IMR 4227?

LMWIS · Jun 9, 2015

I recently acquired a 629-2 Mountain Revolver, and was going through the reloading manuals to see what was available to feed it.

I have 240 gr TMJ TC bullets, and W296. I'm not a fan of the blast of the W296, and I found that IMR 4227 was listed a number of times. It's also bolded as the accuracy load in the Lyman manual for this weight, and has the advantage of being available locally.

But I note that IMR 4227 is generally absent in any discussions regarding reloading in this calibre. Is there any experience - positive or negative - with this powder?

(BTW, it's hair raising scooping 20+ grains of powder into a case when you're used to reloading with W231!)

loc n load · Jun 9, 2015

IMR 4227

Welcome to the world of loading for magnums - it is a bit disquieting to go from loading a couple grains of 231 to 10 times that in a slower burning powder. IMR 4227 has been around for decades, I loaded a lot of it in the 357, 41 and 44 magnums back in the 70's and 80's. Some reloaders consider 4227 to be THE powder for magnum loads. I also am a fan of 2400 in magnum loads, I have loaded 296 in years past, but my " go to" loads in the magnums have pretty well settled on 2400 or 4227 nowadays.
IMR 4227 will provide you with good accuracy & powerful loads. In barrel length's 4" or shorter I normally load Unique. I can achieve magnum level velocities, and not get the HUGE muzzle flash, thunderous report and muzzle blast that you will get with the slower burning powders like 296, 2400 & 4227 in short barrels. So you might want to check out Unique also.
In bl length's 5" or longer I go with the 2400 or 4227, been shooting steel targets and game animals with the 44 since the late 70's and these powders have served me well. Enjoy your 629, I have several of them and they are great revolvers in a great caliber.

MichiganScott · Jun 9, 2015

Although it works, IMR4227 in considered a bit slow for top loads in the .44 Mag. If you don't like the blast and flash of WW-296, drop back to Alliant 2400.

Peak53 · Jun 9, 2015

Interestingly, I just acquired my first 44 magnum after shooting specials for a few years and tested 2400 and 4227 this past weekend. Using 240 grain lead and starting loads from Lyman #4 in a 6.5" Model 29, I experienced better accuracy and less recoil with the 4227. Winchester LPP that are listed for either standard or magnum. There were a few grains of unburned powder left in the barrel, but not much. This suits me fine as I can save the 2400 for my pet loads in 357. YMMV. Have fun!

Krogen · Jun 9, 2015

I have "re-discovered" IMR4227 recently, along with 2400. I shot 296/H110 for years and then tried it in 300 BLK. Didn't work out, so I tried 4227. After that I went back to 4227 in my revolvers. Hadn't used it in years. It is much more pleasant that the flash/bang of 296. One reason it's not raved about is that it's a little slow for many revolver cases. You run out of case volume before you get to max pressure and velocity. That's ok with me - the velocities are fine for my use. And you generally can't overcharge a case with it; for magnums anyway.

LMWIS · Jun 9, 2015

I've heard about Unique and 2400 but I've never actually seen any. I'm beginning to think it may be an insider internet joke the older guys tell the noobs.

I don't have much trigger time with the full house stuff, and was looking for good midrange load (a blend of flavour and heat if you will) until I get used to the recoil. This may fill the bill nicely.

Nevada Ed · Jun 9, 2015

IMR 4227 is a very slow powder.
To give you an idea of how slow, this is out of a 686 6" magnum.
38 case 125gr XTP with a compressed load hit only 945 fps.
38 case 158gr XTP with a compressed load hits only 826 fps.

357 case 125gr XTP with a compressed load hit 1217 fps. (1450 fac.)

Some say it works a lot better in a 357 rifle..........
Good luck in the larger cases and heavier bullets, where it should begin to work better.

Biggfoot44 · Jun 9, 2015

I like 4227 a lot. If I hypothetically had to use only two powders for handgun loading , one of them would be 4227 ( I'll refrain from mentioning the other ).

The Bad News - you won't get top velocities. ( You can still tell it's a magnum , but slower than 2400 or the slow ball powders). Yup some unburned powder, but then so does 2400.

The Good News - Accuraccy. Ranges from consistantly good to excellent. By coincidence I also tried 4227 with 125 jacketed in .357 . Indeed slower than full power factory loads , but put 5 shots into 3/4in at 25yds. As noted , the gap narrows with heavier bullets , and since the OP expressed a preference for 240gr , that works. 4227 will definatly meet the OP's stated goals.

It's not the latest sexy magnum powder of the week , but the flip side is there is a lot of historical data.

MattO · Jun 9, 2015

I just loaded some 125 grain .357 last night with 4227 and as soon as I can grab some .44 mag projectiles that is what will go in the .44 mags as well. I've had good luck with it. It's not super clean and leaves some unburned powder but I shoot it well and that is what is important to me.

H Richard · Jun 9, 2015

You might want to try some Accurate #9 for that 44 Mag. I find it a good accurate clean burning powder.

