IMR 4895 vs H4895?

slushee

slushee

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I have only been reloading for a short time, but I'm much more comfortable now making some 7.62mm M852 using Sierra MK 168gr HPBT's. I tested out a bang on 41.5 grains of IMR 4895 that shoot super accurate.

My question is, now that i've used up my first lb, should I consider switching over to H4895? I've heard it meters better, and is less dirty then IMR. Are there any reasons why I wouldn't want to do the switch?
 
less temperature sensitive too...if you switch over, reduce the powder charge a couple grains and work up slowly to be safe
 
H4895 burns a bit faster than IMR4895. Not by much though. If you do change powders, you'll have to work up the load again. The two are not completely interchangeable.
 
slushee said:
I have only been reloading for a short time, but I'm much more comfortable now making some 7.62mm M852 using Sierra MK 168gr HPBT's. I tested out a bang on 41.5 grains of IMR 4895 that shoot super accurate.
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Yes they are not exactly the same but your load is a light one to begin with -I'd start at 41.0 grains and work up through to 42.5 grains in .5 grain increments of H4895. IMHO
 
Switching powders may or may not help your groups. If you have a good load, I'd stick with it, as the H powder may not group as tight. Or it may be the same. If it ain't broke....
 
Hmm I do like the "if it aint broke" theory. I went from 3" at 100 yards down to .75" @ 100 yards using, if you can believe it, a stock Norinco M14.

All this with my very first load!!!

I think I'll stick with it for now, maybe sometime I'll pick up a lot and work up another load when I've got some free time on my hands :)
 
Hodgdon's burn rate chart. Fastest to slowest. H4895 is number 69. IMR is number 71. Load data gives the same starting load for a 168 grain bullet, but not the max. 45.4(compressed) for the IMR. 43.5 for the H4895. The 'H' give a slightly higher starting load velocity(H vel 2551 vs IMR vel 2447), but a slightly slower max load velocity(H vel 2703 vs IMR vel 2758).
You can toss a coin for which one to use, but you do have to work up the load again. You will find IMR4064 gives more consistent accuracy than either with a 168 grain match bullet.
 
The only "published" info I happened across recently was in the Speer reloading manual # 14, page 47:

" ...IMR4895 and H4895 are usually so close in performance that the data is often interchangeable. However, we recommend that you follow published loads to the letter."

Regards,
 
However, we recommend that you follow published loads to the letter."
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To me that is a foolish statement to make.It gives a person that doesn't know any better,the idea that all loads listed in the manual are safe to use in all guns,if the loads are followed to the letter..
 
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