IMR Powders VS new powders

[flyfish]

I started loading when I was a teenager and always used the IMR powders. I was always very conservative in my hand loads. Since I have joined this forum I have learned quite a bit. I have also seen a lot of new powders that I know nothing about. Are these new powders any better than the old IMR powders or are they just different. I guess I'm trying to figure out wherther or not I should try them or just stay with what works.

Thanks.

 

[Guy Miner]

I think that depends on what you want to do. I too remember when all the powder on my loading bench was in those little flat IMR cans. Those loads now are as good as they ever were.

I have found some loads over the years, from non IMR powders, that I like very much.

Hodgdon's Varget is my hands down favorite for the .308 Winchester - although good old IMR 4064 is still a good choice.

Reloader 7 and H 4198 are favorites for my .45-70, but IMR 3031 will still do the job just fine.

Reloader 22 has become my favorite for the 7mm Rem mag, and similar cartridges.

H 4350 has completely replaced IMR 4350 for me - although there was a time when all my rifle loading was done with IMR 4350 and I was happy with it.

There are many, many more powders avail now than in the past - but it takes a little thought to see if they're really any better than your good old IMR standbys - I think it really depends on your goals.

Regards, Guy

 

[JD338]

As Guy mentioned, it all depends on what you want to do.
What caliber and bullet are you refering to?

JD338

 

[flyfish]

I only have two rifles, a 243 and a 257 bob. I only use the 257 now and only for whitetails.

This deer season I will be using 33.0 grains of IMR4895 with the 110 AB. The groups are REAL good. I posted a picture of a group at 100 yards a while back. I really don't shoot much any more but every once in a while I get the urge to try something new just for fun. I guess it's a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "depends what you want to do"? If it means what I think it does , I'm just looking for a reasonably fast bullet speed (not max/magnum) that is tack driving accurate.

Does that make any sense? :roll:

 

[FOTIS]

98% of all my loads consist of RL and Hodgdon powders.

 

[bsmith]

I'm loading for a Ruger compact .243 and a Browning A-bolt .25-06 and am looking for the same thing that FlyFish is after: a moderately fast load that is accurate. The Browning likes IMR 4350 and 100 gr BTs'. Three shot group that you can cover with a quarter at 200 yards. I'm searching for a 110 gr AccuBond load and tried RL22. My last batch at 53 gr is still not what I'm looking for. I'll work up to 55 (or too much pressure) and then go back to my IMR4350 and try again if the RL22 isn't cutting it.

What do you do with the remaining powder once you've decided that it's not going to work for you?

 

[wingnut]

The biggest advantage is that most of the "newer" powders are not as temp sensitive as IMR powders. If you live in the tropics, this is not a problem.

 

[FOTIS]

The biggest advantage is that most of the "newer" powders are not as temp sensitive as IMR powders. If you live in the tropics, this is not a problem.

Exactly!