4227 in .308

[jackmanuk]

hi guys ,

iv just acquired a cz 750 in 308 and need to make up some rounds

the powder i have to hand is imr 4227 which i use in my 44 magnum .

i see you can use it in 308 but not a hole lot of data about it so has anyone here used 4227 in 308 and managed to get a good accurate load from it?


thanks guys

jack

p.s. im sure some of you would like me to stick a pic up of the rifle since there not often found about

[.22-10-45]

Hello, jackmanuk. I don't have a .308, but I use IMR & H4227 in the .30-40 Krag..which has nearly identical case cap. as .308. 18.5gr. under the old Ideal 311413 is very accurate.

[jackmanuk]

thanks for the reply iv found the imr rifle guide saying 27 grains of 4227 for a 180 grn round and 32 grains for a 110grn round . so since i have 155 matchkings i think i may try 30 grains and go from there . i made up 2 (yes only 2 ) 26 grain loads i think this would be a good low-ish kick to just to get used to the rifle first time out with it.

[sthwestvictoria]

Is this for cast bullets or only for the 155 matchking FMJ bullets? 4337 (ADI's AR2205) would not a first choice for jacket loads but does get some use for reduced velocity cast bullet loads.
The reason for not using it is higher pressures compared to other options. From the IMR Handloaders Guide pdf:
64670
THe 4227 option has the highest pressure of all options (even at the starting load)

I use it in 30-30 in moderate reduced loadings, as per the Lyman Cast Handbook, 4th ed this is with the Lee 150-309-FPGC:
64665
However there is some controversy about using it in larger cases and as loads get more reduced:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?174402-IMR-4227-What-Is-Its-Best-Use/page2&highlight=4227
This is some loading data I was given by ADI when I enquired about cast lead in the 30-30. I have not used it in the .308 (again this is information for cast bullets, not FMJ matchkings:
64666

[jackmanuk]

it would just be fmj for the time being. il have to get some different powder i guess

[selmerfan]

4895, Varget, 4064, RL 15 would all be better choices. It's on the fast end of the burn rate chart for the .308.

[jackmanuk]

I will have to get some gadget but it seems my main shop is on a 7 month waiting list for the stuff

[country gent]

The old stand bu go to load in high power was 41.5 grains IMR 4895 federal primer and 168 grain sierra matchking bullet loaded to magazine length. This load was pretty close to M852 that was issues in leg matches also. This load seemed to shoot well in everything chambered in 308/7.62 nato.

[Shooternz]

N140 goes real well in the .308 with 147-155 grain bullets that maybe easier to source in the UK,

Check with the local Fullbore shooters they could help,
Robert.

[HARRYMPOPE]

17g of 4227 and 160-190 cast loads shoot very well.

Geo-

[jackmanuk]

thanks for the advise guys

[madsenshooter]

You wouldn't be much handicapped with 4227 and 155gr j-words. Some of my most accurate Krag loads are with powder that is burned 100%. 4227 is among them, as is Blue Dot. In the case of Blue Dot, the powder gives up it's energy so fast that by the time the bullets gets to the muzzle, the pressure of a 35000psi load has dropped to around 5000psi. Bullets seem to like the lower exit pressure at times. One BD load with 168gr Nosler match bullets shot less than 1" out of a 117yr old rifle. If I was in your situation, I'd be using some of it. Less than ideal shooting is better than no shooting, and I think the 4227 will surprise you with some good accuracy. Just work up slow from your 26gr start charge, watching for pressure signs until you find the best accuracy. Something I noted with 4227, when you get to the pressure range the powder likes to burn at, the dull thud of the report changes to a distinctive crack.

[cajun shooter]

Use the 4227 with the 165 grain CB with GC and use 18.5 grains for a fun plinking load.

[longbow]

Another vote here for 4227 in .308 and .303 as well as .44 mag. I use 18 to 22 grs. IMR4227 under boolits from 170 up to 225 grs. (depending on boolit weight) with good results. Not sure right now as to max. load for the 225 gr. but I just shot some of my best groups ever from my Lee Enfield No. 5 using 18 grs. IMR4227 with 180 gr. boolits.

22 grs. under a Lyman 31141 (170 grs.) in my .308 is also very good.

Longbow

[NSP64]

I blew up a nice old Husqy in .270 using reduced charges of 4227 under 140gr jacketed bullets. I was getting 1" groups @ 100 yrds, then I had two pieces of a gun and face full of melted brass.