Well, now I am confused!! I found this thread looking for loading data for my 8mm Mauser. I am getting back into reloading after a long absence. I used to load for .221 Rem Fireball and .22-250. My powder, IMR 3031, is old , from the early 70's, and I hesitate using it. I found loading data showing IMR 4198 for all 3 calibers, so I bought a pound to get started. Now, finding this thread that the new IMR4198 may be different than the old. My Handloaders Digest is copyright MCMLXX - 1970.
Following the recommendation of a couple of posters in this thread, I went to the Hodgdon site (
https://hodgdonpowderco.com/wp-conte...rt-WEBSITE.pdf) and found a chart of relative burn rates. with #1 being fastest and #176 the slowest, IMR4198 is #79, H4198 is #80. This seems to indicate these two powders are very close in burn rate.
The loading data I have is for maximum loads. If I back that off 10% maybe 15% and work up, you feel that is a safe path?
What are your thoughts on the 54 year old can of IMR 3031? I have recently killed a few groundhogs with cartridges that I loaded back then. The ground hogs did not seem to notice any difference.
Thanks