Anyone used new IMR Target powder yet?

scooter123 said:
Thank you for the Update Karl. BTW, I have 3 of the Lee Perfect Powder measures and put them all in a box because I found that the only thing perfect about them was that they were a Perfect PITA to adjust.

I now use the RCBS Competition Powder Measure as my single powder measure and will recommend it very highly. The Micrometer adjuster make it very easy to change the volume to a previous setting so any time I change between calibers I can have my thrown weight dialed in on the dot within 2 or three throws. Since I'll use a powder like SR7625 for a variety of calibers this ability means I can load 9, then 40 caliber, and then 45 ACP by simply adjusting the micrometer setting. Note, I now keep a log of every recipe that includes the micrometer setting to it's real easy to change to a new caliber.

However I will note that with a large flake powder such as Longshot or Unique the Competition Measure is NOT any more consistent than the cheap Lee measure, so if you are using a poor metering powder then plan on hand weighing your charges. This is one reason why I load almost every handgun caliber I load using a powder that meters well. My Primary choices for handgun load are all Ball powders such as H110 or the Accurate 5, 7, & 9 along with the SR7625 and VV 3N37 because they meter superbly. However, I have used CFE Pistol to load 380 and even though it's a smaller flake powder it does meter well in the RCBS Competition measure. I would be curious to know if the new line of IMR flake powders are similar in size to the CFE Pistol, so anyone using both please post.
Click to expand...

I was taking a liking to the IMR Target but will shun away from a re-purchase due to metering since there are good powders that do meter very well for what I shoot.
Thanks for the recommendation on the RCBS, I will put that on my bucket list:) I will say for the price though the Lee will do for the majority a good job for me on many powders I have used, I guess there are a few powders that will require each load to be weighed simply because of design and lack of drop powder dispenser compatibility.
I have yet to try the Accurate powders but they are another group I will learn about and try. Gosh reloading is enjoyable!
Thanks
Karl
 
scooter123 said:
I would be curious to know if the new line of IMR flake powders are similar in size to the CFE Pistol, so anyone using both please post.
Click to expand...

I have looked at the IMR "colors" in the store. The flakes are the the same size, maybe a little smaller than the Alliant Dots. Haven't looked at Target vs BE.
 
IMR Target - a little disappointed

Have to admit I'm a little disappointed in Target. I load for a S&W Model 52 and 2.7 grains failed to cycle the action. Not sure 3.0 grains, the listed max, will have enough pressure to do the trick. Probably the most problematic issue was metering. It was very sticky in my RCBS Uniflow measure. The powder has a very clumpy consistency. Hoping for better luck with 45 ACP.
 
I'm not hearing good things about the two new powders from IMR...maybe they rushed them to market or just repacked something from the past?
 
I haven't tried them, and I'm wondering if there is any point in me doing so. As I understand it, IMR Blue, Red, Green, Unequal, & Target are meant to mimic BlueDot, RedDot, GreenDot, Unique, & Bullseye, right?

So unless the new IMR versions are considerably less expensive, or a LOT more readily available, what is the benefit of these new powders with very limited data available instead of sticking with the tried and true originals with lots of load data available?
 
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It seems like suddenly there is a big barrage of new powders on the market . Shooters World from Grafs , supposedly what the accurate powders used to be . The new stuff from IMR . Alliant announced a new powder " Sport Pistol " . Winchester has a new one , " 572 " for shotgun and handgun . Just recently we got the Vectan line back again.
They all will go " bang " , I'm sure . I'm staying with what works for me .
 
saber58 said:
Have to admit I'm a little disappointed in Target. I load for a S&W Model 52 and 2.7 grains failed to cycle the action. Not sure 3.0 grains, the listed max, will have enough pressure to do the trick. Probably the most problematic issue was metering. It was very sticky in my RCBS Uniflow measure. The powder has a very clumpy consistency. Hoping for better luck with 45 ACP.
Click to expand...

That is interesting as I have only an inexpensive Lee powder drop but was considering the RCBS. The Lee does a fine job on several powders, apparently a better measure isn't always the answer to a powder that doesn't meter well:)

I also have interest in obtaining a model 52, I will stick to other powders after I use up the IMR Target, I like how it shoots, I'll have to find middle ground on a charge weight and use it in my 625 45acp revolver.
Karl
 
I have been doing a lot of 3.5" and 5" 9mm testing lately.

With a 115gr ball plated at a oal of 1.12"........
Bullseye to w231 powders get from 1102 up to 1139 in the 3.5"
Unique powder with its slow burn, will turn an impressive 1263fps.

The faster powders drop off with a heavier bullet in the 3.5".
I loaded a 124gr ball plated at the oal of 1.14" and tried again.
Bullseye to w231 came in with 1060 to 1071 while Unique did 1173fps.

If you want to switch from the flake power and go with the "Ball" type......
CFE Pistol gets higher fps than w231 and if you need more, go to BE-86.

With the 5" the faster powders with a 115gr ball just get to 1200fps while
BE86 hits 1300 and Unique bangs out 1350fps.

Too bad the new IMR powders dropped off the Blue Dot powder.....
In my little 3.5" the fps from Unique were embarrassing compared to what I got from BD.

Sure would be nice if they have a little flash retardant and a
better burn at the low fps range.
Later.
 
I just bought a pound each of IMR Target and IMR Red. I'm not all that impressed except that it was available, a good price and shoots OK.

I've used Target for .45 Colt and .38 Special but (for me) it does not measure well. I use lee dippers and my own homemade dippers mostly with Titegroup which is so easy to work with.

I was searching for .44 Special load data for IMR Red and can't find it anywhere. I will likely use the RED to load .45 Colt and not buy any more.

If anyone has used IMR Red for .44 Special or .44 Mag I would love to hear about it.
 
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

I recently started using 4.0gr Titegtoup in 357 cases under a 158gr bullet for target practice but other than that it's just about all Bullseye and Unique.

4.0gr of Trail Boss was VG in 44spl cases but I do mostly 44 magnum cases now so it's a 240gr bullet over 5.0gr of Bullseye or 8.5gr of Unique for making holes in paper.

I want to stick with only the 3 powders but....some 2400 now and then will be OK.
 
I did not get overly excited about the IMR Target either. Metering was questionable most times for me.
I have since picked up some Alliant 'Sport Pistol' and that meters very well and so far I like it.
One interesting load is the 38 special HBWC which I now load for my Model 52-2 and the fps is @ 707 (their figure)..............very close to what the Winchester Super Match WC ammo is loaded to @ 710fps.

So eventually I will filter through my IMR Target and not purchase again for my needs.................
Karl
 
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