Armory Sponsor
Posted: 11/26/2015 10:19:25 PM EDT
| I've just recently gotten into reloading. I've been trying to use up some of my father's old powder stocks. My question is, what can I use IMR 4350 in. I was reading in the Lyman manuel that I could use it in 308 and jacketed 30-30, but then, when I read about it on line, most sources say it's too slow burning. What would be it's ideal cartridge? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. |
|
Quoted: I've just recently gotten into reloading. I've been trying to use up some of my father's old powder stocks. My question is, what can I use IMR 4350 in. I was reading in the Lyman manuel that I could use it in 308 and jacketed 30-30, but then, when I read about it on line, most sources say it's too slow burning. What would be it's ideal cartridge? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Best in 243, 30-06 and cartridges with 30-06 capacity. You can't get enough IMR-4350 powder in the case in 308 and 30-30 to make decent loads, Look for IMR-3031 and IMR-4895 for 30-30 and 308. |
|
The most accurate loads I ever ran through my M1A and 03A4 were with IMR4350 and Sierra 180 grain match bullets.
They were compressed loads, meaning the case was so full of powder that seating the bullets compressed the powder down further into the case. You could hear the powder crunching as the bullet was seated. However, that powder isn't good for M1A's and M1 Garands, so stick to bolt action rifles. It's a great powder for the heavier bullets. Take a look at the reloading manuals but I don't think you can even get enough powder in the .308 or 30.06 cases to have a high pressure problem. And, velocity isn't as important to me as group size. If you've already got the powder, try it with the 180 grain bullets. Had a buddy with a Winchester M70 that was really disappointing him. He was on the verge of trading it in as the groups at 100 yds. (3 shot groups) were 3 to 4 inches (palm sized). He tried Federal, Remington and Winchester factory ammo from 150 to 220 grain bullet weights in spritzer and round nosed bullet styles. We sat down at the reloading bench, pulled out the old Lyman manual and they happened to show that the most accurate load they had during their 30.06 loading data was with IMR4350 powder and 180 grain Sierra flat based spritzer bullets. I had both and we loaded up a box with the Lyman manual load. Damn. A nickel would cover 3 shots at 100 yds. with that load. Two bullets would tear a single oblong hole and the third bullet was so close it would almost tear the paper between it and the other two bullets. He repeated that group several times and then went to the local gun store and bought some IMR4350 powder and had them order some Sierra 180 grain flat based spritzers. Remember, every gun can be a little different in what it shoots well, so you have to experiment (most of the time) to find out what shoots best in your rifle. Good luck. Be safe. |
|
I didn't realize it was too slow for the 08. I figured if it was working good in the .243, 6mm Remington and up to and including magnum calibers that it would. Oh well.
The last post is really revealing and makes perfect sense. Heavy bullet, slow powder, and casing full. Sounds a lot like my IMR-4831, 174gr 7.62x54R load. Motor |
|
Quoted:
I use IMR-4350 for heavier weight bullets in .30-06 and 8mm Mauser. I never tried it in .308. I ran some QL models and it's not really compatible with .308 - like others have said above - the velocity will be mediocre as you just can't get enough of it in a .308 case. BTW, I get 1/2MOA accuracy in .243 with IMR 4350 and 107 SMK. |
|
Quoted:
This buck met his demise one week ago today from a 165 gr Core Lokt pushed by a charge of IMR-4350 in the 30-06 cartridge. Have used this powder for years with great results. Been knocking them over for last 20yr maybe with 30-06, 165gr Hornady SP (flat base) and IMR-4350.. back from WV trip this past week where rifle opening day was 11/23.. |
|
Both H4350 and IMR-4350 will work really in .30/06 class cartridges and it also does pretty well in.243 winchester too. I currently use it with both 160 and 162 grain 7mm/.284" caliber bullets in my .280 remington and, as time will allow, my plan is to also try it out in my .243 winchester using 100 grain btsp hunting bullets. |
Armory Sponsor