Old IMR 4064 powder --------------------------

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Cal44

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I've got a new 6.5 Creedmoor Savage rifle.

Can't find ammo for it.

But I did score a couple hundred brass cases from Lapua.

And some bullets and I already had some primers from 30 years back with I last did some reloading.

Anyway, I'm getting together with a friend to hand load some rounds for my new rifle.

They only rifle powder I can find is a 1lb can of IMR 4064 in my stash from when I reloaded back 30 years ago.

My question is, is this power likely good and reasonable to use?

The primers (CCI) are also equally old so the same questing applies to them.

Has anyone used 4064 for 6.5 CM? I see some loads on the Internet, but would be interested if someone tries it.

The power is in the original metal can with a screw on top -- tight.

The primers and power have been in California with mild weather, probably never below freezing and low humidity. Kept in the garage.
 
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4064 has been great for me in 30-06 Garand loads.

H4350 is the standard for the 6.5 CM and that's all I've ever used, but 4064 would work. In the heavier bullets like 140 grainers, it's a bit too fast and won't give you top velocities. For the smaller bullets it seems to be near the top in velocity.

It will work, just probably not as optimally as H4350. I'd be interested in hearing your range reports with it.

The primers and powder should both be just fine. 30 years is nothing for those type of components.
 
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^^^Agreed. I am using my last 2 lbs of Rx12, which was discontinued in the late 80s, for 35 Whelen with superb performance. I have Winchester large rifle primers from the Clinton scare that fire it up also. Have no fear.
 
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There are 10 loads for the 6.5 creedmor and IMR4064 on the Hodgdon reloading center. It looks to be useful in the cartridge. Since it has virtually the same case capacity as the 243 win and 4064 is a very useful powder in the 243, I would expect similar results.
 
In the last two or three years, I tried some IMR4064 from the '70s using current data. Worked fine. My only advice would be to treat it as a new lot, something that should always be done anyway even with new powder.
 
I'm still using surplus H-4831 from WWII and primers from a carton dated 3/61. You might want to just load 20 or so and go try them out instead of loading 100 and finding out there was a problem with storage.
 
4064 is the only powder I've had "go bad" in 58 years of reloading. when you open the can, pour some out on a white sheet of paper and see if there is any rust colored dust. If there is, dump it.
 
I can't speak for the Creedmore, but my 6.5 x 55 Swede loves it. 1/4" groups at 100 yards.
I expect the Creedmore will do well with it also, but you probably won't get blistering speed out of it.
 
I used to load 4064 for a variety of stuff and still have an old can of it. Not ancient old. I thought you were supposed to be able to smell when powder deteriorates. Like a vinegar smell they say? Maybe depends on the blend. As for primers, I would guess if they were stored in a dry area they would be OK. Powder should if the lid was on tight and no temp extremes. But primers are not usually hermetically sealed boxes so the greater possibility of damp hurting them.
 
I have not used any IMR 4064 in decades. Years ago, I had great service using it in the 30 06 and 270 loads. It should do great. it is a great powder.
 
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