• Help Support TNDeer:

alternatives

backyardtndeer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2015
Messages
25,285
Location
West Tennessee
What is everyone's go to for a versatile medium burn powder that is suitable for .223 to .308 semi auto's?

Been using imr 4895 in both with great results and accuracy, and still have a couple lbs. As powders pop up, seems 4895 is just not one of the powders that is coming available. Have looked at varget, tac, accurate 2495, vv540, and a few others.

So, what are you using, and what kind of results are you getting.
 
I have varget and tac but only load for .223. I'll try to keep a look out for 4895 if you'd like. Is H4895 ok?
Thanks. A heads up would definitely help. I have enough to last a while and do have an 8lb jug on backorder with grafs. If that comes in I am set for a long time. No guarantee that will ever come in though.
 
Thanks for the replies. Primarily run 55 grainers in .223, and for .308 165 to 178. Been really happy with the accuracy in both calibers with the 4895. Always heard good reports on varget, but never have used it. Just wondered what others might be having good accuracy with in a versatile medium burn powder suitable for both calibers.
 
I'd get on the Hodgdon/IMR load data website and look at what they recommend for the cartridges you are loading for and prioritize them from most desirable to least so you have that list in front of you all the time. That way you're ready when these 5 minute opportunities pop up to buy powder.

As scarce as powder is now you need to know everything that might work when a batch comes in for sale as you well know! :)

I've used IMR4064 a lot in the 220 Swift, IMR 4198 in the 221 Fireball, IMR 4320 in 22 CHeetah MkI but 4320 is discontinued anyhow so that's of no use to anybody. H4895 in the 7.62x39 IMR4350 and 4831 in 25-06 and 270 Winchester Until recently I used IMR4320 exclusively in the 35 Remington but had nearly 16 lbs of it go bad that I had to dump out in the garden. That was sickening. H4895 is looking promising for the 35 so far.
 
I'd get on the Hodgdon/IMR load data website and look at what they recommend for the cartridges you are loading for and prioritize them from most desirable to least so you have that list in front of you all the time.
That is a good idea. I had looked through data in my manuals, but have not made a list to keep on hand.
Until recently I used IMR4320 exclusively in the 35 Remington but had nearly 16 lbs of it go bad that I had to dump out in the garden. That was sickening
Ouch. That is a real shame.
 
I had to switch to Shooters World Tactical Rifle (from H335) when i had about 1/3 can of H335 left. Bought a small quantity of SWTR and rapidly loaded 10 each of H335 (25 gr) and SWTR(24.5 using exact same brass, primer, and 55 gr FMJ's in my Bolt Axis.

Results were interesting. Yes, I lost about 40 or 50 FPS with SWTR but my SD was slightly smaller. I didn't care about muzzle flash or recoil or blast or cleaning. SWTR accuracy at 100 was actually a hair better than H335.

We have fired SWTR rounds through our AR with no issues.

I bought enough SWTR to carry me past Biden. Highly recommended as your primary propellant for 223.

FYI the label says SWTR is good for 125,147 and 168 gr bullets in .308 but I have varget for that caliber so have not tested.
 
Managed to catch shooters world ar plus in stock at midsouth this morning. Ordered my limit of 5 lbs, should work out well for 223 loads and will also try it for 308.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top