Powder choices for......

[Buzznrose]

I have been using a lot of n135 and they are neighbors on the br chart. It hasn't been more expensive lately and it has been available local to me so that was the push for me.

I saw some N135 and N140 on the shelf the other day when I was buying some pistol powder. Im a ways off from loading rifle but almost grabbed the 140 to start but trying to refrain from getting too ahead of myself.
How do you like it?

 

[Buzznrose]

I like the Hodgdon reloading data site for powder ideas.

If you have access to some Vihtavuori powder, suggest downloading their free loading guide and see if anything works for you. It is 61 pages and kinda like a reloading manual for their powders.

https://www.vihtavuori.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Vihtavuori_Reloading_Guide_2022_ENG.pdf

They also have a good app I use a lot. Here are a few screenshots of the 30.06 150gr options (there were a LOT)..

 

[AJC1]

I saw some N135 and N140 on the shelf the other day when I was buying some pistol powder. Im a ways off from loading rifle but almost grabbed the 140 to start but trying to refrain from getting too ahead of myself.
How do you like it?

I am on my 3rd pound of n135 and it's working fine. My area was running low on rifle powders and vv was 5 dollars more or nothing else was available. I loaded up and tested 165 grain Spitzers in 308 and 39 grains I believe was the best Ioad I found. I would buy more but I would not pay more than 5 extra a pound if other options were available.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I saw some N135 and N140 on the shelf the other day when I was buying some pistol powder. Im a ways off from loading rifle but almost grabbed the 140 to start but trying to refrain from getting too ahead of myself.
How do you like it?

I think you'll find those those powders are too slow for the 740/742/7400 tappet action. The 74-series rifles and carbines use a gas system more closely related to the M1 Carbine than the M1 Garand. The tappet pushes the cocking handle and bolt release back, unlocking the action, as the bullet passes the gas taps. If there's still a lot of pressure in the barrel as the action opens, the case will hold the chamber and refuse to extract. It's not like a Garand with a long push on an op-rod, it's a quick tap on the bolt head that gets the extraction started. Stick to powders that operate in the 4198-4064 range and keep the pressures down to mid-level for a 150gr. Core-Lokt bullet and it'll run like a gem. Otherwise, you'll have a jamamatic and lots of grief.

 

[AJC1]

I think you'll find those those powders are too slow for the 740/742/7400 tappet action. The 74-series rifles and carbines use a gas system more closely related to the M1 Carbine than the M1 Garand. The tappet pushes the cocking handle and bolt release back, unlocking the action, as the bullet passes the gas taps. If there's still a lot of pressure in the barrel as the action opens, the case will hold the chamber and refuse to extract. It's not like a Garand with a long push on an op-rod, it's a quick tap on the bolt head that gets the extraction started. Stick to powders that operate in the 4198-4064 range and keep the pressures down to mid-level for a 150gr. Core-Lokt bullet and it'll run like a gem. Otherwise, you'll have a jamamatic and lots of grief.

Sounds like 130 would be his best choice. N135 is like 4895

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I am on my 3rd pound of n135 and it's working fine. My area was running low on rifle powders and vv was 5 dollars more or nothing else was available. I loaded up and tested 165 grain Spitzers in 308 and 39 grains I believe was the best Ioad I found. I would buy more but I would not pay more than 5 extra a pound if other options were available.

Are you loading these for a Remington 7400 .30-06? The short-action 74-series rifles with tapered cases work much better than the long-actions but I'm still thinking that sounds a might hot for the action. The 74's and Four have always been better with lighter bullets and moderate loads. But if you're having success in a 7400 with that combo, more power to you.

 

[AJC1]

Are you loading these for a Remington 7400 .30-06? The short-action 74-series rifles with tapered cases work much better than the long-actions but I'm still thinking that sounds a might hot for the action. The 74's and Four have always been better with lighter bullets and moderate loads. But if you're having success in a 7400 with that combo, more power to you.

I think you quoted the wrong guy broseph

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I think you quoted the wrong guy broseph

I don't have access to the full inventory of your collection so was not sure if you were perhaps loading .308 for a Remington 7400 short action.

Sorry, no offense intended. I'll leave the thread now.

 

[AJC1]

I don't have access to the full inventory of your collection so was not sure if you were perhaps loading .308 for a Remington 7400 short action.

Sorry, no offense intended. I'll leave the thread now.

Oh no I was just putting in powder comparisons. I thought you misquoted. My fault...