IMR 4227

[BC38]

What kind of experience do folks around here have with this power for magnum loads? I've got lots of AA #2 for loading good mild target loads, but not much that's really all that great for loading full power 357 and 44 magnums.

A local guy had an unopened pound container and a second one that's got about 12 ounces left in it that he sold me for $20. I'm hoping it will fill the bill for magnum loads - though even if it doesn't for $20 I won't have really lost enough on the gamble to be concerned about.

 

[muddocktor]

I find IMR 4227 to be a bit slow for 357 and 44 pistol usage, but it does work ok. I do find unburned granules in my pistols though. I would think it would work much better in a 357 or 44 rifle though, with a closed chamber and longer barrel to burn the powder more completely. And for that price you done good!

 

[SLT223]

Yes, you will find unburned kernels of powders in pistol applications. Load toward the top of the spectrum. It is actually a great powder.
I started toward the bottom using Bayou .358 size 158gr slugs, and caught unburned powder in my face face. I looked like I nicked myself shaving. I tried again with magnum primer and a hot charge per Hodgdon's site. HUGE IMPROVEMENT!

This is actually my favorite powder in .44 RM. Doesn't hit the top end, but because it's slow, and less energetic than double base ball like 110/296 it recoils less. Since it's single base, it also doesn't produce the thermals and abrasion of H110/296. I would pull the trigger assuming you know it's good material. That little amount won' get you far, but it is good stuff.

I just got 500 200gr RNFP hard cast slugs from Missouri to load with this 4227. I'll let you know how it goes. I plan to launch them out of a Winchester 1892, 29's, and 629's.

 

[Nevada Ed]

It is way to slow for a 38 case.....lots of unburned powder.

Slow for the 357 magnum also unless you start with at least 140gr JSP bullets or larger.

Too slow for the little 9mm also..............
but that is just my tests, over the years.

 

[DWalt]

Best for heavier bullets in .44 Mag, also good for reloading the .30 Carbine. Have not tried it in .357 Mad loads. I have also used it for light loads in other rifle calibers such as .308, .300 Savage, and .30-'06

 

[BC38]

What info I've found so far the consensus seems to be that it is best for magnum loads using heavy bullets, loaded at or near max for the cleanest burn, and a heavy roll crimp to ensure uniform ignition and pressure.

That's just what I want it for - loading 158gr 357 magnums, and 240gr 44 magnums.

From what I'm reading it makes exceptionally accurate loads that won't quite get to top velocities, but are also pretty pleasant to shoot due to low muzzle flash, mild report, and more of a "push" type recoil - rather than the sharp "snap" type recoil of some other powders and loads.

 

[Clovishound]

I've found it to be the most accurate load for my .357 Henry rifle. I use it with either a 158 grain heavy plated HP, or jacketed 158s. Haven't tried it in a revolver. It isn't the most economical load. It takes about twice the amount of powder than something like Titegroup or HP38. Still, it is noticeably more accurate. I am close to deciding on paying the extra and using it, or H110 as the normal powder for the Henry.

 

[RobertJ.]

A couple years ago, when powder was scarce, that was one powder that seemed to be in good supply. I bought a pound, and loaded up some 158 gr. XTP's for my Rossi Model 92. It shot so well I've stocked up on it since, just for that rifle.

The added bonus, is that my 2.5" 19-5 also likes that load. I know it's not the most efficient powder for a snubby, but it's accurate, and I can live with that.

 

[daniel lawecki]

I been using 4227 in my .44 with cast bullets. So far the powder has been good to me but I still like my 2400 and 296.

 

[ddraper]

I like 4227 for 30 Carbine loads. I have used it for 357 and it was OK however as others have mentioned there is unburned powder left. That was with Model 28 6" barrel.

 

[DWalt]

IMR 4227 (back in the duPont days) was the first propellant I ever used for loading the .44 Mag, in 1964-65. The only reloading tool I had back then was the "Lee Loader." You pounded the case into the die with a hammer and punched it out with a hammer and rod. You also needed the hammer for depriming and priming. You measured and loaded powder using a plastic dipper. It was slow and noisy but it worked. I used to sit on the floor and reload in front of the TV. I think I still have that Lee Loader somewhere, but haven't seen it in many years.

 

[SLT223]

Yes, it's best with heavier bullets as it needs pressure to burn. Like all slow poweder it starts to shine with longer barrels.

 

[BC38]

Something I haven't seen any info on: does using magnum primers help with reducing the amount of un-burned powder?

 

[38SPL HV]

Used it in my 44 Mags with 240 gr SWC, preferred 2400 though. 4227 had too many granulis left over even using published load data.

 

[38SPL HV]

...granules (dumb spell check, or me as user)

 

[dave1918a2]

I use 4227 in My 41 mag, 44 mag and 22 jet. All loads use magnum primers. great accuracy less recoil.

 

[BC38]

Used it in my 44 Mags with 240 gr SWC, preferred 2400 though. 4227 had too many granules left over even using published load data.

Regular or magnum primers?

I use 4227 in My 41 mag, 44 mag and 22 jet. All loads use magnum primers. great accuracy less recoil.

Is there much un-burned powder left using the magnum primers?

 

[Naphtali]

I bought containers of H110 to use for hunting loads with my SRH 480 Ruger, FA83 475 Linebaugh, and FA97 45 Colt. Bullets for 480 and 475 were 400-grain WFN-GC; 45 Colt uses Saeco 300-grain SWC-GC. Loads were not "maximum," keeping in mind that there is no moderate H110 loads.

Ammunition was exceptionally accurate from all. But muzzle flash, blast, and recoil rendered the 475 and 480 shootable for three rounds per session.

After suggestion from hunting partner, I loaded some 475 and 480 with IMR4227. Muzzle velocity decreased 100-150 fps while retaining bullet's inherent accuracy. This ammunition was, therefore, as functional for handgun hunting as H110 ammunition. Muzzle flash, blast, and recoil were so reduced that I was able to shoot 40 rounds per session. I never took more than 40 rounds so I cannot identify my physical limit.

To render this long story less long, I have a jug of H110 that has been used to load 25 45 Colt loads. Anyone who has interest in swapping IMR4227 for it can obtain a good transaction.

Hope this helps.

 

[DWalt]

I have used H110 only for .30 Carbine, for which it excels. Otherwise, I have no use for it.

 

[muddocktor]

Another caliber I have loaded 4227 in is the good old 22 Hornet. That was the first cartridge I ever reloaded and I used the old Dupont 4227 in the mid 60's. I don't think they even had the IMR or H versions of 4227 then, just Dupont in the metal can. From what I remember, I could shoot dime sized groups at 100 yards with that old rifle and my reloads.

And BC38, all I use in 44 Mag are large pistol magnum primers. I don't even buy regular large pistol primers as I don't load anything that needs a non-magnum primer in large pistol. And I still see unburned granules of powder with IMR 4227.