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November 7, 2015
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I have a long history with IMR4064 but haven’t used it for years, when Varget came out it seemed to work better for me. I’m going to try IMR4064 under the Hornady 200 RN in 35 Whelen. I have all three flavors of 4350 but since I have about 11 pounds of IMR4350 I’m thinking I’ll play with it for awhile. I’m hoping to load some 30-06 and 38-55 tomorrow, cases still in the cleaner. I’m going to see if 4198 will bump up a .374″ bullet to fill a .380 ” bore. I have some bullets bought for a 375 Winchester quite awhile back that I’m willing to sacrifice for the cause. That .375 seems to like a Lyman 375449 bullet better anyway. I have about a pound each of H4198 and IMR4198 but I think either will do. Was tempted to fire up a casting furnace today to warm the place up, single digit temps is a bit chilly for an old guy in Texas. Maybe tomorrow. Supposed to be about 7 degrees in the morning.
Gonna need a truck to haul all this ammo and related guns out to the range when the weather clears!
Bert’s Seahawks are going to the big game!
Mike
November 7, 2015
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A4064 and IMR4064 may be very similar but I found when dabbling with three flavors of 4350 that they needed to be treated as different powders so will do the same with H4198 and IMR4198 even though I haven’t noticed a difference. We’ve been told there may be variations from lot to lot of the same brand powder but other than one lot of bad powder I’ve never noticed much difference. Unless we’re loading max or near max loads I don’t think it will be a safety issue but sometimes one flavor will work better than the others; just like some primers, cases and bullets seem to do better than others. Finding a combination that works is what makes loading interesting!
Mike
April 15, 2005
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TXGunNut said
Bert’s Seahawks are going to the big game!
Mike
Damn straight they are 
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 22, 2024
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Seahawks are certainly firing on all cylinders, likely to win it!
March 31, 2009
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This list has been updated.
I was going to throw away my Hodgdon 2021 loading manual but luckily I compared it to the new 2026. The old manual has Rifle calibers 22 K Hornet, 218 Bee, 25-20, 25-35, 250-3000, 32 SPL, 32-40, 38-55, 40-65 and the 458 mag that are NOT in the new manual. Probably more non Win. Like the 45-120 and 50-140 Sharps.
The 2021 Pistol data has the 22 K Hornet, 25-35, 32-20, 38-40, 45 Colt and the 45-70. Only the 32-20 and 45 Colt remain in the 2026.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
I was going to throw away my Hodgdon 2021 loading manual but luckily I compared it to the new 2026. I will not throw away the older manual. It has at least 6 Winchester calibers that are NOT in the new manual. I wrote them down but can’t find where? I think 25-20, 32-40, 38-55, 218 Bee and 32 SPL?
I never throw away older reference books… it is interesting to me to see the progression through time.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
Chuck said
I was going to throw away my Hodgdon 2021 loading manual but luckily I compared it to the new 2026. I will not throw away the older manual. It has at least 6 Winchester calibers that are NOT in the new manual. I wrote them down but can’t find where? I think 25-20, 32-40, 38-55, 218 Bee and 32 SPL?
I never throw away older reference books… it is interesting to me to see the progression through time.
I never throw away older reference books but modern stuff I usually do. But with Hodgdon buying up everybody I’m glad I didn’t this time. I buy manuals from the powder companies and the bullet makers so I can cross reference the data. You can check 3 different manuals and get 3 different loads.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Bert H. said
Chuck said
I was going to throw away my Hodgdon 2021 loading manual but luckily I compared it to the new 2026. I will not throw away the older manual. It has at least 6 Winchester calibers that are NOT in the new manual. I wrote them down but can’t find where? I think 25-20, 32-40, 38-55, 218 Bee and 32 SPL?
I never throw away older reference books… it is interesting to me to see the progression through time.
I never throw away older reference books but modern stuff I usually do. But with Hodgdon buying up everybody I’m glad I didn’t this time. I buy manuals from the powder companies and the bullet makers so I can cross reference the data. You can check 3 different manuals and get 3 different loads.
Lyman manuals are the same… depending on how far back you go, the load data varies for the same cartridge. Usually, the more recent (newer) the manual is, the more conservative the load data is (for the same powder & bullet weight). There are several loads that I still use today that were once well withing the Min – Max range, but are now beyond the current Max load.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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The Hodgdon annuals barely qualify as reference books but they have some good information if you look for it. I generally try to catch them on clearance when the new one comes out. Last few years have been helpful for understanding the new generation of powders.
