H4350 vs IMR 4350

cloverleaf

Handloader
Sep 10, 2006
4,537
1,320
Years ago I started reloading my 250-3000 Savage with Hogdon 4350. Havent been able to find it (until yesterday) for years. So we went to IMR 4350. I didnt have the experience or knowledge at the time to adjust my loads between the two powders. Being older and in theory wiser, should I expect to adjust my charge weights? Historically, I have run 38grs of 4350 (both versions) under 100 gr BT's and CCI 200 primers. BTW, $50 for a pound o powder is nuts. Should I just wait for a pound of IMR? CL
 
Years ago I started reloading my 250-3000 Savage with Hogdon 4350. Havent been able to find it (until yesterday) for years. So we went to IMR 4350. I didnt have the experience or knowledge at the time to adjust my loads between the two powders. Being older and in theory wiser, should I expect to adjust my charge weights? Historically, I have run 38grs of 4350 (both versions) under 100 gr BT's and CCI 200 primers. BTW, $50 for a pound o powder is nuts. Should I just wait for a pound of IMR? CL

While I agree, Unfortunately, that's the "price" one must pay today if powder is needed. I highly doubt IMR powder will be cheaper.
 
This powder supply thing is interesting. When things really dried up during covid H4350 was about the only thing I could get locally. That was the case for a long enough period I worked up loads in 8 or 9 rifles.
 
Nosler lists 38.0 gr of IMR4350 as max for the 100 gr bullets for 2700 fps (22" barrel). (Nosler does not list H4350 for any bullet weight of 100-120 gr) in the 250 Savage.)
Compare that to the max of 40.5 gr of H4350 for a 100 gr bullet for 2936 fps, and you'll see that there is a difference in data (barrel length and pressure not listed equally on both sites) and powder charges.
Sierra's data also does not list both IMR4350 and H4350 for the 250 Savage, but with the 100 gr bullet, does list H4350 and A4350, with both producing 2900 fps out of a 24" 1:10 twist barrel, and 38.6 gr and 39.4 gr charges, respectively.

While it appears that you are at max with IMR4350 and a 100 gr Nosler bullets, there is still a margin of safety for you with H4350 (and A4350 with Sierra bullets).
If you are not experiencing any pressure signs, you are at least safe with your loads in your rifle.

And I wish we could find powder here for $50/lb! The least expensive for us starts at $80 (if you can find it) and goes up from there, with many over $100...but our dollar isn't on par with yours!
 
Back
Top