Robert Palermo · Jun 9, 2015

Enjoy.

IMR 4227 is a great powder for the .44 mag and 240gr. bullets.
Being single based it does not generate the velocity or recoil of your H110/ww296loads. I have recommended IMR4227 behind our bullets for 30 years at the gun shows.
The way I have described this powder as being healthy without being abusive. It will put your loadings in the 1100-1200+FPS range and capable of giving SD's of single digits and some outstanding accuracy.

Everyone that has tried this came back to report that this was exactly the kind of load thay have been looking for. 20grs gets it done behind the 240 and 22grs is max.

Biggest negative complaint is that there seems to be some unburned granules left behind but these are easily cleaned up.
Use a good roll crimp.

Nemo288 · Jun 9, 2015

I do like 4227. In the 1.6" Supermag.
And for mid-high loads in the 444.
I know it works fine in the magnums but I have not had the time or inclination to do much with it there.
Over the years I have developed several loads that work for me and I have the components for.
As others have stated, a nice near-high load can be had with Unique or Universal.
Sadly both seem to be MIA.
For accurate full mag loads I now use 2400.
Luckily I don't shoot enough of those to endanger my supply, some of which still says :Hercules: on the side.
Currently working up some new target loads with the available shotgun powders to replace my beloved Universal loads.

If you have all the components, I say you should just go ahead and start shooting them!
Let us know what works. I know you will have fun.

===
Nemo

DWalt · Jun 9, 2015

My choice for .44 Magnum top rifle loads and .30 Carbine, very good for some lead bullet rifle loads in the .30-30 - .308 class. I use it a lot for lead bullet .300 Savage loadings. I probably wouldn't use it for anything else.

BLUEDOT37 · Jun 10, 2015

LMWIS said:
I don't have much trigger time with the full house stuff, and was looking for good midrange load (a blend of flavour and heat if you will) until I get used to the recoil. This may fill the bill nicely.

I4227 won't be the best for mid-range loads, but it might "feel" the best because it's noticeably slower burning & gives a "softer" push. The lower you go the more unburnt powder left. Your gun starts to feel like a pepper shaker when you go to unload the empties.

If I had a chose between 2400 & 4227 in the 44Mag it'd be 2400.

However, since 4227 has been readily available locally I've taken to using that almost exclusively in my 460Mag loads. It incinerates it all.

Are those TMJ-TC plated or jacketed? Brand?

Let us know how that MG shoots!

.

at_liberty · Jun 10, 2015

BLUEDOT37 said:
I4227 won't be the best for mid-range loads, but it might "feel" the best because it's noticeably slower burning & gives a "softer" push. The lower you go the more unburnt powder left. Your gun starts to feel like a pepper shaker when you go to unload the empties.

If I had a chose between 2400 & 4227 in the 44Mag it'd be 2400.

However, since 4227 has been readily available locally I've taken to using that almost exclusively in my 460Mag loads. It incinerates it all.

Are those TMJ-TC plated or jacketed? Brand?

Let us know how that MG shoots!

.

If not "the best for mid-range loads", what would be better for that? I use Power Pro 300-MP in my 240 gr 44 Mag and kinda enjoy the drama but limit the number of rounds I shoot. I might try IMR4227, which is what I already use in Tier II 45 Colt with very good results, meaning I have a good supply.

shocker · Jun 10, 2015

I'll offer up yet another alternative, Accurate 5744. It's burn speed is similar to 4227. I've experimented with it in 44 mag with good results, but I will say for bullet weights around 240 grs it's hard to beat AA 9 for moderate magnum to stout loads. Spherical powder that meters great and burns clean.

Doubless · Jun 10, 2015

For many years my go-to load in my Model 57 was 21 grains of IMR-4227 behind the Lyman 410459 220-grain SWC. I lit it with a standard LP primer, typically the CCI-500 if memory serves, and that round would stack them into one big hole @ 25 yards as long as I wanted to sit there and rest the revolver.

No less an authority than Ken Waters recommended that load, and it just flat worked. I loaded the Remington 200-grain SJHPs in front of the same powder charge and it was spookily accurate as well.

I sure wish my eyes were still that good...

Rocket3 · Jun 10, 2015

In my early experimentation days I tried most powder options for heavy 44 out my Smith’s.
4227 was the best for accuracy and I still use it today.
I highly recommend from my experience.

JBnTx · Jun 10, 2015

I use H-110 for 44 Magnum and 454 Casull. I'm happy with it.

Is there enough difference between H-110 and H-4227 that I should give H-4227 a try?

Sixty-six · Jun 10, 2015

IMR 4227

Great for all .357 and .44magnum loads with 158 and 240gr bullets, respectively. Excellent results on the heavy loads and comfortable with lesser (special) loads. Unique is OK but I prefer Expansion Technowledgy ETR 7 for the lesser loads; better than Unique.

IMR 4227?

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