Real quick poll: if you were loading 168 SMK FOR A 308 and could use only H4895 or IMR 4895, which one would it be?
- Thread starter scorpion168
- Start date
I like either one. And have used them almost interchangeably for my M1A and M1 Garand.
For old time's sake, IMR-4895, but I have no problem with Hodgdon's offerings. I don't know if H-4895 is cut a little shorter/longer, so that might be a tipping point for me.
Personally, get a pound of each, load up a couple of boxes and head to the range. Report back to us what you note between the two.
Chris
Personally, get a pound of each, load up a couple of boxes and head to the range. Report back to us what you note between the two.
Chris
I know you are asking about 168's but I thought I would chime in with my recent experience with these powders.
I just chrono'd some hand loads of 175 SMK's using both powders. 77 degrees and 84% Humidity during the testing.
43.8 IMR 4895 and 42.7 of H4895 from my 16" AR 10.
IMR 4895: Avg MV-2448fps w/ SD of 18 (FC cases, BR 2 primers)
H4895: Avg MV of 2535fps w/ SD of 38 (FC cases, BR 2 primers)
Interestingly, with IMR 4895 at same load in LC LR cases, SD was only 1.4 with MV of 2498 fps (with only 5 shots though)
The exact opposite occurred with my 20" AAC-SD bolt gun as far as SD is concerned;
IMR 4895: MV of 2609fps with SD of 73!!
H4895: MV of 2664 with SD of 6
In comparison, SD with FGMM 175's was 8.5 and with actual M118LR it was 14 in the bolt gun.
With 130 SOST/OTM pulls (MK319 Mod 0) and FC cases: 46 gr H4895 got me a MV of 2671fps and SD of 12 in the AR 10. 47 gr of IMR 4895 with same bullet/case fetched a MV of 2680 with an SD of 26.
In short? You can't go wrong with either in my opinion. If I had to choose I think it would be the H4895 (Extreme) due to it higher tolerability to temp flux. But I wouldn't hesitate to buy either and do whenever I find it.
I just chrono'd some hand loads of 175 SMK's using both powders. 77 degrees and 84% Humidity during the testing.
43.8 IMR 4895 and 42.7 of H4895 from my 16" AR 10.
IMR 4895: Avg MV-2448fps w/ SD of 18 (FC cases, BR 2 primers)
H4895: Avg MV of 2535fps w/ SD of 38 (FC cases, BR 2 primers)
Interestingly, with IMR 4895 at same load in LC LR cases, SD was only 1.4 with MV of 2498 fps (with only 5 shots though)
The exact opposite occurred with my 20" AAC-SD bolt gun as far as SD is concerned;
IMR 4895: MV of 2609fps with SD of 73!!
H4895: MV of 2664 with SD of 6
In comparison, SD with FGMM 175's was 8.5 and with actual M118LR it was 14 in the bolt gun.
With 130 SOST/OTM pulls (MK319 Mod 0) and FC cases: 46 gr H4895 got me a MV of 2671fps and SD of 12 in the AR 10. 47 gr of IMR 4895 with same bullet/case fetched a MV of 2680 with an SD of 26.
In short? You can't go wrong with either in my opinion. If I had to choose I think it would be the H4895 (Extreme) due to it higher tolerability to temp flux. But I wouldn't hesitate to buy either and do whenever I find it.
Since im not seeing an overwhelming answer to one or the other,I'm kinda leaning toward the H. Here in N Louisiana it can get hit in the summer and get quite cool in winter (20-105). I can buy both, but want to stick with just one, in case Varget runs out. Thanks for the answers.
Yep everything I have read Hogdon powders are more insensitive than IMR though they should be the same.
My old load for 308 in a standard 700 Varmint Special was 42.5gr H4895 168gr Noslers, Remington BR cases (small primer), and CCI BR-4's
My old load for 308 in a standard 700 Varmint Special was 42.5gr H4895 168gr Noslers, Remington BR cases (small primer), and CCI BR-4's
Thanks. I'm shooting a Savage 10, 24" /muzzle brake.
And I'm partial to Lapua brass.
Lapua brass is thicker, so I would start at 40.5 and work up.
The IMR is mfg'd by General Dynamics in Quebec, the Hodgdon is by Thales via ADI in Australia. The Extreme coatings used are not a universal property, but designed around very specific conditions. Although they don't like telling you what that is, it would appear that the cartridge type designed for is the 22-250. That may, or may not, apply to the 308 case. Won't mean the powder won't perform, just that the "extreme" properties may not be as much as hoped for.
43.0 gr H4895 pushing Berger 168 Hybrids seated at .015" off out of a 27" 10-twist barrel generates 2820 fps. Very happy with it.
Both good powders though the temperature stability go the H-4895 gives it the edge, be sure to try different primers and seating depths and you'll have good luck with accuracy
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I finally landed some BR2 primers.
