Starting loads for 7383

[Denver]

Howdy All,

Just got my powder order today from Pat's Reloading. I bought a jug of 7383 and want to use it for 30/30 and 35 Rem. Lyman 311041 in the 30 and RCBS 200 FP in the 35. Thought I'd fill the cases to the neck/shoulder and find the case capacity with the 7383, then start with about 85-90% of that. Would that get me in the ball park, or blow me out of it?

Ron

[Maven]

Although I've used IMR 7383, it has typically been with jacketed bullets in high pressure cartridges, e.g., the .243Win. and .30-06, but always with standard large rifle primers. It worked superbly in them, but I don't know how it will perform in the .30-30 or .35Rem. The safest course is to treat 7383 like IMR 4064 or H 380 and try loading data for them. E.g., 47th Ed. of Lyman's "Reloading Handbook" lists between 27.0 and 30.5grs. IMR 4064 for the .30-30 with a 170gr. Jacketed Flat Point. Consult a good reloading manual for the .35Rem. It is imperative that you chronograph your starting loads (and cautiously work up) since there really isn't much loading data for 7383 and because it doesn't take kindly to being overloaded (by even 1.5gr. in the .243Win.). Furthermore, the stuff isn't very dense and thus will take up more room in the case than say IMR 4350. Btw, Roger Bartsche on the AR > Reloading site has compiled some data on 7383, mostly user experiences. Send him a PM requesting a copy of that report.

[Buckshot]

.............I used 7383 in the 35 Rem. Works okay. I used the Saeco 200gr FNGC slug. You can't get enough into the case to hurt yourself .

.............Buckshot

[BCB]

Denver,
I have been using 31 grains of the 7383 with the 311041 (170+ grains) and it shoots very well from my T/C Super 14" 30-30. I am getting an average velocity of 1688 fps. As Maven indicated 30.5 could be a maximum charge of a similar powder. SO, be careful and don't start out with the load I listed. It is safe in my 30-30's but it may be a different lot of powder then you have. Good-luck...BCB

[Denver]

Thank you Gentlemen. Just the info I was looking for. I shall proceed ever mindful of your cautions and warnings.

I love this place.

Ron

[woody1]

In my Marlin 30-30 20" microgroove barrel using
Winchester brass + WLR primers+ Lyman 311291:
32 grains H4350 = 1763 fps for 3 shots
32 grains Rel 15 = 2145 fps for 3 shots
32 grains H380 = 1899 fps for 3 shots
32 grains OF MY BATCH of 7383 = 1914 fps for 5 shots
Regards, Woody

[C1PNR]

In my Marlin 30-30 20" microgroove barrel using
Winchester brass + WLR primers+ Lyman 311291:
32 grains H4350 = 1763 fps for 3 shots
32 grains Rel 15 = 2145 fps for 3 shots
32 grains H380 = 1899 fps for 3 shots
32 grains OF MY BATCH of 7383 = 1914 fps for 5 shots
Regards, Woody

Do you have a Lot number for your batch of 7383? Mine does not have a Lot number and I wonder if it's ALL one big batch (yeah, right!), or what.

[BCB]

C1PNR,

The number on my gallon jug of IMR-7383 is RAD78L 47985. It does no specifically call that number the lot number but I really don’t know what else it would be. Mine was purchased from Pat McDonald. Good-luck…BCB

[woody1]

Do you have a Lot number for your batch of 7383? Mine does not have a Lot number and I wonder if it's ALL one big batch (yeah, right!), or what.

No number of any kind. I'm pretty sure I purchased from Hi-Tech. Regards, Woody

[Denver]

Mine has the same #. 47985

Ron

[C1PNR]

I just checked again. I got mine from HiTech and there is no number anywhere.

I'll take note of your efforts and adjust a bit lower to start. We'll see.