Is there an "All around powder?"

Some have gone down to 50% for reduced loads with cast bullets. I've seen somewhere in print that Hodgdon recommends down to 60% for reduced loads.
 
Daryl S said:
Some have gone down to 50% for reduced loads with cast bullets. I've seen somewhere in print that Hodgdon recommends down to 60% for reduced loads.
Click to expand...

Here:

Find the H4895 load in the Reloading Data Center for your caliber and bullet.

Take the maximum H4895 charge listed and multiply by 60% (.6). The load may be adjusted up from there to achieve the desired velocity and accuracy.

This works only where H4895 is listed. DO NOT use in a cartridge where H4895 is not shown.

 
Hedge774 said:
Hey gang,
I just got my Franklin Armory reloading set up and I'm in the process of getting components. I read a lot. Probably too much. It seems that reloaders go through 3 to 4 (or more) brands of powder before one is settled on for a load. Is this the case? I've noticed that Varget seems to pop up the most often, then IMR, and Hodgson. Is there a powder that is "generally" a good all rounder?
Thanks as always,
Hedge
Click to expand...
@Hedge774
Depends on the cartridge nd bullet weight you are loading but every cartridge has its optimal bullet weight, type of powder and charge weight.
In my humble opinion one of the best powders around at the moment is CFE223.It can be used in calibres from 17 REM to 458 Winchester.
It may not give the best velocity or accuracy in your rifle but in the cartridges I have used it it gave higher velocities at lower pressure and outstanding accuracy.
Bob
 
Hsk said:
You're spot on most reloaders burn through 3-5 powders testing before locking in the one for a load rifle. Availability, temp stability, metering, and velocity nodes all play in.

Varget is the king of all rounders for a reason super consistent, temp stable, meters like water, and works killer in .223, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06, etc. with 130-180gr bullets. It's the safe bet 90% of precision guys end up on.

Other strong all round contenders:

H4350 Hodgdon edges Varget on velocity in overbore stuff 6.5 PRC, .28 Nosler, still temp stable.
RL15/RL16 Alliant great mid range, forgiving
IMR4064/4895 classic, cheap, accurate in everything.

Start with Varget if you can find it it's the generally good powder that rarely sucks. Grab a pound, work up a ladder, and you'll probably stop there. Happy reloading!
Click to expand...
@Hsk
Varget/2208 is a very versatile powder but I have found anything it does CFE223 does it better and helps with copper fouling.
Bob
 
Roosterlund said:
For cartridges from .270 up IMR 4831 and IMR 4350 will shot very accurately. They may not be the most preferred but will do the job. Believe Varget to be real close to IMR 4831 on burn chart. I also use it in some cartridges and love it. I use 4350 probably most
Click to expand...
I get pretty good accurate loads for everything from .22-250 up to .300 Win Mag with IMR 4350. So I buy that the most. Handguns require a completely different type powder and I use another for th .458 Win Mag. So it depends on which guns you want to reload for, but if most of your reloading is for varmints, deer and elk, etc. IMR 4350 seems like a good place to start.
 
Vividwest said:
Varget is the closest thing to a universal answer, especially if you're focusing on .223 Remington and .308 Winchester—the two most common centerfire rifle cartridges.
Click to expand...
@Vividwest
You really need to give CFE223 a go.
Gives top velocities in the 08 and 223.
My sons 308 gives just over 2,900 fps with 150grainers and sub moa. With the accubonds it also gives 0.3 inch groups. That's a bog standard Howa with a 22"barrel . Max load with 150s is 50 but start at 46 and work up
In the 223 27 gn behind a 55gn face outstanding accuracy in my mate Savage axis.
Use a good reloading manual and work up loads watching for pressure signs..
These loads were safe in the rifles tested but use caution when reloading.
In my 222 with 55gn I get over 3,200 fps and half inch groups.
Works beautifully in the Whelen as well
Bob
 
For pistol/revolver, I can almost always find a good result with Bullseye or Unique. For hunting rifles, I use a lot of H1000, H4895 or H4350.
 
Grumpy gumpy said:
Don’t know exactly for bob, but -4 (24*F) to 51.5 (125*F) where I live, too dry for snow and rain seems to be a distant memory
Gumpy
Click to expand...
On average, we have the same temp range about ten degrees F lower on the top and bottom end. Good info on CFE 223. Thanks Bob and Grumpy.
 
Unique for pistols
Varget
H4350
H4831 for rifles.
With four powders you can optimize most center fire pistols and rifles.
Once you specialize into progressive presses or more specialized cartridges other powders may have advantages, but I could pare down to these four and still have 99% of my shooting covered.
 
Varget has been recommended by several here. I only have one question.....is it true in your experience that Varget deposits a heavier carbon ring at the chamber? I have heard of that.
 
I have over 60 powders on hand, and have worked with those and quite a few more.

Off the top of my head, standouts to me that give respectable performance in a lot of calibers: Varget, H4350, RL16, CFE223, 2000MR and Staball 6.5.

Varget, H4350, RL16 and Staball 6.5 are all very temp stable which is a big consideration but would be a even bigger factor to me if I only had access to one or very few powders. CFE223 and 2000MR are very similar and very versatile but are very temp sensitive.
 
Deepfork said:
I have over 60 powders on hand, and have worked with those and quite a few more.

Off the top of my head, standouts to me that give respectable performance in a lot of calibers: Varget, H4350, RL16, CFE223, 2000MR and Staball 6.5.

Varget, H4350, RL16 and Staball 6.5 are all very temp stable which is a big consideration but would be an even bigger factor to me if I only had access to one or very few powders. CFE223 and 2000MR are very similar and very versatile but are very temp sensitive.
Click to expand...
What do you use the RL16 in mostly?

I’m right in line with all the folks saying Varget as close to any possible universal powder, and if I could only have a handful it would be H1000, H4340, Varget, and RL15.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

... and 1110 more.
Total: 140,306 (members: 1,160, guests: 139,146)

Forum statistics

Threads
65,396
Messages
1,443,315
Members
135,865
Latest member
Petrket
 

 

 

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

6
'68boy wrote on Rare Breed's profile.
Wife and I will attend ah dinner in Nashville Friday night. Jay Sheets and wife Chris
•••
crossfire3006
crossfire3006 wrote on Hornedfrogbbq's profile.
An excellent AH member right here! I had a fantastic transaction with Hornedfrogbbq (I was the seller). His communication was first rate, payment was extremely fast, and I would have absolutely no reservations at all dealing with him again. Thank you, F!
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
Here we are, the last day of the show in Denver, it's been a good show but expecting a quiet day today. I will be back for-sure to do this show next year and maybe also do the one in Sacramento California.

On Monday I will be hitting the road driving from Denver and eventually make it down to Atlanta for the flight home.

its going to be a good year!
•••
C
CraigV wrote on Rem280's profile.
Hi Rem280, Saw your post on getting selected for Idaho Elk. Do you have a zone(s) selected? I live in N Idaho, might be able to offer some ideas.

Cheers,

Craig
•••
G
ghay wrote on Konrad.inc's profile.
Do you still have the Ruger 9.3x62?
•••

Share this page

 
Top