Which of these two powders is generally prefered for most accurate grouping by shooters? I somehow get the feeling IMR is most favorite, although no one has ever explained why. I've tried both, and IMR groups seems to print slightly higher than H4895 at 100 yards with no clear accuracy winner. I want to make a bulk buy of 4895 and before I do, I would like some feedback. Thanks!
I use IMR 4895. I have been told and have read that this powder is nearly identical to the powder that the military used. I also use IMR 4895 to load for my M1A. I dont have any experience with any other powders when it comes to the 30-06 or 308
H4895 meters very nicely. No crunch, and once my RCBS uniflow is set, very little, if any trickling is required to get the charge I want. (I weigh every charge when I load rifle rounds). Varget is also an excellent choice. Both will yield good groups if I do my part. I'm sure that IMR 4895 is also a great powder, but it doesn't meter as smoothly and uniformly as the short-cut powders.
I've also had good luck with AA2520. Accurate Arms has M1 data on their web page.
HTH
Dave
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I just got a call today from Powder Valley, they're finally able to fill my order for 8# of IMR4895 and 5000 CCI #34 primers, should ship tomorrow. So I'm glad to hear that IMR4895 is good stuff!
I've got several thousand pulled 150gr. military bullets, and God-only-knows how much .30-06 brass, all cleaned, polished, and the primer crimps reamed. I've got the dies, just need to figure out what else I need to load 'em up. I know I'll need lube, a powder funnel and some way to measure 47gr. of powder reliably, any special gauges or tools?
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If you don't already have a good powder scale and a trickler, get them. I have an RCBS 5-0-5 and powder trickler that I've used for over 20 years & both are still in great shape. A stainless steel dial caliper is also a neccesity to check/compare overall length, case dimensions, etc. A Max cartridge gauge is really nice to have and a great way to make sure whether the cases need to be trimmed & insure that they will chamber after loading, also whether the overall length is within spec. A 30-06 case gauge will check everything except overall length. You can do that with the dial caliper. (I do, but have the max cartridge gauges for my handgun loads). All can be purchased from Midway. Watch their sale flyers, as they sometimes have better than the usual tiny markdowns. They also ship quickly. Got my new Chrony in less than 5 days several weeks ago.
As far as lube goes, I like the spray. Hornady one shot or RCBS case slick both work well. If you like the sizing wax, Imperial is great stuff, albeit a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way. Hornady sizing wax is also good. Being the lazy dog that I am, I usually use the spray & run the cases through the tumbler to get the residue off. I'm going to try using PAM cooking spray just for the heck of it. I've heard it works well, and it's less expensive. As with any lube, don't forget to periodically clean the sizer die to remove buildup.
Oh yeah, DON'T forget to get a deburring tool to chamfer the case mouth. It makes bullet seating easier & more uniform (less runout), and it's absolutely necessary after trimming the case.
Not sure what else you have, but a loading block is also handy. there is so much stuff out there to make it nicer.
HTH
Dave
PS, a primer pocket uniformer is also a great idea for loading for the M1
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If you don't already have a good powder scale and a trickler, get them. I have an RCBS 5-0-5 and powder trickler that I've used for over 20 years & both are still in great shape. A stainless steel dial caliper is also a neccesity to check/compare overall length, case dimensions, etc. A Max cartridge gauge is really nice to have and a great way to make sure whether the cases need to be trimmed & insure that they will chamber after loading, also whether the overall length is within spec. A 30-06 case gauge will check everything except overall length. You can do that with the dial caliper. (I do, but have the max cartridge gauges for my handgun loads). All can be purchased from Midway. Watch their sale flyers, as they sometimes have better than the usual tiny markdowns. They also ship quickly. Got my new Chrony in less than 5 days several weeks ago.
As far as lube goes, I like the spray. Hornady one shot or RCBS case slick both work well. If you like the sizing wax, Imperial is great stuff, albeit a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way. Hornady sizing wax is also good. Being the lazy dog that I am, I usually use the spray & run the cases through the tumbler to get the residue off. I'm going to try using PAM cooking spray just for the heck of it. I've heard it works well, and it's less expensive. As with any lube, don't forget to periodically clean the sizer die to remove buildup.
Oh yeah, DON'T forget to get a deburring tool to chamfer the case mouth. It makes bullet seating easier & more uniform (less runout), and it's absolutely necessary after trimming the case.
Not sure what else you have, but a loading block is also handy. there is so much stuff out there to make it nicer.
HTH
Dave
PS, a primer pocket uniformer is also a great idea for loading for the M1
Dial caliper, got one. A 6" Helios from my machinist days.
Deburring tool, got one.
Loading block, got one.
Case trimmer, got one. The Lyman lathe type Universal Case Trimmer.
Pocket uniformer? Is that the same as a cutter for removing the military crimps? I have one of these from Hornady...
I have a Lee powder scale, which works OK, but isn't the best. I'm thinking about a good electronic scale. Not sure what a trickler is, but the local reloading shop probably has 'em. He should have any gauges and lubes too.
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The primer pocket uniformer makes the bottom of the primer pocket flat & consistent at a pre-set depth. It helps to insure that all primers can be seated at the depth you select. Helps to prevent slam fires in semi auto's. Midway sells one made by EJS (carbide cutters) that works on both large & small primers. Adjustable with an Allen wrench. I have an EJS & it works great. They set the depth of both cutters at the factory so it should work well right out of the tube.
I got a Frankford Arsenal electronic scale from Midway several months ago, but being the hard-headed old Kraut that I am, I still prefer the old beam scale. So far. The F.A. scale is handy though. Keep the batteries fresh. I heard the electronic scales tend to drift if they get low.
The powder trickler is a small hopper with a threaded tube that you sit over the scale pan. By turning the threaded tube, you trickle powder into the pan from one to a few granules at a time to get the exact charge weight you want. Comes in very handy!
Dave
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Last edited by gunnerdave; 05-29-2009 at 05:37 PM.
rondog, if you go for an electronic balance watch out if you're interested in the lower end Lyman scale, i picked one up because it's all i could afford at the time and when cold even after zeroing it out it'll vary 3-4 tenths of a grain between loads and after it gets going over 5 or so loads it'll start to creep up or down a tenth of a grain. course this could have to do with the fact my basement isn't heated and is usually on the damper side but when the instructions say "let the scale become accustomed to it's environment" it's a good idea.
Lots of luck trying to find IMR 4895. I have had a order in for the past 4 months and was told it may be 2010 before they get any. :>(
Checked Powder Valley and they are 'out' also.
Jim
