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February 11, 2026
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Reloading for my .348, I acquired a 1966 Speer reloading manual in the data they call out powder 4320, 4350 and 4895. Are they referring to “H” or “IMR”. I have both types.
Thanks Mike
November 7, 2015
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IMR, may be good idea to buy a newer manual to have current data for modern powders. Don’t toss the old manual, they’re great for reference!
Mike
February 11, 2026
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Thank you,
I do have newer manuals however it only shows 200 gr and 220 gr. I bought and old manual because .348 had 150 and 180 loadings and was hoping to find them. I have orig 180gr speers and bidding on some 150gr. I found some online for 180gr but just wanted to clarify the manual. Old books are great to have for this reason on obsolete cartridges.
March 31, 2009
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I’m positive the old manuals were talking about IMR powders. Now that Hodgdon owns IMR we may be forced to use the H powders. In most cases you can use the H instead of the IMR but I would recommend to start low and working up. Powders that are close in burn rates don’t always produce the same pressures. Burn rate is just that, how fast it burns.
November 7, 2015
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I have a few older manuals, namely a 45th edition Lyman and a Mattern manual. The rest are less than 50 years old. I have some 200gr Hornady bullets occupying valuable real estate at the moment if you’re interested. I get nervous trying to compare IMR, Hodgdon and Accurate powders. Seems each number (eg 4350) is a rule unto itself so Chuck’s advice of starting low is prudent. It’s an old rule, gets better with age.
Mike
April 3, 2018
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The 150 gr loading by W-W was discontinued due to low SD and rapidly losing velocity. Winchester could have improved the ballistics by 175-225-250 gr loadings. Peters developed an excellent 210 gr bullet that was Inner-Belted to hang togethether. IMR 4350 is the best powder for 225 gr Hawk or 250 gr bullets in the .348. Newer powders producing higher velocity such as the H/Alliant CFE 223 powder do the business. Higher velocity with reduced pressure. Velocities of 250 gr bullets in the 35 Whelen have reached over 2600 fps. I have used CFE 223 and it works. Hawk, Fury. Woodleigh or hard to find Swift are current bullets. I still have some Hornady 200 gr FPs, discontinued-but a good bullet. I do not care for cast bullets in the 348. Gas checks in BN cases are tricky.
The Model 71 is not a bolt action, so pressure indicators are important. IMR 4350 and CFE 223 are my choices for the 250 gr jacketed bullet in the .348 WCF Model 71.
November 7, 2015
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If you have access to a Waters manual he lists loads for the 180gr bullets using RL-7, IMR-3031, IMR-4350 and H-4831. He was using the Speer FNSP bullet.
Mike
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