4350 powders

[Namerifrats]

Wanting to load some 7.62x54R. I'm using the Lee 2nd edition manual, and will be using some cast 180gr gas checked bullets to start out with. In my manual, it shows A-4350 as a powder. Went to my local gunshop with the biggest section and all he had was H 4350 and IMR 4350. Came back home, done some reading and from what I read, all 3 are virtually the same in performance. So I went back and bought a pound of IMR 4350. Just wondering if any of you have used IMR 4350 in a 7.62x54R load. I don't plan to load anywhere near a max load. Should the IMR 4350 be safe using near starting grs based on the A-4350?

[leftiye]

Don't use 4350 in reduced loads! Can you say SEE, or kaboom? Stay close to at least standard (medium) loads. Probly the statring loads of A4350 can be used with the IMR powder - But there should be oodles of info data on IMR 4350 as it's been around since Metheuselah was in diapers (so why not find some instead of guessing?) All in all sounds like a good choice of powder for that cartridge, just don't go for reduced plinking loads.

Good to hear from you again on the forum.

[MT Gianni]

IME with the one lb of AA4350 I had you can use the start loads for IMR. based on that I would be OK using starting loads for AA 4350 with IMR powder.

[BCB]

Handloader Magazine some time ago did a short article on the 4350's and they indicated that they were basically "interchangable"--with some discretion. I have AA-4350 and IMR-4350 and have had no problems with them in my 270's. BUT, they were not reduced loads. Only loads recommended for the 140 Hornady bullet I was using. If I could locate that article, I would post the magazine number. Good-luck...BCB

[leadman]

Acurrate Arms lists the same charges of AA4350 behind the same 180gr. boolit in the 30-06 and 7.62x54.
I used the AA data for the 30-06 using a 190gr. cast boolit with IMR 4350 without a problem. Pressure signs appeared to be normal as the charge was increased. I chronographed 43 grs at 2,390fps, 44grs at 2,410fps, and 45grs at 2,480fps. I did go with heavier powder charges but the recoil was very stiff and would only shoot accurately for 3 rounds or so before a brush needed to be sent down the bore.
45grs shot 3 rounds in a 1" group at 100 yards, same as jacketed with this rifle.
You're one your own if you want to experiment.

[Namerifrats]

Wasn't really wanting to make reduced loads. Somewhere in the middle would make me happy as long as I can hit a 2 liter bottle sized target at 100 yards. I need to get another load manual for a second reference. Where would I find a reliable source for load data online for that cartridge? Searched load data on IMR's site, and they gave me Hodgdon data with nothing for a lead 180gr bullet.