H4895 IMR4064

[Skeptic1]

I'm looking for a more temperature stable powder. I've used rl15 for years in my 308 and my 223 loads. Lately I am noticing that the rl 15 is giving me some pretty wide velocity spreads, so I'm looking for a new powder.
In your experience between H4895 and IMR 4064, which seems to be the most temperature stable?

 

[JMGlasgow]

Easily H4895. IMR4064 isn't terrible but it does change.

I have found better accuracy with 175 bullets using 4064. H4895 is my goto in my Garand and M14 rifles.

 

[AMAC79]

I’ve had great luck with both in 308 pushing 175s, but the current lot of H4895 I have is definitely not as temperature stable as previous lots.

I’ve never had big problems with 4064 and temp related velocity swings in a 308. I usually run the lower node (41.8-42gr) pushing the 175s and it seems pretty forgiving.

 

[SigSauerkraut]

The lot to lot variances in H4895 will drive you crazy. At least with RL15 you know what you're getting.

 

[Skeptic1]

The lot to lot variances in H4895 will drive you crazy. At least with RL15 you know what you're getting.

This is true, and an idea that I had not considered.
So would you say about 2 fps per degree with the rl15?

 

[Lunchbox27]

I ran IMR 4064 for a long time. Lot to lot wasn’t bad in terms of velocity changes. I also had success with XBR8202 (175 smk’s and 69 smk’s). Varget of course is another go to, but can be hard to acquire.

temp swings for me with 4064 was around 30fps ( between 40-90 degrees )

 

[47guy]

I don’t shoot a 223 or a 308 but I have 2 newer lots of 4895 I’ve tried in my BRA and both show 1-1.5fps per 1deg...I gave up on 4895 and will just run varget.

 

[m1match]

I've used a lot of 4064 and RL15 in 308 loads and I'm still using RL15 for 308 and 223. I've found that in my 308 recipe which is LC 94 Match cases, CCI BR2 primer, 42.0 gr. of RL15, and a Sierra 175 SMK, the temp change is pretty close to 1.2 fps per degree of temp change. It's close enough that I can plug this into my Kestrel 5700AB and it's pretty much on to 900 yds, the farthest my local range goes to.

I continue to use RL15 because it's usually in stock at Powder Valley Inc., it's consistent lot to lot, it gives excellent accuracy in 223 and 308. With that said, I also had excellent accuracy and consistency lot to lot with IMR 4064, but 4064 didn't work as well in 223 as it did in 308 so by using RL15 I don't need two different powders to load those calibers.

 

[SigSauerkraut]

This is true, and an idea that I had not considered.
So would you say about 2 fps per degree with the rl15?

I don't shoot much 308, but I do use RL15 in 6BR, BRX, and 6.5x47L and have seen closer to 1fps/degree in those cartridges. I'm not in the high node though, so maybe that has something to do with it. I would just test it in your rifle and adjust accordingly, if needed.

 

[Doom]

The EU has imposed regulations that ban many of the powders mentioned here. Only RL15 is Reach compliant. Given time, I expect that the older IMR and ADl/Extreme powders will go by the wayside. Otherwise the powders and ammunition will not be allowed in the EU.

If it were me, I would try IMR 4166 which is Reach compliant. I have not used it, as I am using up my 4064 and 8208.

 

[Woodlanddude]

I have never seen results that good with RL-15 and 10-15 years ago shot the stuff by the keg. It was more like 1.5 fps / deg F and Lot to lot I had to change charge weights a couple full grains once or twice. H-4895 is your best bet. I shot it a year or 2 before 8208 xbr came out. Now I use that. Still shooting up H-4895 in my deer rifle. Buy in bulk and chrony when you change powder or primers.