon and not temperature sensitive like most IMR powders.


NCsmitty

 

[Clark]

H4895 would be the best single powder for me to hunt with 30-30, 308, and 243.


Experimentally, the most power from 30-30 is with W748 and 220 gr bullets, but that is academic.

 

[GP100man]

I`m getting nose deep into casting for my rifles (I know ya asked for jacketed loads, I`m getting there) so far to date I`m to where I`m ready to go super sonic with em & I`ve chosen 4895 to do it because it`s so versitile !!

I have loaded all the cals. ya got listed with 4895 & had excellent results with mid weight -for -cal. jacketed bullets.

 

[boredintr]

Check powder recall list I saw it on this Site before choosing please something a bout a diffrent powder then what was on the label boom suprize

 

[petrey10]

varget or 4895 are about the most versatile rifle powders so give them a try

 

[blarby]

h4895

 

[Flatbush Harry]

I've had wonderful results for my M1A with 41.0gr of Reloder 15 and for my bolt action rifles with 42.0gr of RL 15 in .308. In both cases, I'm using 168gr match bullets and the results are very similar for Hornady BTHP, Nosler Custom Comps and Sierra MatchKings. I have also worked up a very accurate load for my bolt action .308s using Hornady AMAXs and 44.0 gr of RL 15. YMMV and be sure to start low and work up. BTW, I have also found RL15 to be my best choice for my .375 H&H.

FH