Mike
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
The Hodgdon annuals barely qualify as reference books but they have some good information if you look for it. I generally try to catch them on clearance when the new one comes out. Last few years have been helpful for understanding the new generation of powders.
Mike
This might help.
https://www.aeragon.com/1865-1914/nitrocellulose-smokeless-powder.html
November 7, 2015
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Chuck said
TXGunNut said
The Hodgdon annuals barely qualify as reference books but they have some good information if you look for it. I generally try to catch them on clearance when the new one comes out. Last few years have been helpful for understanding the new generation of powders.
Mike
This might help. https://www.aeragon.com/1865-1914/nitrocellulose-smokeless-powder.html
Chuck-
I was referring to the new clean technology powders, I’ve seen it called CFE. They don’t seem to have many applications for the old cartridges I like but I’ve been studying up on them. The popular long range cartridges today seem to prefer a powder with somewhat different burn characteristics from the legacy powders I’m familiar with. I’m afraid that someday these new powders will be all that’s available.
Mike
March 31, 2009
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TXGunNut said
Chuck said
TXGunNut said
The Hodgdon annuals barely qualify as reference books but they have some good information if you look for it. I generally try to catch them on clearance when the new one comes out. Last few years have been helpful for understanding the new generation of powders.
Mike
This might help. https://www.aeragon.com/1865-1914/nitrocellulose-smokeless-powder.html
Chuck-
I was referring to the new clean technology powders, I’ve seen it called CFE. They don’t seem to have many applications for the old cartridges I like but I’ve been studying up on them. The popular long range cartridges today seem to prefer a powder with somewhat different burn characteristics from the legacy powders I’m familiar with. I’m afraid that someday these new powders will be all that’s available.
Mike
I was just kidding. All I know about the CFE is that it is supposed to reduce copper fouling. I agree about the powders. That’s why I’ve been stocking up. One of the reasons Hodgdon has stopped production on some of the IMR powders, besides the money, is there is a Hodgdon powder that can replace it. Maybe not exactly but close enough.
April 15, 2005
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TXGunNut said
Chuck-
I was referring to the new clean technology powders, I’ve seen it called CFE. They don’t seem to have many applications for the old cartridges I like but I’ve been studying up on them. The popular long range cartridges today seem to prefer a powder with somewhat different burn characteristics from the legacy powders I’m familiar with. I’m afraid that someday these new powders will be all that’s available.
Mike
All the more reason to start buying 8-lb kegs of the old school powder today and stock piling it. I figure that I will be set for life (and beyond) if I stock pile at least 16 lbs of IMR 4198, 8 lbs of Bullseye, 16 lbs of IMR 4064, 4 lbs of Unique, and 4 lbs of A2400. I have several pounds each of IMR 3031, IMR 4350, IMR 4227, H110, and W296 already on hand, and just for good measure, 4 lbs of BP.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
TXGunNut said
Chuck-
I was referring to the new clean technology powders, I’ve seen it called CFE. They don’t seem to have many applications for the old cartridges I like but I’ve been studying up on them. The popular long range cartridges today seem to prefer a powder with somewhat different burn characteristics from the legacy powders I’m familiar with. I’m afraid that someday these new powders will be all that’s available.
Mike
All the more reason to start buying 8-lb kegs of the old school powder today and stock piling it. I figure that I will be set for life (and beyond) if I stock pile at least 16 lbs of IMR 4198, 8 lbs of Bullseye, 16 lbs of IMR 4064, 4 lbs of Unique, and 4 lbs of A2400. I have several pounds each of IMR 3031, IMR 4350, IMR 4227, H110, and W296 already on hand, and just for good measure, 4 lbs of BP.
I have two or three pounds of all the above except H110, a few other oldies like 748, 231,Varget and even a metal can of Super Target Winchester shotgun powder, only ones I have more of is the IMR4350 and Unique. I figure I should make room for more 4198 and given the current climate I probably need to focus on the H4198 as I haven’t been able to develop a preference or notice much difference. I even have a few pounds of Universal, supposed equivalent to Unique. It’s a good powder but it’s not Unique!
