Obscure rifle powder data

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Ryfleman

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I load for the following calibers: 308 WCF commercial; 7.62 x 51 NATO;
.303 British

Bullet types: flat base; 150 - 165 and 174 grains.

Looking for data for the following powders:

AM47N (definitely supplied by Higginson)

44N (possibilly supplied by Higginson)
 
I contacted Higginson a few minutes ago ... no reply yet ... hoping someone has current data on these powders.

Both AM47N and 44N are very short, small diameter stick powders.
 
If the 44N is the same as the old 44 powder it is very slightly faster than imr 3031--which is the data we used to use--work up the loads though.

Also if it is 44 powder make sure that it has not deteriorated--several lots of it went bad over the years.
 
Thankyou 44Bore! That's the info I need. I can work with data from 3031 without blowing myself up. Kinda suspected it would fall in the general area of IMR 4064 or W748.
 
Ryfleman; The AM 47N....are you sure that is the correct designation? Higginson marketed two powders with "47" in the number. One was AMS 47SB [lot10], the other was just 47N [AKA HP104] [Sometimes stamped on the box was "4350" type]
The 47SB is a spherical powder, the granules of powder are almost perfect spheres, and roll on a flat surface like tiny marbles. This powder is a slow lot of Winchester 760, and 760 data may be safely used in working up loads.
The 47N is a powder from Nobel of Scotland. It is an extruded powder with fairly small granules. It is about 1-2 grains faster than IMR 4350 in the 30-06, so if that is what you have, you can build starting loads keeping that in mind.
Both are very good powders, and I have developed some very accurate loads with both in various applications.
I still have a quantity of each laid in for personal use.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
Obscure Rifle Powder Data

Update from HIGGINSON POWDERS INC.
2708 HIGHWAY 34
HAWKESBURY, ON K6A 2R2
TEL - (613)632-9300
FAX - (613)632-5666
www.higginsonpowders.com

AM 47N - Slightly faster than H-4350, use H-4350 data less 2 grains

44N - Burn rate between H-4895 & IMR 4895
 
44Bore said:
If the 44N is the same as the old 44 powder it is very slightly faster than imr 3031--which is the data we used to use--work up the loads though.

Also if it is 44 powder make sure that it has not deteriorated--several lots of it went bad over the years.
Click to expand...

^^^^This for the 44 powder. "ammomart44" produces pretty wild fireballs in shorter barrels also.:p
 
Ryfleman said:
RELOADER - www.higginsonpowders.com

AM 47N - Slightly faster than H-4350, use H-4350 data less 2 grains

44N - Burn rate between H-4895 & IMR 4895
Click to expand...

Ryfleman This is off the data sheet from at least 20 yrs ago when it was called ammo mart,Yes I to had a batch off 44 that went bad. It turned black and green and was kind of juicy when we got rid of it.
 
How old is the powder and how was it stored? It may have deteriorated and if so, the performance will be erratic. And if it is so obscure that its designation is in question, spread it on a patch of lawn and go buy some good new Varget, RL 15, H4895 and/or Win 748 or 760. All great 308 powders. There are many others as well. IMHO, I wouldn't fool around with guessing on old or questionable powders, you'll waste your time and it could be unsafe just trying and save a few dollars on a bargain powder.
 
Ltbull01 said:
How old is the powder and how was it stored? It may have deteriorated and if so, the performance will be erratic. And if it is so obscure that its designation is in question, spread it on a patch of lawn and go buy some good new Varget, RL 15, H4895 and/or Win 748 or 760. All great 308 powders. There are many others as well. IMHO, I wouldn't fool around with guessing on old or questionable powders, you'll waste your time and it could be unsafe just trying and save a few dollars on a bargain powder.
Click to expand...

Then again, if the powder is not showing any deterioration and has been stored properly it will remain viable and perfectly safe for many many years to come.
 
I just used up the last of my 44powder last year. It kept fine for me. If it still looks/smells good, load away!
 
Both of these powders were manufactured post 1960 so they are certianly not wartime production. Locally, we have seen several powders which were apparently made in a hurry during wartime and not correctly stabllized ... no reason to do so as the ammunition would literally be consumed, sunk or blownup before any one needed to worry.

That said, the human nose can usually detect spoiled powder.

With the current cost of smokeless powder in Canada beginning at $40.00 per pound if one can access anything ... one thinks twice before tossing any powder!

Since I object rather strongly to picking pieces of hot steel and brass from various tender areas of my body I intend to exercise all due care and attention in the matter of powder selection!

But then I know who and where the powder in question was stored and trust who I am recieving loading data from, so for the moment at least I shall carry on.
 
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