IMR 4895 vs H 4895

[rwsmith]

I have a ton of IMR 4895 and probably want need any more, but I just read some things that I wasn't aware of. I like IMR 4895 for 1) its tremendous versatility and 2) its ability with reduced loads.

I just read that IMR 4895 is more temperature sensitive than H4895.

Also H4895 handles reduced loads better, because IMR 4895 gets erratic with reduced loads.

About the only good thing I read was that IMR 4895 gets slightly higher velocities as H4895 is a little faster burning.

I've been nothing but happy with the IMR version. All of my shooting is done between around 45 to 90 degrees tops, if it's colder or hotter, I don't shoot.

I've never noticed erratic performance with reduced loads in the IMR version.

I've loaded from mild to wild in all of my calibers with IMR 4895 and I'm happy with the performance.

What do you think of this? Comments. I don't expect Star performance from a powder that I can use for .223 to 8mm Mauser. Versatility is worth something.

 

[rockquarry]

I stopped using IMR4895 a good while ago and switched to H4895. I use H4895 for all .223 and .308 loads including some reduced charge cast bullet loads. IMR4895 is also a good powder, but maybe lacks a little of the versatility of the Hodgdon powder and H4895 is less temperature sensitive than the IMR powder. That can make a difference if you live in Texas and shoot in the summertime or hunt elk in the Rockies in the fall. H4895 is hard to find at the moment; don't know about the IMR version.

However, if I had a good supply of IMR4895, I'd use it up before I looked for any H4895. Ballistically, the difference between the two is not great if you're using moderate to full charges and it's not real hot or cold outside.