Powder Question > Reloading

Posted: 9/20/2008 2:44:31 PM EDT

I am about to load some 308 and plan on using IMR4895 with it. I'm new to reloading but what I can tell this powder seems to be one of the favorites for 308 users. My question is can this also be used in 223 ammo? If not what is a good powder that can be used in both. I am using a dillon 550b and I have made the powder measure modifications to it. Any help would be appreciated.

Posted: 9/20/2008 3:11:33 PM EDT

[#1]

IMR4895 is't a good .233 powder, try Winchester 748, Varget, RL-15, TAC, H322 or Accurate 2230.

I know I missed a few.

Posted: 9/20/2008 3:17:29 PM EDT

[#2]

Yes.....IMR4895 has been used in .223 Rem. Some like it.....some don't. That's the nature of the beast.

YOU need to TEST..........YOUR loads in YOUR rifle to see if it meets with YOUR expectations.

There isn't miracle data or a single powder that will work with every rifle to give the best accuracy.

BOTTOM LINE.......YOU need to work up YOUR OWN LOAD and EXPERIMENT............YMWV.

>KNOW THAT: Handloading comes with some RISK.

An individual needs to gauge his or her own RISK TOLERANCE LEVEL to each situation in their life.

What's acceptable to ME........may not be, to someone else.

The Manual writers/publishers and editors, decide what's their safety margin and each will have their own threshold for safety. Load data between various manuals will vary.

>KNOW THAT: Handloading is PART EXPERIMENTATION.

Each manual contains many WARNINGS.

One popular warning, is against making any “substitution” of components, as it may be dangerous.

Try reading this subject: How do changing various components affect chamber pressure and velocity?

www.frfrogspad.com/miscelld.htm#components

Then..........from SPEER..........

IMPORTANT NOTE: Reloading data published by SPEER are for SPEER bullets. Many of our bullets are of unique construction; there is no such thing as "generic loading data" any more. Other bullet makes may produce significantly different pressures and velocities. We make no warranty that our published loads are safe with another make of bullet. You, the reloader, bear the ultimate responsibility for knowing your firearm, loading equipment, and techniques.

So, what do you do, if you don’t have the exact re-loading components as mention in the book?

IF you have a low risk tolerance level......perhaps, you’ll wait until you have the exact components?

But, doing that isn’t always practical.

For ME………..I'd take into consideration my RISK TOLERANCE LEVEL and maybe EXPERIMENT a little or not.

I'd search my available resources and various internet web sites. Perhaps I’d even contact the manufacturer. I'd attempt to figure out a SAFE (acceptable to ME) plan of action, using the available data.

ALWAYS REMEMBERING TO: Start low and work your way up.

>LASTLY……..KNOW THAT: YMWV.

Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t. Most re-loaders will not just "pick one" from the book or reproduce someone else’s load and expect, "the best results." They work up their loads because, they know, "YMWV."
_______________________________________________

WARNING: My way of doing things may not be suitable to some of the other folks out there........so, take it for what it's worth.......this is/was, only my advice, which you got for FREE, so it's only worth that much (if anything at all).
_______________________________________________

Aloha, Mark

Posted: 9/20/2008 7:17:21 PM EDT

[#3]

I understand that I need to test my load, but before I go and drop over $100 bucks on powder, I'd like to get info on whether its used by others and works well on both.

Posted: 9/20/2008 8:14:07 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
I understand that I need to test my load, but before I go and drop over $100 bucks on powder, I'd like to get info on whether its used by others and works well on both.

Varget, my friend, Varget is the answer you seek.

Kicks ass in .308 and .223 (and .30-30, and .35 Whelen...)

69 gr SMK or 68 gr Hornady OTM w/ 24.5 gr Varget can't be beat. Many share this opinion.

75 gr Hordany OTM w/ 24.0 gr Varget rocks as well. Hell I even load my 55 gr FMJs with Varget (26.5 gr) and 65gr Sierra Pro hunters (forgot the weight I use).

And don't get me started with .308...

For me, 45.0gr Varget with Hornady 150 gr SSTs is a ridiculously accurate and deadly hunting round. Works great with 168s too.

- AG

Posted: 9/20/2008 8:46:35 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
I understand that I need to test my load, but before I go and drop over $100 bucks on powder, I'd like to get info on whether its used by others and works well on both.

Buy powder in the 1 lb can and after testing IF you like it..............then, invest in the larger container.

Aloha, Mark

Posted: 9/20/2008 9:05:41 PM EDT

[#6]

don't forget about H-335 for .223

Posted: 9/21/2008 5:06:25 PM EDT

[#7]

+1 for Varget, works great in .308 and .223. It provides superb accuracy in both. AA 2520 works well in both also, but I don't get the extreme accuracy I get with Varget.

G

Posted: 9/21/2008 6:06:43 PM EDT

[#8]

I actually like IMR4895 in the .223 for 52-62 grain bullets. It is the powder I use for my 100yd reduced course match loads with the 53 grain Sierra Match King.

If you have the powder, it does not hurt to try it. Also, if you want to keep things a bit simpler by reducing the numbers of different powders on hand, I think IMR4895 would be a good choice for both the .308 and .223. It may not be the best choice for specific bullets and purposes, but it will work well enough for many applications.

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