IMR powder (question, please help)

[silvercn]

I have the following powders.
given to me by my buddy at work.

IMR 3031
IMR 4895
IMR 4064


His kit came with multiple boxes of large and small pistol and rifle primers.
The press, some brass, 45ACP dies, and someother unmarked dies (tbd), and a trickler, etc etc...

going out to buy a powder dispenser tomorrow more than likely.
and possiblly more powder.

I am reloading 45ACP... is it foolish to use any of the above listed powders?
or should I just stop being cheap and go buy some bullseye or 231.

please advise!

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, the powders you name are all rifle powders, much too slow for even magnum handguns. They're completely inappropriate for .45 ACP. Go buy a current reloading manual, read it, ask questions here as needed, and then decide what powder(s) to try.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Dale53]

The three IMR powders you list are RIFLE powders. They are entirely too slow burning for pistol use.

You need Bullseye, Unique, 231 or Titegroup, as examples of fast burning pistol powders. There are others, of course.

I suggest you get a good reloading manual and read it carefully. I like the Lyman Cast Bullet handbook as an example.

You might also want to carefully examine Hodgdon Powder's online Data Center:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Dale53

 

[john traveler]

Those powders you listed are absosolutely UNSUITED for any .45 ACP loads.

YES, you need to purchase some WW231, Bullseye, Unique, or other pistol powder.

 

[n4zov]

I didn't notice a powder scale in your list and you will absolutely need it to reload. Somebody may suggest using powder dippers, but just spend the money and get a good scale. As somebody suggested, buy at least one loading manual and read it carefully.

 

[SMSgt]

As a sidenote, Win 231 is exactly the same as Hodgdons HP-38 (both made by Hodgdons) and the HP-38 tends to be a couple bucks cheaper per pound. I guess you pay extra to stamp Winchester on the label. 231/HP-38 is cleaner than Unique or Bulleye, IF you want to consider any powder as "clean." They all make a mess.

4064 is a great powder for .30-06 with 165 grain bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No reason for me to repeat what was said above.

I will add using any of the 3 powders you listed will be extremely dangerous in the .45 Auto.

 

[ballistic]

You should put up a post offering to trade your rifle powder for some pistol powder. If you list your area, there is a good chance you may find someone local that can help you out.

 

[silvercn]

THANK YOU.... !!!

Thank you all very much for the direct/informative responses.

I forgot to mention that I have a Digital Scale for my charging process...
Thanks for pointing out the nessesity of this step.
I was aware, but I very much appreciate the feedback.

Thanks to the over whelming and informative info on powder.
In my reserach online I noted the same regarding the rifle powder.
however, I was not sure if there was a cross-over capability for pistols (45ACP).
Now, I clearly know... thank you...

I went out and purchased a pound of BULLSEYE $21.99, locally.
I also purchased a RCBS Powder Dispenser $89.99, locally.

I will be setting it all up after cleaning the dispenser, throughly.
I read somewhere to run about a pound of powder through it,
to coat the unit, before making measurements and loading an official charge.
Then I will measure 10 rounds in a row until it is consistant.
Then I will check ever 25 rounds to assure accuracy.

I am having a great time reloading.
I enjoy the challenge and the focus on detail.

Again... thanks to everyone for the feedback...

 

[Dew]

I use an RCBS thrower and also a Redding BR30. A suggestion to you...
be sure to keep the powder in the hopper over half full and you will find it will throw more accurate loads for you. I have let mine get down near the bottom and the loads become lighter when you weigh them.

 

[Buddy G]

On that new powder measure, wipe it out with a used dryer sheet before you use it. The plastic tends to be magnetic and powder may stick everywhere. It'll be fine, I have been using one for years and bought a new one, and had to clean it like that. And do keep it above half full if you can. I never leave powder in the measure, I always return it to the can and seal it. Here in Louisiana we have a moisture problem.
Good luck and welcome to the board.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Bullseye will be fine for your .45 Auto ammo but if you don't like the results you can also try W231/HP-38, Green Dot, AA#2 and AA#5 to start...

Welcome to reloading. I'm sure you will really enjoy it for a very long time. It's the only hobby I know of that aids in another hobby.

 

[running iron]

If you are going to start reloading I would also suggest getting some check weights for your scale or at least get a paper clip and weigh it on some ones scale that does have a way to check things out as a way to confirm what's going on. It just gives a little peace of mind for me anyway to know my scale is right on when developing loads. Semper Fi to all my brothers out there today and happy birthday yesterday Marines.