I need an opinion using IMR 4756

[Lotec]

I have more than a fair amount of IMR 4756 that I once used for magum 12 gauge lead shot loads. These were used for for waterfowl hunting.
Non-toxic shot became the norm and I stopped using this load. The powder was carefully stored for 25+ years.
I was doing an inventorty of my shop just to see what I forgot I have. Many surprizes I might add. When I discovered my stash of IMR 4756 my mind started churn with the idea of using it in one or more of my handguns.
357, 40S&W, 44Mag., 45LC and 45ACP
Has anyone here used this powder in any of these applications and what is your opinion of it?
Thanks

[sargenv]

It is an ok powder for the magnums.. not as popular as the other slow burners but it does ok. It is used by a lot of USPSA shooters utilizing a good charge of it in the 38 super. It should work fine for the 357 and 40 S&W for high velocity loads.. it will likely be too slow for 45 acp. Might work ok in the 44 mag and 45 LC. There are still some non-toxic hunting loads you can use it for and I used it for loading non-toxic ITX shot last season that proved effective on ducks (#4) and geese (#2).

[felix]

One of my favorite powders. 10.5-11.0 with 245K in the 44Mag. 6.5 with any 150-165 grainer in the 357. That is all that I remember offhand. ... felix

[AZ-Stew]

In my experience, it is a little touchy with respect to loads that approach maximum in the .357 Magnum. Pressures increase quickly near the top. Keep the loads down and you'll do fine.

Regards,

Stew

[S.R.Custom]

It's a cult favorite among snubby .357 Mag handloaders. It gives just as much velocity out of a snub nose magnum as the slow ball powders, but you don't use nearly as much (less flash & recoil). It's also a single base powder, meaning it burns cooler. For that reason, it's good stuff to use in the titanium cylindered guns.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I have successfully used this powder in 44Mag for a medium loading; with a 250 grain bullet....9 grains. burns clean, mild recoil and one hole off the bench at 25 yards all day. It also works very well in the 9MM with a 115-120 grain cast bullet; 4.7 grains, low recoil, burns clean, runs the luger and Baretta action without battering the guns and shoots reasonable (4") groups off the bench at 25 yards. It gives good loading density in the 9MM filling the air space up to the bottom of the bullet when seated without any compression. It can be used in th 45ACP; I once did so using 6.3 grains and a 190 grain SWC bullet in a revolver...never used it in my 1911. It was good, but not as economical as using the faster powders such as Bullseye or Red Dot. Never tried it in 38 or 357, but there was data around for both published by Dupont. LLS

[dualsport]

I've used it in the 9mm, .38, .357, .41 AE(MY FAVORITE CARTRIDGE, dangit, why don't Starline make that one?), .45acp, and .44 mag. All were good shootin' loads, no maximums for me. Now I'm going to try it in the .32 H&R. Like you, I found I had a jug, might as well use it.

[TCFAN]

I use 4756 in a 30-30 Encore 24 inch barrel. Use about 7-9 grs. with the group buy 311041 plain base and Lyman 311241.works pretty good for me..............Terry

[fourarmed]

In small cases it seems to be like Unique or even a little faster, but in large cases it seems a little slower. I have used it with success in 32-20, .41mag, .45acp, and .30-30 with cast bullets.

[Calamity Jake]

I shot my best score in a military bolt match with SR4756 in 03A3(as issued) with Rcbs 30-150FN and 16 gr. of 4756.
Total possible score was 300-30X I scored 297-12 with one target of 100-6X

Distance 100 yards, target SR21

I have yet been able to duplicate it but have gotten close.

[Lotec]

Thanks for the info guys. Just because a powder can be used, it doesn't mean that it is effective or practicle. That's why I thought that I would ask the experts!
Not to many of my handloading manuals even have SR4756 listed for handguns. I went to http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp and found many listings for this powders use. I'll give it a shot so to speak.