Finally ran out of surplus 4831

[fatelk]

I got my first can of surplus H4831 about 30 years ago when I first started loading; the old-timer that I bought my Herters press from gave me a big 20lb tin of it (old oil tin or something as I recall).

That lasted me many, many years, and along the way someone gave me a few more 1lb cans that were marked "THIS IS WORLD WAR II SURPLUS POWDER. STORAGE LIFE IS NOT GUARANTEED." Price tag- $1.95

Then after that I ran across another dozen pounds or so from an estate, in old coffee cans, for really cheap. I used it in mostly 30-06 (not ideal), as well as everything from .243 to .300 mag. It always worked great, with the exception of another partial coffee can someone else gave me that was deteriorating (threw it out). I also passed along a fair amount of it for cheap to friends starting out.

Yesterday I finally used the last grain of the last pound. I know there are better powders for my purposes, and I sure appreciate ball powder over 4831 as far as metering, but it does feel a little like the end of an era for me.

[dale2242]

I`m still working on a 50# paper keg of H4831....dale

[Maven]

fatelk, This may be a rather odd suggestion, but have you considered milsurp IMR 7383 for both the .243Win. and .30-06? I use it in both, and the 8 x 57mm Mau. with jacketed bullets and have been especially pleased with its performance. It works OK with CB's in cartridges such as the 8 x 57mm, 7.62 x 54R, and .30-06, but with heavier, i.e., 175gr. - 205gr. CB's. Btw, in both the .243Win. and '06, its burning rate approximates IMR 4831.

[358 Win]

I've only got about 1.5 pounds remaining in my stash. Still works as well today as it did at it's manufacture date. Been using my supply of surplus H4831 in my 6mm Remington and my .338 Win Mag. Sure was good stuff. I'll miss it when it's completely gone.

358 Win

[gnoahhh]

Yeah, I'm down to about 1/2 pound of the stuff- the dregs of a huge batch my dad bought almost 50 years ago. I load a couple rounds with it now and then for nostalgia reasons.

[wgr]

I just got 7lbs of it. load my o6 with it

[foxtrotter]

I've still got a bunch and the old paper drum with the REA address sticker it was shipped in.

[kidmma]

any one using 4831 in 45/70?

[colchester]

1.95 a pound would be nice to have a time machine and go back and get some

[Vopie]

Down to about 15 lbs from a 50 lb. keg. and yes I use it in my 45/70 Hepburn, low pressure and fills case. have to blow unburnt powder from chamber but works well, and accurate....

[retread]

In 1960 I was buying surplus 4831 at $1.00/lb. at Kaufman's Sporting Goods in Astoria, Oregon. Had to bring your own container! Those were the days!

[swheeler]

In 1960 I was buying surplus 4831 at $1.00/lb. at Kaufman's Sporting Goods in Astoria, Oregon. Had to bring your own container! Those were the days!

In 1964 till 1970 same price as you, buck a pound.

[Geezer in NH]

Used up mine about 8-9 years ago from a 100 pound purchase. Yes I miss it but we had a good time.

[leadhead]

Back in the 60's I bought it in little paper 1# bags for .60 cents a pound.
That's how Hogedon sold it back then. A buddy bought a 100# of it for
60.00$. I couldn't afford more than 10# cause I only made $1.60 an hour.
Denny

[Green Frog]

Back in the 60's I bought it in little paper 1# bags for .60 cents a pound.
That's how Hogedon sold it back then. A buddy bought a 100# of it for
60.00$. I couldn't afford more than 10# cause I only made $1.60 an hour.
Denny

Boy were you well paid! In 1968 I changed jobs to get from $1.15 to $1.20 an hour IIRC. Of course I also paid 24.9¢ a gallon for gas, and 12¢ for a fast food hamburger.

Froggie

[leadhead]

Ah yes..... the good old days. I also had a wife and two small girls.
But, you find a way to make things work. I miss the 25 cent gas.
Denny

[dale2242]

I bought a 50# cardboard keg from a guy that bought it in the first panic buy before the GCA of 68.
It was sealed.
I gave him $20.00 for it.
It is still good.
I have kept it cool and dry..dale

[jonp]

Jeff has all of the 4831 (imr 7383) you need for $9.25/lb http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html

[Shiloh]

I`m still working on a 50# paper keg of H4831....dale

As a boy, 50 years ago in Longmont CO, there was a vendor who had large cardboard kegs of various powders. A scale, and paper bags or paper bait containers to sell bulk product. My guess is fire codes would prevent that now even if it was available.

SHiloh