I’m having fun using what’s on the shelf, may not result in optimal loads but it is sure interesting. Spending a lot of quality time with my reloading library.
Mike
April 15, 2005
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Bert H. said
TXGunNut said
Chuck-
I was referring to the new clean technology powders, I’ve seen it called CFE. They don’t seem to have many applications for the old cartridges I like but I’ve been studying up on them. The popular long range cartridges today seem to prefer a powder with somewhat different burn characteristics from the legacy powders I’m familiar with. I’m afraid that someday these new powders will be all that’s available.
Mike
All the more reason to start buying 8-lb kegs of the old school powder today and stock piling it. I figure that I will be set for life (and beyond) if I stock pile at least 16 lbs of IMR 4198, 8 lbs of Bullseye, 16 lbs of IMR 4064, 4 lbs of Unique, and 4 lbs of A2400. I have several pounds each of IMR 3031, IMR 4350, IMR 4227, H110, and W296 already on hand, and just for good measure, 4 lbs of BP.
I forgot to mention that I also have supply of Lil’Gun (that I need to add more to). I initially bought two 1 lb bottles of it, but have since nearly depleted one bottle. My next purchase will be a 4 lb jug. I am now exclusively using it for my 22 Hornet loads, and I currently have four rifles to feed! Depending on which rifle I am loading for, it takes 12.5 – 14.5 grains per cartridge. I just purchased another (600) Remington 45 grain HP Hornet bullets and have a bid in on (600) new Hornet brass. My eventual goal is to have 4,000 rounds of Hornet ammo on hand (1,000 per rifle).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 19, 2014
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Bert and Mike, I am a dinosaur. I know what I’ve used in the past and like several varieties. I do not know or use many of the new powders nor care to learn yet as what I’ve used suffices my needs. I’ve already lost a few such as my all time fave shotgun powder–IMR (old DuPont) PB. So, I have a well stocked magazine of powders. Problems may occur if it ages too much. But I do think I may have a lifetime supply as my lifetime is likely way shorter now! FWIW, the copper erasing product in gun powders now is supposedly some form of lead. Me? NO experience with them. Hang in there guys! Talk to Geoff after I am gone and he may let you have some of my powders–if the local gun club guys don’t grab it first! Tim
April 15, 2005
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tim tomlinson said
Bert and Mike, I am a dinosaur. I know what I’ve used in the past and like several varieties. I do not know or use many of the new powders nor care to learn yet as what I’ve used suffices my needs. I’ve already lost a few such as my all time fave shotgun powder–IMR (old DuPont) PB. So, I have a well stocked magazine of powders. Problems may occur if it ages too much. But I do think I may have a lifetime supply as my lifetime is likely way shorter now! FWIW, the copper erasing product in gun powders now is supposedly some form of lead. Me? NO experience with them. Hang in there guys! Talk to Geoff after I am gone and he may let you have some of my powders–if the local gun club guys don’t grab it first! Tim
Tim,
Like you, I am somewhat of a dinosaur. I am very comfortable with my old school powder choices, and do not see the need to switch powders this late in the game. Tell Geoff I will take any/all of your IMR powder when the reaper comes knocking on your door!
Bert (a.k.a. Hanes)
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Classic guns, classic cartridges, classic powders. I figure they’ll outlast us all but I’ve only been caught short by one “shortage”. Probably won’t happen again.
Mike
March 31, 2009
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I just got back from the gun shop (auction house). He had many pounds of powder for sale. Not sure if he just got it or he brought some from his warehouse.
I bought 4 lbs of 2400, 8 lbs of H4350, 3 lbs of 5744, 1 lb of 4198 and 1 lb of bullseye. Charged me $420. That’s just under $25 per pound.
This is what happens at many auction houses. They don’t want to deal with books, loading equipment and ammo. It costs them too much time and effort to catalog all the stuff. I was not the first to go through the pile and there is still at least another 75 lbs. I missed out on the IMR 4895. There wasn’t any IMR 4060.
November 7, 2015
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No telling how old that auction house powder is but I’m using some that’s over 40 years old, no problem if stored correctly. After the tornado I tossed some of the empty metal and cardboard cans that took refuge under my loading bench. At $25/pound it’s hard to go wrong. One bottle I’m using is marked $21.95.
Mike
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