Buckshot
09-20-2006, 02:21 AM
.............I just got 16 lbs of this powder from Bartlett on the strength of it's supposed to be 'like' 3031. I was really wanting some 4895 but he was out. I was loading up some ammo for Tuesday's Burrito Shoot and planned on using a Pedersoli Sharps business rifle in 45-70.
I was loading 36.0grs of IMR3031 + dacron under the RCBS 405gr slug. Since 36.0grs is only a mid range type load and the Sharps is strong I decided to try some of my new IMR4475 too. This is a stick powder but the grains are VERY short. When I was pouring out some into a pound can at first I though it was ball.
Removing the 3031 from the measure (Lee Perfect) I replaced it with the 4475 and setled it, then poured and dumped 3 pans back into the measure. I then set a pan on the scale and it was a trifle heavier then the 3031. I turned in the volumn adjustment screw (maybe 1-1/2 turns) to throw a 36.0gr charge.
After sighting in, shooting the match and loosing a few at the 200 meter gong I decided to fire off the 5 rounds loaded with the surplus 4475.
http://www.fototime.com/860172540DBADB2/standard.jpg
Now 5 rounds isn't much of a test, but these show promise :-). I had 28 rounds through the tube previous to firing these 5. The barrel was bright and shiney clean. I the bright sunshine looking in the muzzle at an angle the lands and grooves were dark with lube after a total of 33 rounds.
I didn't bring my chronograph to check, but 36.0grs of IMR3031 and the 405 gr slug should have been between 1275 and 1325 fps. If anything, the 36.0grs of IMR4475 felt possibly a tad lighter? The chrono will tell for sure.
If anyone has a use for some IMR3031(ish) powder, I'd sure suggest some of this stuff. Jeff said he still had some of it. It was $80/8lb and is PD powder but smells new.
.................Buckshot
I was loading 36.0grs of IMR3031 + dacron under the RCBS 405gr slug. Since 36.0grs is only a mid range type load and the Sharps is strong I decided to try some of my new IMR4475 too. This is a stick powder but the grains are VERY short. When I was pouring out some into a pound can at first I though it was ball.
Removing the 3031 from the measure (Lee Perfect) I replaced it with the 4475 and setled it, then poured and dumped 3 pans back into the measure. I then set a pan on the scale and it was a trifle heavier then the 3031. I turned in the volumn adjustment screw (maybe 1-1/2 turns) to throw a 36.0gr charge.
After sighting in, shooting the match and loosing a few at the 200 meter gong I decided to fire off the 5 rounds loaded with the surplus 4475.
http://www.fototime.com/860172540DBADB2/standard.jpg
Now 5 rounds isn't much of a test, but these show promise :-). I had 28 rounds through the tube previous to firing these 5. The barrel was bright and shiney clean. I the bright sunshine looking in the muzzle at an angle the lands and grooves were dark with lube after a total of 33 rounds.
I didn't bring my chronograph to check, but 36.0grs of IMR3031 and the 405 gr slug should have been between 1275 and 1325 fps. If anything, the 36.0grs of IMR4475 felt possibly a tad lighter? The chrono will tell for sure.
If anyone has a use for some IMR3031(ish) powder, I'd sure suggest some of this stuff. Jeff said he still had some of it. It was $80/8lb and is PD powder but smells new.
.................Buckshot