IMR4895 vs H4895?

[nosler06]

I am still trying to sort out a powder and load for my .308 BLR. I was wondering which powder of the two (IMR4895 and H4895) you would choose? I know that they are not the same, but are very close in burn rates. These two powders are what I have narrowed down to sort of based on availability and that Varget just never really cut it in this .308 rifle.

 

[DrMike]

Either powder should give you good service. Historically, I've used more of the IMR4895, but it wasn't because it was superior; it was a matter of availability in the past. Either will work for you.

 

[SJB358]

Whatever is cheapest really. Both are great 308 powders.

 

[1Shot]

I have always used IMR4895 for the simple reason that it is the first powder I used and it really shot well so no need to try any other. Plus a few years ago I got a number of 8 pounders REALLY CHEAP that was pulled down from military M2 ball ammo that shoots just like canister IMR4895.

Two standard loads that really shoots in my custom Heart barrel 308 Win Rem 700 are these.
150 gr Sierra or Nosler BT in a WW case, CCIBR2 is 43 grs IMR4895.
125 Nosler BT WW case, CCIBR2, 46 grs IMR 4895 This is my main deer load. It kills like lightening has struck.

 

[big rifle man]

The H-series is a bit slower than IMR. I use H4895 exclusively in my 7-08 and have had great consistency with speed and accuracy.

 

[nosler06]

Here is some photos from a day at the range with Osprey78. I loaded and shot some of my dads old IMR4350 load just to see what it would do. The H4350 was just for my curiousity. I then have gone back to try what I have left of IMR4895 powder. I had no luck with Varget and am unable to get any more powder to load with. Was seriously thinking of RL-15, but can't get any until poss June or July. Not sure, but think that I could work with the IMR4895 until I could find some H4895. This was why I was wondering what others thought of either powder.

 

[Horsethief]

Either powder will do the job, but every barrel and chamber are different and one load is great in rifle A and scatters like quail in rifle B. Varget is also a good powder, similar to H-4895 and Varget is temperature resistant.